Crowning and First Holy Communions

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If angels could be jealous of men,
they would be so for one reason:
Holy Communion.

— Maximilian Kolbe

Dear Faithful,

Among the many wonderful graces and pleasures accorded to the Catholic priest is the annual distribution of 1st Holy Communions.  To watch the eager, yet timid, and innocent little ones approach the altar to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord and Savior for the very first time truly brings a consolation like few others.  I thank our dear Lord for being part of this tremendous act of charity once again.  Given the continued attendance limitations, the children have had to receive at different Masses rather than in one ceremony together.  While unfortunate, in a certain sense with less pomp and ceremony, there is an intimacy and focus which has made these special.  It is also a time for each and every one of us to renew the first fervor of our first Communion, to re-kindle the love and desire so important in this greatest of acts.  Being deprived at this time due to the various restrictions will hopefully help to do just that. 

Please find below a beautiful child's prayer for the time after reception of the Blessed Sacrament which was given to me and my siblings when we received our own 1st Communion by our dear mother.  Since by Our Lord's own admonition we are all to become as little children, may this sweet prayer bring us the childhood of confidence, love and devotion which Our Lord in the august Sacrament deserves and we so desperately need.

As announced, Saturday brought the ceremony crowning Our Lady Queen, Queen of our church, of our hearts, of all, Heaven and Earth!  The little ladies of the 1st Communion class this year admirably represented us all.  Enjoy the video attached.

As you know, the great feast of Pentecost is not limited to yesterday's celebration, rather an entire octave is devoted to the commemoration of this glorious event.  The magnificent Sequence from Holy Mass, the renowned Veni Sancte Spiritus is also given below for your listening pleasure and edification.  This can and should be prayed throughout the Octave and beyond.

May the Spirit of Truth and Strength, God the Holy Ghost, guide, enlighten and fortify you and your families, lighting a fire that cannot be extinguished.

Yours in Christ the King,

Father Michael McMahon


LITTLE WHITE GUEST

You have come to my heart, dearest Jesus,
I am holding You close to my breast;
I'm telling You over and over,
You are welcome, Little White Guest.

I love You, I love You, my Jesus,
O please do not think I am bold;
Of course, You must know that I love You,
But I am sure that you like to be told.

I'll whisper, "I love You, my Jesus,"
And ask that we never may part;
I love You, O kind, loving Jesus
And press You still nearer my heart.

And when I shall meet You in Heaven,
My soul then will lean on Your breast;
And You will recall our fond meetings,
When You were my Little White Guest.


Gregorian chant notation from the Liber Usualis (1961), pp. 880-881. Latin lyrics sung by the Benedictine monks of Santo Domingo de Silos.