Children of the Eucharist

On Friday, October 3, thousands of children around the world will gather before the Blessed Sacrament for the 12th annual Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour. EWTN will broadcast this two-hour special presentation live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal.

Children of the Eucharist, Young Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is the name of this program for youth and children, sponsored by the International World Apostolate of Fatima

This year, we will be praying for His Holiness, Pope Francis, the clergy, and of course the children and their own families and the families of the world.. Anyone can include any petitions that they want. 

It's as easy as 1-2-3 to participate in your own parish:

1. Gather the children before the Blessed Sacrament. (Adults and families are also welcome!)

2. Light a candle as a sign of spiritual unity.

3. Pray together.

The Children of the Eucharist suggest these prayers: the prayers of Eucharistic reparation as taught at Fatima, the entrustment prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the canonization prayer for the Little Shepherds of Fatima, and finally, the world mission rosary. These are available as a downloadable and editable word doc at the Children of the Eucharist website.

That's it!

At the Basilica in Washington, DC, there's a procession of the Blessed Mother where the children wave hankies and sing the theme song, “We Are the Children of the World Answering His Call,” written by Irish singer Dana. They will also crown the Blessed Mother.

In DC, another important piece is the three questions the children get to ask. Children come forward with questions and the presider comes into the forefront and answers them. They’re usually focused on the Eucharist, the intercession of the Blessed Mother, something about Fatima, the rosary.

Bring children before Jesus on that day. If you feel a call to bring children during the year all year long, speak to your teachers and spouse and friends and pastors. Let’s get them to talk to Jesus and present their daily petitions. Get them to know Jesus as their friend and savior. If we don’t, we’re really leaving them empty.

Consider whether you can send us a donation to raise this movement to another level. Consider talking to your pastor or parish principal. Begin a local Children of the Eucharist chapter and be sure to use the beautiful materials we have to assist you on our website, childrenoftheeucharist.org. Please also keep the apostolate in your prayers.

EWTN’s coverage of the Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, begins on Friday, October 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern. Coverage lasts for two hours.