Summary
Nellie Organ, affectionately known as “Little Nellie,” was a 4-year-old Irish girl whose piety and devotion to God led to the lowering of the age at which children could receive their first holy Communion. In 1910, Pope Pius X decreed in Quam Singulari that the age of discretion for confession and Communion is approximately seven years old, encouraging frequent Communion among all faithful starting from a young age. The decree aimed to encourage daily Mass attendance, making a significant impact on the Catholic Church. Little Nellie’s story played a crucial role in persuading Pope Pius X. Known for her early signs of spirituality and intense religious experiences including visions of Jesus and Mary, Little Nellie developed an unwavering desire to receive Holy Communion. John Donovan from the Little Nellie Foundation highlighted that the child’s unwavering devotion and personal relationship with “Holy God,” despite being only 4 years old at her first holy Communion in 1909, captivated many within the Church community. The Good Shepherd sisters cared for Little Nellie, who suffered from tuberculosis. She died of this illness at age 4 and 1/2, leaving behind a legacy as one of the youngest children to receive Holy Communion. Pope Pius X’s decree emphasized that basic understanding and reverence were sufficient for children to partake in the sacrament, rejecting advanced theological knowledge. The story of Little Nellie became widely known through John Donovan’s account, solidifying her place in Catholic history as an inspiring figure who demonstrated that young children could possess genuine faith and desire for Communion.
Key Topics
Little Nellie, Church decree, Pope Pius X
