Our children and youth, living witnesses of faith

By Fr Bernardino Ejezie CSSp

Chaplain, Fatima College

There’s something unspeakably beautiful about watching children encounter the sacred. This was the grace-filled reality at the recent Eucharistic Congress and Corpus Christi procession, where hundreds of school children—uniformed in innocence and joy—gathered not merely as spectators, but as living witnesses of faith.

During the Eucharistic Congress, the turnout of young people was an epitome of hope for the Church. As the melodies of praise echoed in the air, their hands clapped not just in rhythm, but also in reverence to Christ whom they have come to encounter. For me, it was not just a Church event; it was a meeting of hearts with the living Christ in the Eucharist.

As the Blessed Sacrament was elevated, one could sense a stillness settle over the young crowd. These were not just children being quiet; they were children adoring. For many of them, it was their first intimate experience with Eucharistic Adoration in such a big space.

Knees bent, heads bowed, and hearts open—they gazed upon the big, sacred host, not with the doubt of the world, but with the faith of a child. And that, Jesus said, is the kind of faith that enters the Kingdom.

Also, Fatima College has the tradition of having Benediction with the students and the staff on the Wednesday before Corpus Christi, offering all the opportunity to encounter the Eucharistic Jesus in a special way.

As the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar, the usual restlessness of youth gave way to a surprising stillness. The atmosphere was reverent and filled with awe.

In those silent moments, many students expressed later that they felt seen by Jesus—not judged but lovingly known. A few described a “burning in the heart,” a gentle whisper in the soul calling them to live differently—to live for Him.

The Corpus Christi procession that followed was no mere ritual. With incense rising like prayers to Heaven, the streets became sanctuary. The children sang, prayed, as the young scouts marched alongside Christ, not only with reverence but with a contagious joy that lifted the hearts of all who watched. It was a reminder to the world that Jesus is not forgotten, not by the young, not by the pure of heart.

But perhaps the most powerful moments came during Adoration. In the gentle silence, surrounded by flickering candles and the solemn presence of Christ on the altar, something eternal stirred in these young souls. Tears fell from some, smiles lit up the faces of others—but all left changed. In that stillness, God spoke. And in their simplicity, the children listened.

Eucharistic Adoration has become, for many of them, a refuge. In a noisy world of distractions, it offers peace. In the confusion of growing up, it offers clarity. In moments of fear and doubt, it offers the embrace of the One who said, “Let the children come to me.”

This experience is more than a memory—it is a seed. A seed planted in the hearts of our young, watered by the mystery of the Eucharist, and destined to grow into vocations, missions, and family lives rooted in Christ.

As a chaplain, educator, and priest, I witnessed more than an event. I witnessed God writing His story in the hearts of children. And in that, I am reminded that the future of the Church is not merely in programmes or institutions—it is in the hands of these young ones who have experienced groundbreaking divine intimacy.

I charge parents, grandparents and guardians, let us continue to encourage our young people and lead them to the Eucharistic Jesus. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2225) highlights that parents ought to play a crucial role in shaping their children’s faith from a very young age.

This involves more than formal religious catechesis; it includes the everyday interactions and examples set by family members. Learn to set before your children the example of your life. Children imitate what they see. Your witness of faith will always be their guide.

Remember: the goal is to make Heaven crowded.