This coming Saturday, many of the children in our faith community will make their First Holy Communion at Saint Brigid. Their parents and other loved ones will present them to share with us in the fullness of the Lord’s Supper for the first time and watch proudly as these children, with great devotion, receive this precious sacrament.
A few years before his death, Pope Francis celebrated a First Holy Communion Mass for a group of children in Europe. As previously noted, as reported in the publication “America”, at the Mass, Our Holy Father stated, “First Communion is above all a celebration. We celebrate Jesus, who wants to remain always by our side. He will always be with us.” He continued, “Jesus is alive and here with us. That is why we can encounter him today in the Eucharist. We do not see him with our physical eyes, but we do see him with eyes of faith.” Pope Francis reminded the children that this celebration was made possible thanks to their parents and grandparents, their families and communities, their catechists and clergy who “have accompanied you on the road that today leads you to meet Jesus and to receive him in your hearts.”
As Catholics, as we celebrate First Holy Communion, we recall the Lord’s Supper and our love for the Eucharist. Our Church teaching reminds us that we are blessed to have a high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. We are invited to bond with each other by nourishing together on the Bread of Life in the Eucharist, and then by going forth in loving service of our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need.
The following prayer called “Joyful Celebration of First Communion” from the media outlet “Prayer Social Intentions” asks God to bless and guide children receiving their First Holy Communion:
Oer, we gather in gratitude for this
sacred moment of First Communion.
We celebrate the joy of new beginnings
and the deepening of faith.
May this holy sacrament nourish their souls
and strengthen their bond with You.
Bless these young hearts as they embrace Your love
and guide them on their journey of faith.
Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.” And today we can once again thank the Lord for the great gift of the Eucharist, for our wonderful children, and for our vibrant faith community of Saint Brigid.