By Martina Juan
KUCHING — The annual Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour (WWCEHH), organised by the Sunday School of Blessed Sacrament Church, was held on Friday, 11 October 2024, marking the 23rd year of this special event.
This year’s celebration was combined with the English monthly Holy Hour. Although the day started with heavy rain, the skies cleared just in time, a true testament to the power of prayer. God’s blessings and those of our Blessed Mother were felt throughout the evening, as both the Faith Facilitators and Sunday School children had offered novenas and prayers in preparation for the event.
The evening began at the Grotto with a welcome and the lighting of the Unity Candle. Wardens helped pass the flame from the Unity Candle to the parishioners and participants.
Fr Leonard Yap suggested that this year’s WWCEHH begin with the recitation of the Rosary, which was led by individuals dressed in five colours, symbolising the continents of Africa, America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.
When the fourth decade of the Rosary began, flower girls lined up to lead the procession, which included a cross-bearer, altar servers, flower girls, statue bearers, Fr Leonard, and others. The congregation followed, carrying candles lit from the Unity Candle, brightening the way as the procession made its way to the Church entrance.
At the entrance, the theme song for WWCEHH, “We Are Children of the World,” was sung to welcome the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which was carried to the Sanctuary.
The event continued with the announcement of the WWCEHH intentions, which included prayers for the Holy Father, repentance for sins, protection for families, and an end to physical, mental, and spiritual suffering. Special prayers were also offered for the Church, the world, and the vulnerable, as well as for the Triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart and the intentions placed in the Petition Basket.
The Petition Basket was placed at the altar, followed by a prayer to Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto for families. The highlight was the Crowning of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, accompanied by the song “Holy Mary We Now Crown You,” sung by the Sunday School choir.
The evening then continued with the Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Entrustment prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and concluded with Benediction and the Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Chairman of the Bible and Faith Committee, James Bilong, expressed gratitude to Fr Leonard, the participating children, and the facilitators from both the English and Chinese groups for organizing the event. He also thanked the congregation for coming together to help celebrate the WWCEHH.
The final hymn, “Queen of Angels,” was beautifully sung by the choir and congregation, while five flower girls presented roses of different colours, symbolising the five continents, to Our Blessed Mother. As a surprise, the children sang “Happy Birthday” to Fr Leonard, who had recently celebrated his birthday, adding a joyful note to end the evening.
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