Ira's First Reconciliation

Confession is an act of honesty and courage - an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.  

-- Pope John Paul 2

Catechists have prepared primary 2 students the whole year for what can be deemed as the culmination of their second year of primary catechism. Ira was among the cohort of primary 2 catechism students at St Anne's Church who went for their First Reconciliation or Penance.

It was on the 20th of October, 2012 when Ira sat for his First Reconciliation. Weeks leading to the day of reconciliation, the students were given a set of guide questions to help them with the confession process. At home, I followed through by discussing with him the questions given by the catechist. I told him to pray for guidance so that he can be honest and forthcoming on the day of his First Reconciliation.

He felt a bit nervous going to church on that day but I reassured him that it was a process every Catholic goes through and that the priest would be nice so there was nothing to be nervous about. The students were all gathered at the hall first for the last minute reminders then brought down to the church by class.

holding out his guide card while waiting to go down to church

Shaking out the nerves by talking to friends

  

anxiously waiting for his turn

The proud and equally anxious parents took snapshots of Ira's every move as he went up to the altar for his First Reconciliation. It was Father Francis whom he went for confession to. Ira looked very serious as he was reading the guide card and went on to confess his sins.

 

 

    

his penance

He looked relieved after going for his First Reconciliation and reciting his prayers. 

Bless him, oh Lord, and guide him always so that he will be more aware of the actions and words that will bring him closer to You.

(this is one of the very late blogs that I intend to complete before 2014 ends)