Spring is just around the corner, and a day that 9- and 10-year-old children eagerly await is approaching: the day of First Communion!
It is a day full of emotion, a great day of celebration because Jesus, the friend with a capital “A”, enters the children’s hearts for the first time through the first Eucharist they receive.
The emotion of mothers and fathers, grandparents, friends and all the relatives is palpable…
It is a day that requires a great deal of preparation: first and foremost, that of the children (and their parents alongside them), who undertake a long journey, helped by their catechists, to begin to understand a great mystery of love that will accompany them for the rest of their lives: Jesus, who gives himself to them and enters their hearts to listen to their wishes, their confidences… And the children must learn to let him enter with the same familiarity as Blessed Carlo Acutis, who, when he received Communion, would simply say: «Jesus, come in! Make yourself at home»!
The heartfelt preparation is certainly the most meaningful, but for this day to be as unforgettable as it deserves to be, you must also think about the signs of celebration: a meal to share, gifts and… the favour!
This object often causes uncertainty: some people are in favour of favours, while others consider them superfluous. Today we offer some ideas to help you understand the meaning of the favour and choose one thoughtfully.
The history of the favour
The favour dates back to very ancient times: its origins can be traced to France in the 1700s, and it has since evolved into the various uses we see today. The name bomboniera derives from “bombonnière”, a word for a container of bonbons, meaning small soft sweets that were generally given to newlyweds on their wedding day. Thus, the first favours were small boxes containing sweets and symbolised good wishes.
The favour today
Today, favours are instead a way for the guest of honour to thank those who took part in their celebration and shared their joy, but it is important that they continue to speak of the day everyone shared. So, on the occasion of First Communion, it is lovely to give religiously meaningful favours; favours that continue to speak even after the celebration is over and everyone returns home.
Some useful ideas
You can bear witness to Jesus in many ways and with many colours!
Just think how wonderful it is: designed this way, the favour also becomes a testimony!
So, yes to the favour! A favour that continues to convey the joy of Jesus!
Here are just a few examples:
