Children preparing for their First Communion at St. Alphonsus de Liguori Parish in the Archdiocese of Semarang took part in a day-long outreach and pilgrimage activity on May 25, engaging in spiritual formation and acts of charity alongside their parents and parish facilitators.
The group—comprising 21 children, 26 parents, and three facilitators—visited Bhakti Luhur Orphanage in Berbah, Kalasan, before proceeding to Sendang Sriningsih in Klaten for a prayer pilgrimage.
The activity was led by Hermawan, coordinator of the parish’s Sacraments of Initiation Ministry.
The Archdiocese of Semarang said the visit aimed to instill compassion in the children by encouraging interaction with residents of the orphanage, many of whom have special needs.
The activity also sought to nurture gratitude among participants for the blessings within their families.
During the visit, the Parents’ Association of First Communion candidates turned over one million rupiah in cash assistance, food supplies, and 24 fruit tree seedlings—including orange and guava varieties.
The symbolic planting of the seedlings was described as an act of environmental stewardship aligned with Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for creation.
The group later traveled to Sendang Sriningsih, where the children took part in a Way of the Cross.
Organizers said the devotion was intended to deepen the children’s reflection on Christ’s suffering and sacrifice, while fostering stronger family bonds through shared prayer at the Marian shrine.
To support the activity, children and their parents organized two fundraising drives following Sunday Masses.
These included photo opportunities with exotic reptiles and a street performance known locally as mbarang, both intended to promote environmental awareness and self-reliance among the young participants.
Organizers said the event was met with enthusiasm from both children and parents, who expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pray, and grow in faith as a community.
