Jesus is Sweeter Than Candy! Cardinal Brislin delights over 600 kids at Heart Candy Catechesis Symposium
Heart Candy Catechesis Symposium
By Kati Dijane – The air at St John Bosco Youth Centre in Walkerville was thick with giggles, prayers, and the excited shuffling of little feet on April 12, as more than 600 children from across the Archdiocese of Johannesburg gathered for the third annual Heart Candy Catechesis Symposium.
From the moment they arrived in the morning, children attending First Holy Communion and Pre-Confirmation catechesis were all smiles—many clutching onto their parents. Parents and catechists, who joined them, brought the attendance to over 800 people.
But the sweetest moment of the day came not from the candy-themed goodie bags—but from the heart of the Eucharist itself.
The Eucharist is Jesus!”
The day began with a vibrant celebration of Holy Mass, led by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg. Concelebrating with him were Father Boniface D’Souza OCD, the vicar for Catechisis, Father Rico Mercado SDB, who works at the youth centre, Father Lawrence Ndlovu, Father Dino Miotto and Deacon Victor Ho.
In his homily, the Cardinal didn’t preach at the children—he engaged with them. Hands were shooting up in the air when he asked them questions including “What is the Eucharist? Why is it important in our lives?”
Children from parishes including Christ the King Cathedral and St Pius in Soweto eagerly shared their knowledge. They answered that the Eucharist is the true body and blood of Jesus and that the priest becomes an instrument of transubstantiation during the consecration at Holy Mass.
The Cardinal smiled, clearly moved. “Yes,” he affirmed. “Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. And when we receive Him, we welcome Him into our hearts.”
One Covenant, One Faith
Reflecting on the day’s reading from Ezekiel 37:21–28, Cardinal Brislin spoke about God’s covenant with His people, adding: “The covenant is a sacred promise—God saying, ‘I am with you.’ And today, as we celebrate the Eucharist together, we renew that promise. We invite Jesus into our hearts again.”
He reminded those in attendance that while we may come from different homes, cultures or parishes, we are one family of faith. “We are united in one God, one baptism, and one Eucharist.”
Before the final blessing, a beaming Father Boniface D’Souza thanked the parents and catechists for supporting the children’s spiritual journey.
Learning, laughing, and living the faith
After Mass, the learning continued—but in the form of interactive, age-appropriate sessions that had the kids captivated.
They explored the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the teenager who will be canonised on 27 April 2025, who famously said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” The children also learned about the Jubilee Year, the season of Lent and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
At the sessions, there were quizzes, games and prayer circles. No Heart Candy Symposium would be complete without goodies, which they received after the sessions.
Voices of parents and catechists
While the children dove into catechesis, parents also had their own opportunity for fellowship.
“I came to support my daughter,” said Ms Lilyanne, who added that she connected with other parents and catechists. “It’s beautiful to see so many children growing in faith—and celebrating Mass with the Cardinal was the cherry on top!”
Also present was Mrs Constance Malakoena. At 81 years old, with 42 years of service as a catechist under her belt, she seems not to slow down. She encouraged others to join this ministry to help grow the Church and guide more souls to Christ.
Ms Veronica Mofokeng from the Catechetical department said she was happy with the number of people who attended the event and encouraged parents to be more involved in their children’s spiritual journey.
A sweet meaning behind the name
Started in 2022, the name ‘Heart Candy Catechesis Symposium’ was the brainchild of youth coordinator Dillon Naicker, who explained that children had to be just as excited about attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist as they are about eating candy.
Judging by the happy looks of the children, the day ended on a sweet note!
