The godfather/godmother thing probably did "bewilder" her a bit. I've always found it a rather alien concept, but the people into it all seem to think it's something you really need to do.
Think of it as one of those great cultural divides in this country that's simply invisible most of the time for most of the people.
I'd bet it means many different things to different people these days, other than the traditional meaning. Lady Gaga is the godmother of Elton John's son. Wonder what that arrangement means, if anything.