The Miracle of the First Holy Communion

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco

photos from St Scho Manila Grade School Facebook page

One morning, Ralf, one of our students excitedly approached me and said, “Teacher, you know what? After I received the bread and wine, my allergy was healed.” (pointing to his mouth). Smiling, I replied, “Wow! Then you should receive Jesus even more. He will continue to heal you!”

With Ralf, after his First Holy Communion.

This happened after our rehearsals as we were preparing them for their upcoming First Holy Communion. They were given an unconsecrated host and wine as a way to introduce them to the Holy Eucharist.

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After a decade of teaching CLE, I am now entrusted with the duty of preparing our students to receive Jesus fully in their First Holy Communion.

To make sure that our students are properly prepared, we designed a module and conducted their recollection centered on Jesus as the Bread and the Light of our lives. We met with our administrators to finalize the gala for our boys — our first-ever boy communicants. Everything was meticulously prepared, from the budget and liturgy to coordinating tasks and arranging teachers’ refreshments and meals.

After two batches were done, we joined the choirs of angels thanking God for this beautiful gift to our Scholasticans –– to receive Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. 

Preparing our First Communicants

The Church, through the Code of Canon Law, states that every baptized Catholic has the right to receive the Holy Eucharist. However, regardless of age, the communicant must be properly prepared spiritually.

So how do we spiritually prepare our first communicants, especially our little ones, as they receive Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist?

1. Pray with them - Let’s assure them that we are journeying with them as they near their first reception of Jesus through prayers. Join them in prayer. Let them hear our prayers. This can inspire them to understand that the event is a serious and sacred occasion.

2. Read the Bible - Let’s open the Bible and read to them stories about Jesus breaking bread. We can also read the “Miracle of the Multiplication of Loaves.” Through these stories, they learn that truly Jesus is the life-giving bread.

3. Bring them to Mass - Let’s go to Mass with our first communicant. Instill in them the habit of taking part in the Holy Eucharist. Encourage them to receive Jesus in Communion, that they may develop a deep love for Him in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The Miracle of the First Holy Communion

Each First Holy Communion is both an opportunity and a responsibility for us, adult Catholics, to faithfully prepare our first communicants.

The real miracle, however, is not just the ceremony itself — it is when the children come to understand that the bread and wine they receive is truly Jesus, the Bread of Life.