First Holy Communions at St John the Baptist, Brakpan

First Holy Communions at St John the Baptist parish in Brakpan

By Kati Dijane – 12 young people received their First Holy Communion at St John the Baptist parish in Brakpan in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg on November 24, Feast of Christ the King.

Fr Kieran Birmingham SPS, the parish priest, expressed his gratitude to everyone, especially the catechists who made the day special for the children, as well as families and loved ones present to show support. He asked the children to remember this day like St Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the saints who said that one of her most memorable days was receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. “The Eucharist is a very special sacrament,” he said, adding, “it is food for our journey”.

Fr Birmingham also mentioned St Thomas Aquinas, who said he cried sometimes when he celebrated Mass or during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament because he was overwhelmed by the great love of Jesus.

Honouring the Feast of Christ the King, Fr Birmingham said that Jesus is an extraordinary king, who, instead of taking, gives all he has, even his own life for humanity.  “In the Gospel of John 15:13, Jesus says, ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’. Jesus invites us to be his friends,” he said, adding that we should allow Jesus to enter our hearts and commit ourselves to work for him and his kingdom.

Sponsors and parents gave the candidates their candles, while catechists added a final touch to the occasion by handing out the First Holy Communion certificates.