The I.T. folks have finished updating software that I use for this blog meaning that the short “under construction” period is over. So, I’ll be back to posting.
In the meantime, here’s a cool pic of my grandmother from her First Holy Communion in 1902!!! I just received this pic from a distant relative. I wonder how old Granny was when this pic was taken…she looks older than 7!
Welcome back!
Joe
Around that time children received first Eucharist much older around the age of 12-14 based upon their knowledge of the Catechesim.
I can never remember if it was Pius X or XII who allowed children to receive younger at “the age of reason” which is our common practice today.
Confirmation was also commonly received around that age so many children received their sacraments in order of initiation. (Unless they lived in a rural area where the bishop would visit every 3-5 years to confirm. Then children in a large multi-age group would be prepared all together.)
Interestingly some diocese like the one in Maine have gone to restored order and children receive confirmation and 1st Eucharist as young as 7 or 8.
Our history sometimes raises interesting questions about our practice for the present and beyond doesn’t it?
Peace
Maura
Very interesting, Maura. My Granny certainly looks more like 12-14 than 7! History teaches us many things. We too often think that the way we do things is the way things have always been done.