In a solemn ceremony filled with reverence and anticipation, 32 children at St Mary’s Church, Hegde Nagar, Bengaluru, received their First Holy Communion on the auspicious day of April 20, 2024. Eagerly awaiting the presence of Jesus in the form of Body and Blood for the first time, these young souls gathered with their families and the faithful to partake in this sacred sacrament.

The ceremony commenced with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 4:30 PM, presided over by the Rev. Fr Archiebald Gonsavles OCD, the Vicar Provincial of the Karnataka Goa Province. Rev. Fr. Joseph Dsouza OCD, the Superior of the Novitiate Community in Kushal Nagar, delivered a poignant sermon, touching the hearts of all present with his reflections on the transformative power of the Eucharist. He emphasized how Jesus, in the form of the Eucharist, can profoundly impact the lives of the faithful, especially the children experiencing this sacrament for the first time.

The presence of 20 priests and a multitude of faithful added to the sanctity of the occasion, creating an atmosphere of prayer and spiritual enrichment. As the children approached the altar to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, the congregation was moved by the solemnity of the moment, witnessing the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey for these young members of the church.

In his closing remarks, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Boniface Dsouza OCD expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the ceremony. He extended his blessings to the newly initiated communicants and their families, praying for their continued growth in faith and love for the Lord.

The First Holy Communion ceremony at St Mary’s Church, Hegde Nagar, Bengaluru, served as a reminder of the enduring significance of this sacred sacrament in the lives of believers, reaffirming their commitment to their faith and their journey with Christ.