Give the Lord

Kumbakonam – It was a great joy for Guanella Nagar Parish when ten parish children received First Holy Communion. Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. A. John Bosco. In his homily he said, First Holy Communion is a Catholic ceremony which marks a child’s first reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body and blood present in the consecrated host on the altar, and Catholics believe that the consecrated bread and wine are actually the body and blood, soul and divinity of Christ. It was highly spiritual and emotional for them. Fr. Vincent and Srs. Juli and Siron prepared the children spiritually for the past twenty-seven days. Hence, their parents, God-parents, relatives and friends were very happy. The saints in heaven were delighted to intercede for us.

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First Holy Communion

Kumbakonam – It was a great joy for Guanella Nagar Parish. Nineteen of the parish children received their First Holy Communion. Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. A. John Bosco. In his homily he taught that the first Holy Communion is a Catholic ceremony in which a child is given the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. The Holy Eucharist is Christ’s body and blood present in the consecrated host on the Altar, and we believe that the consecrated bread and wine are actually the body and blood, soul and divinity of Christ. Fr. Vincent and Sr. Christy prepared the children spiritually for the past twenty-seven days for this great event. The first Holy Communion is without question a time of great joy. Hence, their parents, god-parents, relatives and friends were very happy. The children smiled exuberantly upon reception of the Eucharist.

First Holy Communion

E. Providence – The second grade students of Sacred Heart School had the culmination of their year-long preparation for Holy Communion on Sunday, May 7th. It is a parish tradition for the children to experience the miracle of transubstantiation on the altar up close to Fr. Silvio. This year there was a special priest present to concelebrate the Mass, Fr. Jeremy Rodrigues, uncle of one of the first communicants. At the same celebration the children in their First Communion attire crowned the Blessed Mother statue following the tradition of the Catholic Church.

Disabled Children Receive Jesus

Manila – To begin the celebration of the Blessed Mother’s birthday September 8th the Holy Rosary was prayed at Guanella Center. After the Rosary, Mass was offered, presided by Fr. Noel Azupardo, parish priest of San Isidro Labrador Parish. During Mass, seven persons with disabilities and one member of the oratorio group received the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ for the first time. It was truly a joyful moment for these children to receive Holy Communion and for them to feel that they are also part of the Church. Even though some of them have intellectual disabilities, they are aware that what they are receiving is the Body of Christ and what they are doing is truly sacred and divine.

Preparing to Meet the Lord

E. Providence – In preparation for the sacred day they will meet the Lord in the Eucharist, the First Communicants participated in a Banner Night at Sacred Heart School in early April. Families gathered to create a lamb to use at First Penance and a banner which will decorate the church on their special day. Please pray for these children as they receive these sacraments for the first time in May.

First Holy Communion

Vatluru – There was great joy in the lives of 20 children who received Christ for the first time in their lives on May 25th at the Sacred Heart Parish who received First Holy Communion. For nearly a month they were trained in Catechesis and basic spirituality. Fathers, sisters and brothers taught them the importance of receiving Christ into their hearts. On that precious day, clad in white like little angels they received the Eucharist after making a genuine confession. Rev. Fr. Vijay Rayarala presided over the mass and preached the homily.

Marian Spirituality Fostered in May

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E. Providence – May was a month full of spiritual growth for the students at Sacred Heart School. The second graders received their First Holy Communion and were featured in their Communion garments at the May Crowning. Mrs. Chalmers even brought the first graders to Adoration where they were all so excited to recite the Rosary in its entirety. Thank you Mary for guiding the children through the month dedicated to your honor.

Preparing to Recieve the Lord

E. Providence – In order to be properly  prepared to receive their First Holy Communion, several children  made a formal profession of Faith. Fr. Silvio DeNard conducted a special ceremony in church with the assistance of Sr. Nancy McLennon DSMP.

St. Guanella Heals the Sick

Bangalore – The Guanella Preethi Nivas community was blessed with God’s grace in abundance in this month particularly. One of the elderly beneficiaries, Mr. Durairaj, asked to be baptized. He took the baptismal name Louis Joseph and received First Holy Communion on the feast of St. Guanella. An age old desire was fulfilled when he received our Lord for the first time. The first day of novena began with the miracle. A benefactor’s wife had a tumor in her womb. The doctors wanted to operate, but decided to pray for the intercession of St. Guanella. Their prayers were heard, she was miraculously healed. There are many people giving thanks for gifts that they have received through him. May the blessings of our saintly founder be always with us!

Christ: Mary’s gift to us through her obedience

Manila – The feast day of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary is commemorated on September 8th. This year the Servants of Charity celebrated with a Solemn Mass and the First Holy Communion of seven special children from the Guanella Center and three others from the neighboring community. The Sacraments were led by both the local and provincial superiors, Fr. Charlton Viray, SdC, and Fr. Luigi de Giambattista , SdC. Fr. Dong Cerbito, SdC was also present to concelebrate and support the neighboring participants.

One of the parents said, “I am thankful that there is a community that offers the Holy Eucharist without so many eyes that stare….somehow we feel at home, as if we belong to this community”….We would like to thank the Blessed Mother for giving Jesus to us, through her obedience and participation in God’s plan of salvation. Thank you Mama Mary for always directing us to your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.