One of the great highlights of St Benedict’s College’s school year was the celebration of First Holy Communion.
The event was held on October 4 at St Therese Catholic Church.

The college’s head of marketing, communications and admissions, Mpumi Motsabi, said this special occasion, one of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, forms part of the Sacraments of Initiation.

This year, the school was blessed to have 37 Grade Three boys, one Preparatory School boy, and 10 high school boys receive this Sacrament for the very first time.

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“The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith, and the joy and anticipation of receiving Jesus filled the boys’ hearts with excitement and gratitude,” shared Motsabi.

She added that in preparation for this sacred day, the Grade Three boys made their First Confessions — an important step that precedes Holy Communion.

They also visited the Carmelite Convent, where they learned how the communion bread is made, and took part in a retreat designed to help them spend quiet time with God and prepare their hearts to receive their Lord in the Eucharist.

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Father Thabo Mothiba, the school chaplain, walked this journey with the boys and celebrated their First Holy Communion Mass with great joy and reverence.

Motsabi said, “It was a wonderful occasion for the St Benedict’s community to come together in the name of Jesus and support the youngest of the Bennies boys on their journey of faith.

“This celebration also served as a beautiful reminder of how special the Eucharist is – inviting all to see it once again through new and grateful eyes.”