Description

The heartwarming story of Little Nellie of Holy God, a 4-year-old child whose deep love for Jesus and the Eucharist inspired Pope St. Pius X to lower the age for First Communion to seven, is a beautiful testament to the innocence and faith of children. Little Nellie’s deep yearning to receive “Holy God” captivated everyone around her. She was a spirited and unique child, and no one knew where she had learned to call the Eucharist by this name, or how she instantly recognized the Blessed Sacrament when it was first exposed on the altar. Her devotion to Jesus was pure and genuine, far beyond her young years.

Nellie spent the last months of her life at the Good Shepherd Sisters’ convent in Cork City, where she was cared for lovingly. Her greatest desire was to receive Holy Communion, and with special permission from her bishop, she was able to receive the Eucharist about 32 times before her untimely death at just 4 and a half years old. Her devotion and understanding of the Eucharist deeply impacted the Sisters who cared for her, and they lovingly shared stories about this remarkable child and her fervent love for Our Lord.

One year after her death, Little Nellie’s body was found incorrupt, which was recognized as a sign of her holiness. Many favors and graces have been granted through her intercession, and Pope St. Pius X himself requested and received a relic of Little Nellie. This profound event inspired him to lower the age for First Holy Communion, recognizing the deep faith of young children.

This story, complete with numerous black-and-white photographs, is ideal for readers 12 and up. It offers a powerful lesson on the love and respect we should have for the Eucharist, demonstrating how even the youngest hearts can have a profound impact on the Church.