"Let the Little Children Come to Me!"

On Saturday, 17th August, Frs Jestus Pereira, Surian and I went to Fr Edwin Paul's parish at Church of Paul the Hermit, Bestari Jaya, Kuala Selangor). We went to help out hearing confession for the eleven children who were preparing to receive the First Holy Communion in a week's time. Among those who came to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation were the parents and godparents of the children.

There is only one document written to children by Blessed John Paul II during the year of the Family on 13th December, 1994. One of the aspects he emphasised was "an unforgettable meeting with Jesus is the First Holy Communion, a day to be remembered as  one of life's most beautiful." It is a great day of celebration for the parish and family as well.

The Pope also reminded about the number of holy boys and girls who lived down the centuries and are still known and venerated throughout the Church as saints or blessed for example, St Agnes who lived in Rome; St Agatha, who was martyred in Sicily; St Tarcisius, a boy who is rightly called the "martyr of the Eucharist"; St Bernadette of Lourdes, etc.

Parents, brothers, sisters, godparents, instructors and teachers are important instruments for every child who is making their first Holy Communion. It is through our prayers, motivation and encouragement that will help our young children to grow spiritually.