On November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, St. Joseph Cathedral Parish in Hakha Diocese celebrated First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

During the celebration, 26 children received their First Holy Communion, and 85 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Lucius Hre Kung of Hakha Diocese, presided over the Eucharistic celebration and gave the homily.

The sacraments came after a six-day catechism programme held from October 26 to 31 for parish children. About 280 children joined the programme. They included Catholic children as well as children from other Christian denominations and other religious backgrounds.

The sessions were led by Rev. Fr. Peter Shjareh, Sr. Paulina Par Cung, Sr. Lucia Pam Ling, and Sr. Gabriella Om Pai. The programme was organized by Sr. Gabriella Om Pai (SJA), coordinator of the Pontifical Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) of Hakha Diocese. The Cathedral MCA executive team also helped wherever needed.

In his homily, Bishop Lucius explained that All Saints’ Day honors not only the saints on the Church calendar but also all who have reached eternal life in heaven. He pointed to Revelation 7, which describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before God in praise.

The bishop reminded the faithful that all Christians are called to holiness. He said Jesus teaches the true meaning of holiness through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1–12. He stressed that the values of the Kingdom of Heaven are different from the world’s ideas of greatness and success.

“Jesus clearly teaches us how to be holy in the Gospel of Matthew 5:1–12. His teaching shows us that holiness is not the same as the world’s ideas and values,” Bishop Lucius said.

Looking at the children in white uniforms, the bishop said their beauty should not be only outward. What matters most, he said, is that they live good and holy lives.

“The white uniforms are very beautiful. However, what matters most is that the children live good and holy lives. They should not only be beautiful in the eyes of the world but also in the sight of God, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

Bishop Lucius also spoke about the Eucharist. He said it is essential spiritual food for those who want to follow the way of the Beatitudes. Referring to John 6:56, he reminded the faithful that whoever eats Christ’s flesh and drinks His blood remains in Him.

He told the children that First Holy Communion and Confirmation are not one-day events or the end of religious education. They are important beginnings in a lifelong journey of faith. He warned against the tendency of some young people to stop going to church after Confirmation.

“What you are receiving today is not something for a moment or just for one day. It is for your whole life. You are called to live a holy life like the saints for the rest of your lives,” Bishop Lucius said.

By RVA Hakha Chin Service