First Communion in Medjugorje

date: 08.05.2006.

On Sunday the 7th. of May, 78 children from Medjugorje Parish received the sacrament of First Holy Communion in St. James’ parish church. Their catechists, Sister Slavica Kozul, Sister Petra Bagaric and Fr. Stjepan Martinovic, prepared them for this sacrament of Christian initiation. On Friday the 5th. of May, the children made their First Confession. They were accompanied by their parents, who also went to confession.

The Solemn Mass was presided over by Fr. Boze Milic, and was concelebrated by the Parish Priest Fr. Ivan Sesar, and also Fr. Stjepan Martinovic. The childrens' choir “Little Doves of Peace”, under the direction of Sister Slavica Kozul, embellished the celebration with their beautiful singing. Family members and parishioners were present, together with numerous pilgrims and visitors who had also come to Medjugorje.

On this occasion the Franciscan Sisters currently serving in Medjugorje made a flower decoration around the altar after the theme of the fisherman’s net as proposed by Jesus.

In an inspired homily, Fr. Boze Milic spoke about the love of Jesus who invites each one individually. In the prayers of the faithful, the children expressed their abandonment to Jesus. All of the children took part in the Offertory Procession. As a sign of personal abandonment, each child brought a little fish to the altar and deposited it into Jesus’ net.

On Monday, the catechists took all the children who received their First Communion, together with some other school children, into the open countryside. They availed of the occasion as an opportunity for recreation, for playing and having fun, as well as an occasion for Mass and Holy Communion. (photos)