Thirty-five children make their First Holy Communion in LMPA

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 4 was celebrated with pomp and pageantry in the only church in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain named Corpus Christi.

During Holy Mass, which was concelebrated by Parish Priest Fr Clifford Mainooh CSSp and Assistant Parish Priest, Fr Bernadino Ejezie CSSp, 35 children received their First Holy Communion. They were catechised from the communities that comprise the Laventille Morvant Pastoral Area (LMPA)—the National Marian Shrine, St Dominic’s in Morvant, and Corpus Christi in Success Village—by seasoned catechists who taught the richness of the Catholic faith to the children.

The Communities, including parishioners from St Jude’s Chapel, Trou Macaque, congregated to witness this big step in the lives of our children’s sacramental journey, First Holy Communion.

The First Communicants were very well prepared and led various parts of the Mass. From the youngest and shortest to the oldest and tallest, all participated in making the Liturgy spiritually uplifting.

Fr Mainooh’s homily was captivating and thought-provoking. He encouraged the children to continue to come to church and their parents as well and to live a life truly pleasing to God.

He mentioned officiating over funerals of children within recent time which undoubtedly was very sorrowful. He preached that those in irregular relationships ought to set it right through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.  Marriage preparation is available to help persons in making this decision.

The children are treasures and we were called to lift them up in our prayers.  The Mass continued and culminated with a Eucharistic procession through the streets of Success Village, Laventille. The altar servers and First Communicants led the way, giving witness to their faith with fervour and vitality. It was a delightful experience for them.

One of the children, Shauntae Grenock, tells of her preparation for First Communion: “My First Holy Communion preparation was both spiritually and physically nourishing. During my preparation for my First Holy Communion, my favourite lesson was God’s promises to us and in return, we must be obedient and try to be like Jesus Christ.

“My favourite Bible verse is John 3:16, because it tells how much God loves the world. Could you imagine how unconditional His love is for us?  I have grown in my faith after learning how much love God has for us and how He died to save us. It makes me very sad when I watch how He was crucified and died for our sins on Good Friday.

“It was a bit challenging having to go to practice day after day leading up to the Feast of Corpus Christi, the actual day of the First Communion ceremony. But, on that day, I felt overjoyed not only seeing my family but also seeing the catechists, communicants and all who journeyed with us.

“We were all dressed in white looking like angels receiving the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was such a wonderful experience, and I will keep on blooming in the garden of God”.

The LMPA came together as one to share in this One Body of Christ, with 35 Communicants added on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.  The memory of this day will not be easily forgotten as we follow the command, “Do this in remembrance of me”.

—Cheryl-Ann Mader, parishioner