By Francesca Norsen Tate, Religion Editor
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
A sunny, warm Sunday morning on April 28 greeted the First Communicants at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral. All sixteen children were excited and joyous to be finally receiving Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. They had diligently prepared for receiving their Sacrament under the tutelage of Norma Haddad, Lily Elhage and Tresa Van Heusen who had spent untold hours with them—a true labor of love!
The children’s families were ushered into the reserved pews in the front of the Cathedral. The children processed into the Cathedral and were seated at the base of the altar. This was their Divine Liturgy! Each had a part of the reading to speak; each bore the Gifts of Bread and Wine to the altar; they offered the greeting of peace to the Community. Monsignor James Root, the Cathedral rector, invited the First Communicants to stand around the altar during the Consecration. They were in awe!
Instead of the usual homily, Msgr. Root greeted the children and proceeded to ask them questions about the significance of the Sacrament and how it related to their lives. Little hands were thrust up in response: ”Me…me, let me answer! Their enthusiasm was gratifying. They knew all the answers to his questions and demonstrated their readiness to join the community in the Blessed Sacrament.
When Communion was to be distributed, each child was called to the altar by name, with parents and siblings accompanying each First Communicant. It was beautiful to see an entire family escort their child to receive Jesus for the first time.
The First Communicants were Leonardo Argudo, Nida Chacar, Michele Chahwan, Christiana Chaya, Gabriel Chiha, Lorianna ElAdem, Pio El Gemayel, Kate Farhat, Kristen Farhat, Aya Hayek, George Elias Maroun, Sammy Nassour, Andrew Saade, Anthony Saade, Jonathan Safi and Teaney Sarkis.
Following the Divine Liturgy refreshments were offered to the Community in the Cathedral’s Social Hall where the children and their families were congratulated on this beautiful occasion.
Submitted by Salma Vahdat, parishioner