[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]On August 15, 1910, Pope St. Pius X issued a document, changing the norms for the reception of first Holy Communion. Quam Singulari reflected the belief that children reached the age of reason by seven and were therefore eligible for receiving their first Holy Communion starting at that age.

On Sunday, April 25, 2021, this young boy in the images below made his first Holy Communion at Historic St. Rocco Church. And following the Mass, Fr. James Mayer, pastor of the parish, enrolled him in the Brown Scapular.

Perhaps the inclusion of the candle is not a common thing to be seen at first communions. A pious Catholic custom is to have one’s baptismal candle lighted at not just the laver of regeneration, but at every significant sacramental moment of our lives. Our baptismal candle is lighted and present when we become heirs and sons and daughters of the Father. It can and should be an important and integral part of our lives thereafter. And not only at these moments, but it can dragged from the drawer or cupboard and be lighted every year on the anniversary of our baptism, too.

Pray for all those young people receiving the sacraments for the first time.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”masonry” slides_per_view=”2″ images=”2864,2865,2863,2868,2872,2873,2869,2870,2871,2866,2867″][vc_column_text]Some of the images are credited to the young boy’s older sister. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]