SARF Baguio Organizes First Communion

Baguio City — Twenty-three (23) children and young teens living around Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary received their first Holy Communion last May 13, Ascension Sunday, at the seminary chapel.

Sr. Dorothy Joy Panelo, chairperson of the Social Apostolate of the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF) – Baguio Chapter, said the first communicants, aged 9 to 14, study in nearby non-sectarian schools where religion classes are not offered.

“We were looking for ways to be active in our apostolate where we can also have meaningful impact in the community,” Sr. Panelo said. Of the 23, there were 13 boys and 10 girls.

In order to prepare them for the encounter with the Risen Lord in the Holy Eucharist, five seminarians gave them catechism classes for almost 3 months, every Saturday and Sunday, beginning February 10 until April 29.

Mass celebrant Rev. Fr. Leonardo Pauligue, OAR, in his homily, said that the family should set good examples for the children to follow.

“May the children learn from the parents and that charity and piety should begin at home,” he said.

After communion, the first communicants sang “Tell the world of His love” by Jamie Rivera and gave their mothers red roses, a touching gesture on Mother’s Day.

Julia Tamsi, one of the first communicants, said she was very happy because she could finally participate fully in the holy sacrifice of the mass.

“Masaya kasi buo na yung misa para sa akin, natatanggap ko na si Jesus na dati ay hindi pa pwede,” she said.