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My First Communion at St. Thomas Aquinas in the Bronx
The day of my First Communion at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in the Bronx remains one of the most sacred and unforgettable moments of my life. The historic church, nestled in the heart of the Bronx, stood as a beacon of faith with its towering presence and stained-glass windows that glowed with the light of divine stories. I can still recall the faint scent of incense lingering in the air, the sound of the choir’s hymns echoing through the nave, and the nervous excitement that filled my heart as I prepared to receive the Eucharist for the first time.
Bishop Francisco Garmendia, the auxiliary bishop of New York at the time, presided over the Mass and administered my First Communion. His gentle demeanor and warm smile immediately put me at ease. Dressed in his liturgical vestments, with the miter and crosier symbolizing his pastoral authority, he exuded a quiet holiness that made the moment even more special. As he approached me, holding the consecrated host, I felt a wave of reverence wash over me. “The Body of Christ,” he said softly, and I responded, “Amen,” my voice trembling with awe. In that sacred exchange, I received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time, a moment I had been preparing for through months of catechism classes and prayer.
What I remember most vividly is the overwhelming sense of God’s presence that enveloped me. As I returned to my pew, my hands clasped in prayer, I felt an indescribable peace settle over me—a peace that surpassed anything I had ever known. It was as if God Himself was embracing me, filling my heart with His love and grace. The presence of Christ in the Eucharist was palpable; I knew, in that moment, that I was truly in communion with Him. The joy and serenity I experienced were profound, a spiritual milestone that marked the beginning of a deeper relationship with Jesus.
The atmosphere at St. Thomas Aquinas that day was electric with faith and celebration. The church was filled with families, all gathered to witness their children take this significant step in their spiritual journey. The congregation’s prayers and songs of praise seemed to lift the entire space into a heavenly realm. My family, seated in the pews, beamed with pride and joy, their eyes glistening with tears of happiness. After the Mass, we took photos outside the church, the springtime Bronx air carrying the scent of blooming flowers, as Bishop Garmendia blessed us once more before departing.
Reflecting on that day, I realize how formative it was for my faith. Receiving my First Communion from Bishop Garmendia at St. Thomas Aquinas was not just a rite of passage—it was a moment of divine encounter. The peace and presence of God I felt that day have stayed with me, a reminder of the Eucharist’s transformative power and the love of Christ that continues to guide my life. It was, without a doubt, an amazing time, one that I will cherish forever.
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