Two weeks ago, a group of 25 Villa children completed the important spiritual rite of First Confession. After months of preparation in Catechism classes with Father Matteo of Ciudad del Niño, the children revealed their transgressions to three Catholic priests and a visiting bishop from Santa Cruz. On that Saturday afternoon, the children attended a special ceremony with their fellow catechists from Ciudad del Niño in that chapel. The children understandably were a little nervous about confessing wrongdoings to a priest, even though Father Matteo provided great reassurance that the confidentiality between a priest and confessor is holy and without reproach.
Waiting for their turn, the children murmured about what they should say and how much they should divulge. We adults urged them to be honest and forthright, because God gave his Son so that we may live in His redemptive love. It was interesting to see some children pleading to go first and have the experience behind them. Others preferred to wait and see how others faired. However, it was most striking to observe the reactions of the children as they came back from their confessions. Almost every one returned silently to a distant pew and remained in earnest prayer. After all confessions had been made, Father Matteo asked several children to read Bible verses about forgiveness and repentance. The service ended with the Lord’s Prayer and several Hail Marys.
As the children left the chapel, they looked as if a burden had been lifted from them. Some commented that they felt “free,” “energetic,” and “thankful.” We celebrated the occasion by returning to the Villa with children from Ciudad del Niño for a dance party. Copious amounts of popcorn and vats of juice were brought in for refreshments. While some danced to the reggaeton and cumbia music, others played tag, jump rope games, and soccer. It was a joyful afternoon that reminded us how sharing brings us closer to God.
Note: The children continue to attend Catechism classes on Saturday afternoons in the Ciudad del Niño in preparation to receive the sacrament of Communion.
