First Communion Preparation

Nayade Constanza Rocha Canales or “Naya”, as her family and friends call her, is a 16-year old adolescent who suffers from Spina Bifida. She is confined to a wheelchair.

Spina Bifida, which literally means “cleft spine”, is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges - the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord.

First Communion PreparationNaya is an intelligent adolescent who dreams of being a teacher, or a doctor who treats children and adolescents. She enjoys being with her family and going to school. She lives with her grandparents, Rosa and Alejo, whom she affectionately calls “mom and dad”. The grandparents have taken care of Naya since she was born. Naya has a distant relationship with her own mother.

I first met Naya when I was assigned to work in the parish of Santo Tomas Apostol in Santiago, Chile. Naya was attending First Communion classes in the Padre Hurtado Chapel, one of the chapels that are a part of the parish. I observed her as an outgoing, joyful adolescent who enjoyed participating in the chapel. I was curious about her life and faith.

Naya agreed to the following interview with me.

Naya, how did you arrive at the Padre Hurtado chapel?

Three years ago I told my parents that I wanted to make my First Communion and I kept asking them when, when, when? Eventually, my mother Rosa took me to the parish we were living in. (Technically, Naya lives in another parish that borders our parish).

We joined the First Communion programme there but one day my mother could not go to a class because I was having health problems. The parish told her that we could no longer attend the programme because my mother missed one class. (In Chile, both parents and children are required to attend separate weekly catechetical classes for two years in order for the children to be permitted to make their first communion). I really wanted to make my First Communion because I wanted to receive the host, the Body of Christ, and I prayed so much for my family.

So what did you do? What happened next?

A year later our neighbour, Mrs. Isabel, who is a member of the Padre Hurtado chapel, invited us to join. She took us to a Mass. Columban Fr John Boles was celebrating the Mass (Fr John Boles was the parish priest at that time). I really enjoyed it. There I saw good people. They were welcoming and greeted all who arrived. There was a sense of solidarity in the chapel. Fr John was very welcoming and a good companion to us, very inviting. We talked to Fr John about the possibility for me to join the First Communion programme in the chapel.

What did Fr John say?

Fr John said they have a Special Catechetical programme in the main parish church that was more suited to my needs. This programme only required a year's preparation for First Communion. Yet, the parish church is farther away and as I am in a wheelchair, it would make it difficult for me to attend the weekly classes. Fr John said I could participate in the Padre Hurtado chapel, which was closer, but the preparation would be two years. He left it for us to decide. Of course, we decided to join the Padre Hurtado chapel First Communion programme.

How was the experience of participating in First Communion prepartion?

With the other children we formed a good friendship. What I really liked was the works of charity we did as a part of our preparation. We tried to help those who had no food or a place to sleep. For instance, some mornings, as a group, we went out and handed out food to people who didn’t have any. It was the first time I ever did something like that. It was a very good experience.

On the day of your First Communion, how did you feel?

I was really nervous but happy to be with my companions. Also, I was happy to receive Jesus. When I received the Body and Blood of Christ I felt a sense of relief and welcome. I felt it in my heart and mind. Most of all, I had my family present to share the experience.

Now that you have received your First Communion, what do you want to do?

I always dreamed of being on the altar. I would like to be an altar server. I want to help you and the other priests. For me the altar brings out a strong emotion of great joy.

What can you say about the Columbans?

Columbans are joyful priests and good people. They are attentive to the needs of the other. What I like most about them is their support of children who really need help.

And Rosa, (Naya's mother), what was it like for you to attend this programme?

It was difficult for me at first. I found it hard to express myself. But in time, the themes of the class touched daily life and I was able to share with the other parents. We discovered we had a lot in common.

Did you see any changes in Naya after catechesis?

Yes, before Naya was very impulsive and often grumpy. Now I see she is more serene and tranquil. Naya learned to listen.

Columban Fr Chris Saenz was ordained in 2000 and is currently working in Chile.

End Note: We do plan on making Naya an altar server.  I have asked the community to build a little ramp to the altar so Naya can go up to the altar. We will work out the logistics of what she will do.  Naya is extremely happy to have this opportunity.

Read more from The Far East, May 2014