First communion and confirmation candidates from Jerusalem renew baptism promises at Jordan River
JORDAN RIVER / JERICHO – Over 130 young boys and girls took part in a trip to the banks of the Jordan River and the city of Jericho organized by the Latin Parish in Jerusalem. It aimed to prepare them to receive First Communion and Confirmation. Participants were the youngsters of the Latin Parish in Jerusalem. They are students in Catholic, non-Catholic Christian schools and non-Arab schools in Jerusalem.
At the west bank of the River, Fr. Firas gave them a synopsis of the geographical, historical and religious facts. He explained that today everyone can reach the region after it had been closed since 1967.
Then all attendants, teachers and students, made a renewal of their baptism promises. Then Fr. Firas sprinkled them with water from the River. Later all proceeded to an amusement park in the region of Jericho to allow participants to get to know each other and play games. In the afternoon, they went to the Good Shepherd Franciscan Church in Jericho to celebrate Mass, on the occasion of the Good Shepherd Sunday. In his homily, Fr. Firas explained the difference between the Good Shepherd and an employed shepherd through an experience lived by one of the families in Jordan.
At the end of the day everyone returned home to prepare for the coming Sunday celebrations of the First Communion on May 6th, 2012. 103 male and female students will receive their First Communion. And one week later, on Sunday May 13th, 2012, sacrament of confirmation will be administered to 66 students. May God give strength and bless those who provide care such as priests; educators and volunteers. May they ensure that those receiving the body of Christ for the first time will do it with great joy. To those receiving confirmation and the Holy Spirit, may they be filled with his grace and thus become active and fruitful.
Deacon Samir Hodaly from Latin Parish in Jerusalem
Source: en.lpj.org
