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Vintage Catholic First Holy Communion Prayer Book – 1953: A beautiful pocket-size Catholic devotional book titled First Steps to Jesus: A New Prayer Book for First Holy Communion, edited by Father John Flanagan, with illustrations by Vincent Summers and published by Regina Press, New York. Made in Belgium.
The ecclesiastical approval page bears the Imprimatur of Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York, dated August 13, 1953.
This charming little prayer book was created especially for a child’s First Holy Communion and features wonderful period Catholic imagery throughout. The illustrated cover depicts a young First Communicant kneeling before Jesus holding the chalice, surrounded by traditional Eucharistic symbols including the IHS host, grapes, wheat and doves.
One of its most attractive features is the decorative inset crucifix inside the front cover, surrounded by an ornate gold-tone design. The book also retains its beautiful gilt page edges.
Inside are prayers and devotional sections for Morning and Evening Prayers, Holy Mass, Confession, Holy Communion, Benediction, the Way of the Cross, Sacred Heart, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, Guardian Angel and First Holy Communion Day, accompanied by lovely color illustrations.
Also included is the vintage Good Shepherd holy card shown in the photographs, which was found with the book.
Condition: Authentic vintage condition with considerable wear to the exterior binding/spine, including losses along the spine area, corner wear and age-related toning. Interior pages and illustrations present very nicely. There is an old handwritten notation on one interior page.
