Mount Carmel – November 16, 2024: A joyous celebration marked a significant spiritual milestone for 27 children at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine as they received their First Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by the Rector, Fr. Rayan, and concelebrated by Fr. Vincent from Pretoria, along with Deacons Keith and Neelan.

In his heartfelt homily, Fr. Rayan expressed deep gratitude to the parents for their dedication to raising their children in the Catholic faith. “Parents, you have fulfilled your sacred duty to nurture faith in your children. I urge you, from today onwards, to ensure your children receive Holy Communion frequently, allowing them to grow closer to Christ,” he said.

Addressing the children, Fr. Rayan shared an inspiring message on how to live the Eucharist through the “4 Ps”:

Prepare – Approach the Eucharist with a heart ready to meet Jesus.
Pray – Stay connected to God in gratitude and love.
Participate – Actively engage in the Mass with your whole heart.
Practice – Live out the teachings of Christ in daily life.
With reverence and devotion, each child received the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time, surrounded by their families and the parish community.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Fr. Rayan expressed special thanks to Sr. Annie and Sr. Felistus for their dedication in preparing the children for this important sacrament. He also acknowledged Angie, the Catechism Coordinator, for her vital role in organizing the catechetical program.

The day was a reminder of the beauty and grace of the Eucharist, as the community prayed for these young communicants to continue growing in faith and love for Christ.