Clonskeagh Parish RCN:20016166

A Reflection by Fr. Peter Ewaoche Johnson…

The solemn feasts of the Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi and The Sacred Heart celebrate the greatness of God and His love for us revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Coming in succession after Pentecost that mark the end of the Easter season, they carry on the great joy and gladness of Easter. The joy and gladness of these celebrations are most appreciated when all God's children join together, children and adults in ceremonial atmosphere of love and prayer.

After the glorious international and intercultural celebration we had in Kilmacud Parish on Trinity Sunday, it was an amazing and thrilling experience as we celebrated Corpus Christi Sunday. It was such a lovely sight to behold our First Communion candidates for 2025 gather at St. Raphaela's Convent in their communion dresses to lead us in procession of the Blessed Sacrament (the Holy Body of Christ we receive in the Communion). The Children and youth choir were at their best as always as they led us in great music that accompanied prayers at various stops on the way to the Church. Everyone was so excited that the little drops of rain in a weather that wasn't so pleasant didn't count for anything. 

The turnout for the procession was very impressive and one could feel God's presence deeply.  The reaction of those driving by showed great admiration.

The procession led into the celebration of the mass with the communion candidates and their parents leading us in prayers and worship. Everyone appreciated the atmosphere and all were happy to see how delightful it is when our children celebrate the faith with us. This is the fruit of the Do this in Memory Programme that prepare children for First Holy Communion. In partnership with parents and schools, our church guide the children in their faith journey to the reception of Holy Communion. This tells us that the young are not aversive to faith and prayer. We only need to give them the opportunity to show and grow in the faith.

Sincere thanks and blessings upon all the parents who registered their children for the programme and journeyed with them to the end. I am sure it has been a worthwhile journey for you all and that you have grown in deeper appreciation of your faith as well. God bless and reward the principals and teachers of the various schools and the catechism teams of our parish partnership. May the great commitment we have all displayed not wane but grow even stronger as we continue to grow and nurture faith in our young ones.

We look forward to seeing the children take active role in the church as they live out their faith in prayer and relationship with others at home, at play, in school and at church functions. We anticipate in excitement the registration of new candidates for the programme in the Fall.

As we get nourished by the body of Christ by attending mass and receiving communion, may we all be the body of Christ sharing our faith in love and living a life of hope and trust in the love of Christ. Amen.

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