St Augustine’s Cathedral parish community in Port Elizabeth gathered to celebrate one of the most beautiful milestones in the life of the Church: the First Holy Communion of fifteen young children on Sunday, 28 June 2026. It was not simply another parish event. It was a celebration of faith, family, community and the Eucharist.
The celebration began with a beautiful entrance procession led by our altar servers, proudly vested in their striking red cassocks and crisp white surplices. They were followed by the First Holy Communicants, our parish priest, Father Jerry Browne, and former Cathedral Administrator, Monsignor Deenihan. As the procession moved reverently up towards the Altar of God, it became far more than a ceremonial entrance. It was a visible sign of the pilgrim People of God, led by Christ, journeying together into the sacred mystery of the Eucharist and, ultimately, towards our heavenly home.
The processional cross reminded us that Christ always goes before His Church, while the joyful entrance hymn, “Sing of His Goodness,” united the congregation in one voice of praise and thanksgiving. In those opening moments, ordinary time gave way to sacred time as hearts and minds were lifted towards God. For many present, the procession undoubtedly awakened cherished memories of their own First Holy Communion, whether celebrated a few years ago or many decades ago.
The church was filled with an atmosphere of joyful expectation. Proud parents smiled through misty eyes, grandparents watched with quiet gratitude, cameras discreetly captured treasured moments, while the children, dressed in their beautiful attire, carried an innocence that reminded all of us why Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.”
An Outstanding Homily
Father Jerry’s homily was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the celebration. It was not simply well prepared—it came from the heart. Beautifully woven together, it connected the Scripture readings of the day with the significance of First Holy Communion, while courageously addressing the painful reality of xenophobic attacks and the danger of excluding people from God’s table.
At one point, emotion overwhelmed Father Jerry. Words escaped him for a brief moment as deep feeling surfaced. Afterwards, during our fellowship gathering, a fellow parishioner quietly remarked to me, “I thought I was the only one who noticed that.”
No, he definitely was not. Many of us witnessed not merely a priest delivering a homily, but a shepherd whose heart was deeply invested in his flock. He was smelling like his sheep. At a time when conversations continue around the role of lay people preaching at Mass—a discussion for another day—Father Jerry quietly reminded us of something often overlooked.
“We can preach.”
Not through theatrics or dramatic gestures, but through prayerful preparation, faithful exegesis and the courageous application of God’s Word to today’s realities. It was a masterclass in opening up the Scriptures, breaking them apart and feeding God’s people with wisdom, conviction, hope and compassion.
As mentioned previously, the celebration was enriched by the joyful entrance hymn, “Sing of His Goodness.” Its uplifting melody and words of praise immediately set the tone for a Eucharistic celebration filled with profound joy. It was impossible not to be drawn into its joyful spirit. As the congregation sang with one voice, I found myself captivated by a visitor to our parish who joyfully raised his hands in praise and gently danced as he sang. There was nothing contrived or attention-seeking about his actions. It was simply the natural response of someone whose heart was overflowing with thanksgiving to God. It was a beautiful sight to behold. The Spirit of God seemed to be stirring within him, and he expressed his faith with childlike freedom and abundant happiness. Whoever says that the Catholic Mass is a dead or boring experience surely has never truly entered into its mystery. The Eucharist is not a performance to be watched but a sacred mystery in which we actively participate. When hearts are open, the liturgy comes alive in a way that words alone can never fully describe.
Generational Responsorial Psalm
The Responsorial Psalm was beautifully intoned by two of the First Holy Communicants together with their mother. What a wonderful image of faith being handed on from one generation to another—not only through words, but through gifts, talents and shared worship. The bidding prayers, offered by the children themselves, rose heavenward with voices that surely sounded like angels before God.
Another moving moment for me personally was seeing the children gathered around the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer. Standing so close to the mystery they had prepared for years to receive, they witnessed the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. That sacred memory will undoubtedly remain with them for the rest of their lives.
This year’s celebration carried even deeper significance as our parish continues celebrating its 160th anniversary. Former parishioners who had received their own First Holy Communion here over many decades were invited to return and share in the celebration. They were then invited to gather before the altar for a commemorative photograph.
It was a remarkable sight.
Many Members, One Body
Children stood alongside adults. Different generations, different backgrounds, different life stories—all united around one altar and one Lord. It was a living image of the Church herself: diverse, yet one; many members, yet one Body of Christ.
Following the final blessing and recessional hymn, the celebration naturally continued in the McSherry Hall where tables overflowed with food generously prepared by Ruth, Sandra and contributions made by fellow parishioners. The breaking of bread around the altar extended into the breaking of bread around the table of fellowship.
I must confess that I quietly wondered whether there would be enough food for everyone. One parishioner gently reminded some of the children to make sure everyone received something before taking seconds.
But here is the thing and here is the beauty of it all: Everyone ate. Everyone was satisfied. And there was still food left over.
It immediately brought to mind the Gospel accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes. Once again, God reminded us that generosity never diminishes His blessings. When bread is broken with gratitude, when hearts are united in love, and when Christ remains at the centre, there is always enough. ALWAYS!
Perhaps that became the hidden message of the day.
Bread was broken at the altar.
Wine was poured into the chalice.
Hearts were opened.
Faith was strengthened.
Community was renewed.
And God multiplied His grace among His people.
To our fifteen young First Holy Communicants, congratulations on this beautiful milestone in your journey of faith. May the Eucharist always nourish you, strengthen you and draw you ever closer to Christ.
As our parish continues celebrating 160 years of God’s faithfulness, may we never lose sight of what truly binds us together—not our 160 years of history alone, but the Bread of Life that makes us one Body in Christ. And may these young communicants always remember that each time they approach the altar, they come not only to receive Christ, but to become ever more like Him for the life of the world. Amen!
- Bread Was Broken, Wine Was Poured — God Multiplied - July 3, 2026
- Under the Cross of the Southern Cross - June 23, 2026
- It’s Not Over Until….the Priest Leaves Dancing and Rejoicing - June 18, 2026
