On 10 September Pope Benedict XVI spoke in Munich Cathedral to first communicants, their parents and catechists. The points he made are similar to those of Father Stephen Cuyos.

Among other things the Holy Father said that Communion is the ‘source of life’ through which Jesus ‘comes to us and makes each of us one with him.’ He then said to the children’s parents, ‘I ask you to help your children to grow in faith. I ask you to accompany them on their journey toward Holy Communion.’ He added that the children must be helped ‘on their journey toward Jesus and with Jesus.’ He then implored the parents, ‘Please, go with your children to Church and take part in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration! You will see this is not time lost; rather, it is the very thing that can keep your family truly united and centered. Sunday becomes more beautiful, the whole week becomes more beautiful, when you go to Sunday Mass together.’

‘And please,’ Benedict XVI urged, ‘pray together at home too: at meals and before going to bed. Prayer does not only bring us nearer to God but also nearer to one another. It is a powerful source of peace and joy. Family life becomes more joyful and expansive whenever God is there and his closeness is experienced in prayer.’

Based on a report from www.zenit.org