78 receive first Holy Communion on Corpus Christi Feast Day

Holy Spirit Cathedral, Madang: 78 students from Mercy Learning Academy, Holy Spirit, Kusbau and Jomba primary schools received their first Holy Communion during a Holy Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, on Sunday, 22 June 2025. 

It was a special occasion as it coincided with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the Feast Day of Corpus Christi. 

Even though the weather seemed unkind, local parishioners braved the drizzling rain to be part of the Eucharistic celebration and procession to stationed altar in a show of faith to commemorate the feast day of Corpus Christi.

The Liturgy was beautifully led by the parish youth and choir group. Main celebrant of the Mass who administered the Holy Communion was the Archbishop for Madang, His Grace Most Reverend Anton Bal.

In his homily, His Grace delivered an uplifting message on the importance or the need for food and water to sustain physical life. He comparatively emphasized that the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is also a need, significantly, gives life for all eternity. 

“The body and blood of Christ has spiritual significance compared to the food and water consumed. We should evangelize to others about Jesus in us. We are not to contain and restrict to ourselves the truth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. We must show Jesus to others. Having Jesus in us is our departure point and stepping stone for evangelizing,” He said.

Paulyn Wauru, a grade 4 student at Holy Spirit Primary School said of her first Holy Communion, “When I prayed and received the Holy Communion for the first time, I felt that Jesus is already in my heart.” 

Like Paulyn, other candidates expressed profound peace and joy when receiving the Body of Christ for the first time. Their decision to receive the Holy Communion reflects their Catholic upbringing but most importantly, their heart’s desire to draw closer to Jesus Christ.

The Devotional Procession with the Blessed Sacrament took place after the Holy Eucharist with 3 altar stationed in formation circling back to the Cathedral. The final, altar 4 was in the Cathedral followed by a final blessing and benediction.