An Irish Miracle: Nellie Organ life’s events forced Pope Pius X to change age of First Holy Communion

It is indeed a welcome change to see a child well taken care of by a religious order, especially one as unique as Nellie

Lovely to hear something uplifting and memorial for a change about a child placed in religious care. Hopefully the boys faired well.

In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and indeed in most of the Eastern Rite churches affiliated with Rome, baptism, confirmation and first communion are given at infancy. There are certainly arguments that can be made for infancy, versus age seven, but 14 was too old.

@SingleDonald, that's not true about Lutherans receiving First Communion at 14. It varies from one Lutheran Synod to another, but it's often taken at age 10 and Confirmation is usually at age 14. I have Lutheran friends.

PhlutiePhan! Some years ago, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council had a budget deficit. On examination their accounts they found that the bill for street lighting for the year was exactly of the same amount. So they swithched off all street lighting in the South County Dublin suburb for the year. Can't help wondering if the austericised denizens of DL might not have appreciated Luciferian illuminating of their area for the year.

I never learned about her, in Catholic Grade School. Also, I only now learned that Nellie was responsible for the age of receiving communion being reduced to 7. The Lutheran religion still has it as 14. Oh how fortunate we are today, with things like the Sauk Vaccine, and other medical breakthroughs! We don't have to worry about the many ailments which afflicted people a century ago. Finally, I believe hair usually grows, after a person dies. However, little Nellie not decomposing was a true miracle!!

What pretty child she was. How sweet and commited to our Lord in her illness.

I remember being told this story when I made my own First Communion at age 6. I am fascinated by the photo of Nellie that is included in this article. I've done some research on post mortem photography - especially in the cases of deceased children. Her posture and appearance seem to mirror some of the photos I've seen. Do the editors know if this is one of those kinds of photos?

What is powerful is the immense faith and spirituality of this period of Irish history. What is going on in Ireland today, exported from the States, is a travesty and satanic in origin. According to the books and writings of Malachi Martin, the devil has infiltrated the Catholic Church and in Ireland he walks at midnight lighting the lamps in the public square.

I read her LITTLE NELLIE OF HOLY GOD book decades ago. It was a very powerful story of a young saint.