COMMUNION AND FEASTING

I remember so well the event of our First Holy Communion at St. John last year. It was such a special day that I remember having tears at sharing such a special moment with my wonderful students at St. John Lutheran in Royal, IL. I hope it is a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. Today I present to you the First Holy Communion of some 250 children. It was a feast to remember and I pray you can appreciate some of the energy, music, and celebration that happened as that Mass unfolded. Here you can see the motion as the photo is blurred with the action of the youth as they danced in the opening song.

This Holy Communion took place at a church in the neighborhood of Himbi which is about a 1 hour walk for me from my place where I stay at the Procure. One of the wonderful things about worship in this church is the liveliness of their worship.

The name of the church is Bien Heureuse Anoalite Nengapeta Clementin. It is a church that commemorates the name of Sister Anoalite Nengapeta Clementin who died as a matyr here in Congo many years ago. She refused to be married and was killed for taking such a stance to faith instead of marrying. She is considered a Saint here, but I do not know the official status of her Sainthood with the Roman Catholic Church.

This photo shows part of the presentation of the Gifts that the communicants brought to the table.

The ones who had been chosen to bring them forward also spoke a piece of dialogue in presenting the gifts to the Priest to use in the Eucharist. It was a splendid part of the celebration to see these young people present the gifts.

This last photo is the presentation of the candle, the symbol of the light of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

As you enjoy your summer holidays also enjoy your Eucharistic Feast as often as you can, it is a Feast for the body, mind, and soul.

In God's Love I send my greetings and blessings and my longing to see you all again. We will share Eucharist together again and let's plan a movie night together when I return.

Jackie