In Milan, a Celebration of Life and Legacy: The Naming Ceremony of Baby Ian

Milano, 20 May 2025 — In a quiet corner of the bustling metropolis, amid spring’s golden light and the hum of urban life, a different kind of moment unfolded—one anchored in tradition, community, and spiritual promise.

At the Church of Scientology of Milan, the arrival of a newborn was marked not merely with familial joy, but with sacred significance. The occasion: a “Cerimonia di Riconoscimento e Conferimento del Nome”—a Naming Ceremony—welcoming baby Ian into the world and into the heart of a faith community.

The ceremony, rooted in the religious traditions outlined by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, is designed not just as a formal naming ritual, but as a public recognition of a new life and the responsibility it bestows. More than a gesture of faith, it is a communal pact: one that affirms the role of parents and godparents as guides, not governors—tasked with providing moral direction, yet allowing the child to carve his own path.

“It’s a moment that reminds us of the weight and beauty of guiding a new life,” said one of the attending members, her voice tinged with emotion. “We don’t choose for them—but we show them the way, with love and clarity.”

Surrounded by family, friends, and members of the Church, baby Ian was celebrated with applause and warmth. The ritual was not simply a rite of passage, but a collective embrace—honoring the beginning of a journey that is uniquely his, yet grounded in shared values.

As the final words of the ceremony echoed across the hall, the atmosphere brimmed with joy. Guests joined together in a celebration that was intimate, spiritual, and profoundly human.

Scientology, recognized as a religion by scholars such as late Professor Aldo Natale Terrin, catholic priest in Italy, and the late sociologist Bryan Wilson at Oxford, emphasizes the spiritual nature of the human being and the search for truth through personal understanding. With a presence in over 160 countries and more than 11,000 churches, missions, and groups worldwide, it continues to grow as a global religious movement dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities.