The Christian footballer Ronaldo Nazário formerly known as Ronaldinho says “It’s a very special day” as he is baptised into the Catholic church in his home country of Brazil.
Ronaldo was baptized, confirmed, and given first communion by Fr Fábio de Melo, in a church ceremony on Tuesday, September 12.
The two-time Ballon D’Or winner who has played for Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Inter Milan during his career disclosed the news of his baptism in a Thursday statement shared on his Instagram page.
Shared along with the statement is a picture of him bowing his head over the baptismal font, in a private ceremony. Afterward, he is seen smiling with family and friends at the altar.
“Today is a very special day. I have been baptized! The Christian faith has always been a fundamental part of my life since childhood, although I had not yet been baptized.
With the sacrament, I feel truly regenerated as a child of God – in a new, more aware, deeper way.
I renew my commitment to follow the way of good, free and spontaneous will, believing in the love of Jesus, in charity and love.
Thank you very much, @pefabiodemelo, Church of São José, Father Dom Oswaldo and my dear godparents Amilcar and Malu,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
Ronaldo has had a long-standing relationship with the Catholic Church. According to the Catholic Herald, he once donated a signed football to Pope Francis which is housed in the Vatican museum, premier reports.