March 30, 2018

From the Archives

Solemn Communion Class at St. Andrew Parish in Richmond

This photo was taken of the solemn Communion class at the former St. Andrew Parish in Richmond on May 31, 1942. In 1910, Pope St. Pius X published a decree stating that children should receive their first Communion once they had attained the age of reason, usually around age 7. Prior to that time, it was customary for children to receive their first Communion at an older age.

This photo was taken of the solemn Communion class at the former St. Andrew Parish in Richmond on May 31, 1942. In 1910, Pope St. Pius X published a decree stating that children should receive their first Communion once they had attained the age of reason, usually around age 7. Prior to that time, it was customary for children to receive their first Communion at an older age.

When an earlier first Communion became more common, many parishes retained the practice of a special “solemn Communion” for older children. This ritual was often combined with a consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. At one time, solemn Communions were common in parishes throughout central and southern Indiana, but the custom largely ceased by the 1960s.
 

(Would you like to comment on or share information about this photo? Contact archdiocesan archivist Julie Motyka at 800-382-9836, ext. 1538; 317-236-1538; or by e-mail at jmotyka@archindy.org.)

 

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