There was an air of anticipation and nervousness: “I am excited because I don’t want to make a mistake,” said the 8-year-old Félix. His whole family was coming to watch.
Family members arrived from all over to see the special occasion. “It’s exciting, I came here especially from Switzerland”, says one man who was there because of his nephew. 22 was a good number this year, but next year the pastor Félix Steichen expects 40 children. “I think this number will be readjusted to 30,” he says. Years ago 70 or 80 children per year would be the norm.
Children today would generally ask more questions and inquire about more things than in the past, says Steichen. The priest is also of the opinion that the choice to receive communion these days should be made more consciously by the children together with their parents.
