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What is your standard go-to gift for First Communion?

Submit your reflection by typing in the box below and then clicking the Submit Reflection button. Your reflections will be forwarded to an editor before being considered for posting on the AmericanCatholic.org Web site and inclusion in St. Anthony Messenger magazine. You may view other readers’ reflections below.

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Our family has been giving the gift of messages, prayers or wishes from all different family members and friends for the 1st Communicant or newly baptized person that are stored in a "special box". On their 16th birthday the messages are reopened and read. It has become a very special remembrance from the living and sometimes deceased members of the family.

Beth
Michigan
Sunday, May 16, 2010

Crucifixes, Miraculous medals and personalized picture frames. My granddaughters each received a pearl bracelet with their name engraved on a heart charm attached to it, enclosed in a small silver jewelry box.

BaRBARA yANKOWSKI
East Haven Connecticut
Thursday, May 13, 2010

Between parents and godparents, most first communicants receive crosses, prayerbooks, etc. I will give the child a pretty card enclosing a check

Mary
Long Branch New Jersey
Monday, May 03, 2010

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Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions: Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, S.J., Cristóbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico, one determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Cristóbal established a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jalisco. Magallanes and the other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-28).
<p>All of these martyrs except three were diocesan priests. David, Manuel and Salvador were laymen who died with their parish priest, Luis Batis. All of these martyrs belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to Christ and to the Church that he established to spread the Good News in society—even if Mexico's leaders once made it a crime to receive Baptism or celebrate the Mass. </p><p>These martyrs did not die as a single group but in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.</p>

The most meaningful goals in life are those that can be accomplished with the help of God's graces. We should use those graces to give us confidence that, with God's guidance and help, our gifts are capable of being developed well beyond our imagined potential.

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	In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan
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	For Mothers (and Fathers!)
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	New from Franciscan Media
	When the initial shock and pain of widowhood has passed, Life after Death can help you build a new life.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Ordination Anniversary
	Use Catholic Greetings to acknowledge your pastor’s ordination or pastoral anniversary.

	Happy Birthday
	Make the most of God’s graces and blessings throughout the coming year.

	Pentecost
	As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.

	Pentecost
	As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.

	Armed Forces Day (U.S.)
	Remember to honor those in the service of our nation with your prayers and support.

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