Catholic Communion Book

5B Order for the Administration of the Holy Communion and Occasional Offices according to the Use of the Church of England. London: William Pickering, 1848.

Notes

A Catholic Communion book is a devotional guide typically given to children preparing for their First Holy Communion, a milestone sacrament in the Catholic faith. It serves as both a keepsake and a spiritual tool, designed to help young Catholics understand the Eucharist, where they believe they receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The book usually includes essential prayers—such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Act of Contrition—along with an explanation of the Mass, the significance of Communion, and how to prepare one's heart through prayer and confession. The tone is reverent yet accessible, often accompanied by sacred illustrations and decorative elements that mark the occasion as special.

Beyond instruction, the Communion book often functions as a spiritual companion during Mass, sometimes including the full Order of the Mass with responses and cues to help young communicants participate more fully. Many editions also feature spaces to record memories from the First Communion day, blending catechesis with personal devotion. While primarily geared toward children, Communion books reflect the Church’s broader commitment to fostering a lifelong reverence for the Eucharist and the liturgy.

Description

Arts & Crafts binding. Wooden boards with three quarter brown leather. Blind tooling along the hinge on upper and lower boards. Gilt lettering in the first compartment of the spine. Five raised bands. Bronze Madonna and child on upper board. Metal closures with brown leather braided rings that clasp. Gilt edges. Red and black lettering throughout. Very fine condition.