Father Benjamin A. Garcia of the Archdiocese of Washington, who is devoted to the traditional Mass, has published a children's book which reinforces the Catholic tradition of the sanctuary lamp, the sign of the real presence of Our Lord in our Catholic churches.
"The Little Red Light", with 25 pages of delightful color illustrations by Marina, aids in preparation of children for reception of Holy Communion by drawing a connection from the safety of the night light, which many have at home, to the meaning and significance of the sanctuary lamp burning perpetually in our churches. And thus to a deeper awareness of this ever-present lamp expressing, by means of light, the security of Our Lord's abiding presence in the Most Blessed Sacrament, for the sake of greater devotion expressed in the life of prayer.
All is told through Father Ben's experience of his faith in the Real Presence which led to his ordination as a priest.
At a very young age our children attending holy Mass begin to learn about the various sights and sounds of our sacred Catholic ritual. One of the most important signs about which they should become aware while very young is that which points to the reason why our churches are different from every other building: Our Lord present in all the tabernacles of the world. The red sanctuary lamp is the privileged sign of this miracle of God with us.
The book will not confuse children who attend the traditional Latin Mass as it depicts the customary classic altar arrangement oriented east as seen here.
