The students of Xavier School San Juan celebrated their First Holy Communion last March 7 and 8, 2023. The two-day celebration marked a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the young students. 279 students from Grade 4, and 9 students from Grades 5 and 6 joined the celebration.

A series of special Masses presided by Fr. Aristotle Dy S.J., School President; Fr. Arturo Borja S.J., School Chaplain; and Fr. John Cyriac S.J., School Chaplain, was held at the Mary the Queen Parish. Parents, family members, teachers and administrators gathered to witness this sacred moment.

In his homily, Fr. Arturo Borja reminded the congregation of the true meaning of the Eucharist: a celebration of thanksgiving, faith, and love. He also emphasized the important role of parents in the students’ spiritual journey, and encouraged everyone to continue attending Masses every Sunday.

To inspire and uplift the faith of the congregation, Fr. Aristotle Dy discussed the life story of Blessed Carlo Acutis during his homily. Blessed Carlo Acutis is known for his deep faith, his love for the Eucharist, and his passion for using technology to spread the Catholic faith. Fr. Aristotle Dy emphasized how Blessed Carlo’s life serves as an inspiration to the youth, especially in a time where technology dominates the daily lives of many. He encouraged the students to emulate Blessed Carlo’s example of using technology for a noble purpose and to strengthen their faith through regular participation in the Sacraments.

In addition, Fr. John Cyriac reminded the attendees of the importance of embodying Christ’s teachings in every aspect of one’s life. Fr. John highlighted the phrase, “Think like Christ, Be like Christ, and Do like Christ,” challenging everyone to live up to the ideals that Christ embodies and to continually work towards becoming more like Him. He emphasized the importance of modeling one’s life after Christ’s teachings and living a life of compassion, humility, and service to others.

The First Holy Communion is a milestone that celebrates the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and strengthens one’s bond with God. Overall, the ceremony was a heartwarming and memorable event for the students of Xavier School San Juan and marked the beginning of their lifelong spiritual journey.