On May 15, 2021, 11 children in the SMCB community received the sacrament of Solemn Holy Communion. Fr. George Maliekal was the main celebrant, and he was joined by Fr. Pinto Paul and Fr. Jilson Tom. It was a beautiful ceremony. The community, including trustees, choir and so many others, rallied together to make it a memorable event for all the communicants and their families. Friends and family of communicants who could not attend in person, were in virtual attendance. Every little detail was taken care of, to make it a day to remember - from the altar decoration by St. Martha sisters to the preparation of songs and gifts for the communicants. It was, of course a special occasion for the communicants' teachers, Sr. Lincy, Sr. Angela and Tresa Francis who had trained and prepared the children for this special day. In this feature, we introduce the 11 communicants to you and more importantly, what communion means to them and their favorite moments of the day.
Abel Mathew believes that Jesus finds a way into our hearts through the communion. He trusts that Jesus will guide him forever and ever. His most memorable moment during the ceremony was receiving the bread for the first time. Abel felt like Jesus was giving him a warm hug.
Abel is the son of Shibu Mathew and Smita Antony. Abel has a younger sister, Abigail.
Albin Thomas believes receiving communion is a special moment when he receives blessings for an eternity once Jesus enters his body. The most memorable moment for him was eating the bread and drinking the wine which symbolized the body and blood of Christ.
Albin is the son of Thomson P Thomas and Laly Thomas. Albin is the third child with 2 elder sisters, Anitta and Ashlyn and younger sister, Aydan.
For Amy Mary Tom, communion is that time when the Holy Spirit fills her with joy as she partakes the body of Christ. Amy was very happy as she walked into the church for her special day. Another exciting moment for her was singing the communion song along with her class.
Amy is the daughter of Tom Li Stephen and Usha E Joseph. She has an older sister, Ann.
Angeline Manesh believes that by taking communion, you express your deep love for Jesus. She hopes to go for confession as often as possible and to obey her parents, pray everyday, help and love each other. Angeline felt her heart filling with joy and the blessings of the Holy Spirit as she received Jesus in her heart.
Angeline is the daughter of Manesh John and Sherin Kuriakose. She has a younger brother, Aiden.
Benjamin Thomas believes that from now on, Jesus will guide him and help him make the right decisions. His most memorable moment was receiving the holy host. He feels a lot closer to Jesus and is trying to be more loving and kind to those around him.
Benjamin is the son of Rajesh Thomas and Jannet Thomas. He has an older sister, Liana and a younger sister, Rebecca.
Bridget George believes it is a great honor to receive the Holy Communion and hopes to relive her First communion moments every day. What matters the most is your devotion to Jesus by wanting to receive communion and having a pure heart. She remembers the words of Achan - " When you receive Jesus, you carry Him within your soul for the rest of your life". Bridget was very happy that many of her close friends in her class received communion along with her and she got to sing the group song.
Bridget is the daughter of Giju P George and Anjana George. She has two elder brothers, George and Thomas.
When David Sebastian received Jesus for the first time, he decided to be a better person and do good actions. His most memorable moment was receiving the holy host from Achan. He was excited to celebrate his special day with friends and family at home.
David is the son of Sino Sebastian and Rani Sebastian. He has an older sister, Diya and younger brother, Dan.
Ethan Kallingal believes that he received Jesus into his heart for the first time at the time of his Solemn Holy Communion. He was very excited to receive holy communion. Ethan was also happy about going to church after a long time and singing the group song along with his class.
Ethan is the son of Sherry Kallingal and Derila Sherry. He has a younger sister, Emilia.
For Jewel Joseph, communion means to receive Jesus in your heart. As she received the bread and wine for the first time, she felt the presence of Jesus in her heart. It was a wonderful moment for Jewel.
Jewel is the daughter of Sunny Joseph and Lini Joseph. She has two elder sisters - Neha and Emilyn.
For Rishi Kunnel, receiving communion meant that Jesus became part of his body and will help him make good choices from now on. His favorite moments on the special day was receiving the Eucharist, getting gifts and going to church.
Rishi is the son of Joseph Kunnel and Villbeena Kunnel. He is second in the family, with elder sister Rhea, younger brother Roy and baby sister Rachael.
Steeven Saji believes that through receiving communion, Jesus forgives our sins. Jesus loves us so much that he died for us. The most memorable moment for him was walking towards the altar for the very first time to receive the body and blood of Jesus.
Steeven is the son of Saji John and Sonia Sebastian. He has a baby brother, Steffan.