Confirmation and First Holy Communion 2011

Posted on 30. May, 2011 in Carousel

One member of the Irish College Sacramental Preparation class received the sacrament of Confirmation, while four received their First Holy Communion during Sunday Mass at the College on 29 May 2011. Most Revd Patrick Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Down and Connor presided at the liturgy. During his homily Bishop Walsh spoke to the children and their parents of the gift of Christ’s presence they received through these sacraments which will remain with them throughout their lives. He also complemented the parents on their commitment to the faith formation of their children as a manifestation of their love for them. Afterward the children and their families joined the College community to celebrate the occasion at a reception on the College loggia. 

The children are members of English speaking families resident in Rome. They attend Mass in the College each Sunday and afterwards participate in sacramental preparation classes conducted by Irish College seminarians. Their parents participate in adult faith formation encounters while their children are in class. The programme begins in early October each year and concludes with the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion usually on the final Sunday of May.  This year a total of twenty-eight children took part in the course including five members of the post-confirmation programme.