Mary Alice O'Connor

Whose child is this?
This is the child of our future,
A child of earth, air, fire and water . . .
— Maryanne Hannan, “For A Naming Ceremony”

Once there were two of you and now your love has grown. This ceremony names a child and touches the place of inner vision, truth, intelligence, feelings of adequacy, and ability to learn from experience. It is a joyful experience for parents, grandparents, families and friends. Together we design it to reflect your family and your beliefs.

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
— Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet “On Children”