CATHOLICS URGED TO MAKE HOLY COMMUNION CENTRAL TO THEIR FAITH

Rev. Fr. Alex Andrua administers First Holy Communion to candidates at St. Kizito Primary School. (Photo by Martin Anguyo)

By Martin Anguyo

Arua City

Rev Fr Alex Andrua, the curate of Ediofe Parish, has called on Christians in the parish and the wider Arua Diocese to develop a deeper desire for Holy Communion, saying regular reception of the sacrament is essential in strengthening their relationship with God and commitment to the Catholic faith.

Fr Andrua made the appeal while administering the sacrament of First Holy Communion to 127 candidates at St Kizito Orphanage Primary School in Ediofe on 07^th November 2026, where he reminded the children and the wider Christian community of the spiritual significance of receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

He said Holy Communion should not be regarded merely as a religious ceremony or an achievement marked by receiving the sacrament for the first time, but as an important step in a Christian’s continuing journey of faith, requiring prayer, spiritual preparation and commitment to living according to the teachings of Christ.

According to Fr. Andrua, Christians need to appreciate the importance of the Eucharist in their daily lives, noting that receiving Holy Communion should inspire them to demonstrate love, forgiveness, humility and concern for others.

He further challenged parents and guardians to take an active role in nurturing the spiritual lives of their children by encouraging them to attend Mass, participate in Church activities and understand the teachings of the Catholic Church. “Eucharist, the body of Christ that we receive is food that accompany us in our earthly journey. Lord wants us to reach him and this is through Eucharist and the blood of Jesus. This food is for eternal life and we should desire receiving all the time” Fr. Andrua said.

The appeal also comes at a time when the Church continues to emphasize the need for Christians, particularly young people, to develop a strong spiritual foundation amid the various social influences and challenges that can affect their commitment to religious values.

Some of the candidates who received the sacrament also encouraged their fellow Christians, particularly young people, to remain committed to Church activities and uphold the Christian values they have been taught, saying receiving First Holy Communion should mark the beginning of a stronger relationship with Christ rather than the end of their spiritual preparation.

“I am Onyiru Mitchell. I now feel as though I am entering the Kingdom of God. I encourage my fellow pupils to join the instruction programme so that they, too, can experience this happiness,” one of the candidates said.

“My name is Asianzu Mellisa. I feel as though the Holy Spirit is entering into me. Other children should recognize the joy of receiving Holy Communion and not miss out on this opportunity,” another candidate said after receiving the sacrament.

The First Holy Communion candidates procession during the Mass (Photo by Martin Anguyo).

The 127 candidates now join the wider Catholic community in participating more fully in the Eucharistic life of the Church, with the responsibility to continue growing in faith through prayer, regular Mass attendance and good Christian conduct.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 National Population and Housing Census, Roman Catholics remain the largest religious denomination in Uganda, accounting for approximately 16.6 million people, representing 36.2 percent of the country’s population, compared to 38.7 percent in the 2014 census.

The figures highlight the significant presence of the Catholic faith in Uganda and the importance of strengthening religious formation among its followers

Written by newsroom-radiopacis