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Baptized in Acatzingo

Acatzingo, in the state of Puebla, enjoys a remarkable artistic colonial heritage. In addition to its grand and colorful parish church, a treasure house of barroco poblano architecture as well as superb baroque paintings and retablos, it is also home to one of the great early Franciscan monasteries in the region.

Girded with battlements, this formidable 16th century "fortress" church of San Juan Evangelista boasts one of the finest and most intriguing sculpted baptismal fonts in Mexico. Set prominently in the middle of the nave instead of in the baptistry, and rimmed by the Franciscan knotted cord, the font stands atop a stylized, feathered base, possibly of pre hispanic origin.

The date 1574, or 4 Rabbit, is inscribed on the base in Aztec pictorial glyphs. The town coat of arms, also portrayed in indigenous style, is emblazoned on the other side, incorporating reeds and water - a reference to Acatzingo's place name: Where Reeds Grow.

Painted at one time, the basin is boldly sculpted with winged Angels of the Apocalypse who seem ready to take flight. Flanking a relief of the Sacrament, the angels point upward to the Latin words of the Benediction of Baptism inscribed around the rim, the beginning and end of which are visible here:

Ite, docete omnes gentes, baptizantes eos in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.

Go teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

 

Font reverse side Acatzingo, the church front