To all the children who are celebrating their first Holy Communion at this time of year, I have a special message.
I can imagine the great emotion you feel at this wonderful moment in your life, as you approach the great event that is your first Holy Communion. This is a great and beautiful moment because through the Eucharist, God will enter within you and your soul will meet its Best Friend.
I remember the day of my first Holy Communion as if it were yesterday. Apart from all the necessary preparations, I can still remember every single word that my catechist told me, and which now I share gladly with you. She told us: “Remember, children, that the most important thing at this moment is not how you come dressed, nor is the party your family have prepared, nor the candle or the rosary you have in your hands, not even the godparents you have chosen; but the wonderful gift you will receive – that is, God entering through your mouth and from there getting into your heart. Once you receive Him with love, remember to go to your pew, kneel down, and think of the wonder you have in your heart.”
My catechist was a person very devoted to God and extremely devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, and her words became strongly engraved on my heart.
On your special day, when you receive the Lord for the first time, I ask you to thank Him for the great gift of Himself to us all, for allowing us to experience the joy of having Him in our lives and enjoy His wonderful friendship.
After your first encounter with Christ in the Eucharist, you will then be able to meet Him every day, if you wish, praying and in His Divine Presence when you receive
Him again every Sunday at Holy Mass. There in the Tabernacle, the little mystical house of Jesus, He will always be there for you.
I hope this moment will be very memorable for you, and that you always will remember that first kiss that Jesus gives to your soul. Remember, the important thing is to know that Jesus will visit your heart, and He will want to stay there forever if you let Him.
Encourage your parents, godparents and friends to prepare for this special moment with you. May they do so with a good confession, so that everyone together may approach the altar and receive Holy Communion with you.
Congratulations to all the children in our diocese and in many other parts of the world who during the months of May and June will be receiving Christ in the Eucharist.
My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will pour out upon them a deep piety and they may appreciate the Eucharist as the great Miracle of our hearts.
Father Julio Domínguez is the Episcopal Vicar for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte.