This book is intended as a guide or escort for First Communicants, and such it is equipped with the means to lead children preparing for the great day of their first holy communion, in an easy and entertaining, yet no less sure and thorough manner, to the happy consummation of their goal. This book was prepared for First Communicants as a useful preparation and a helpful companion before, at, and after their first holy communion. The hope of planting in the hearts of children holy and necessary grains of spiritual seed, that would thrive and grow, with God's grace, into a deeply rooted and vigorous tree, producing the leaves of living faith and tender piety, the flowers of beautiful Christian virtues, and eventually the fruits of celestial peace and eternal happiness. The sanctification of God's beloved little souls, in the most profound reverence and adoration, to the Divine Friend of children, who has said: "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God." --St. Mark X. 14. F.X. Lasance. FEAST of THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, 1898.