We have already taken our seats in the church when the Father ushers us outside again because the musicians have arrived to hold a procession in the neighbourhood.
The procession is headed by a statue of Christ the King, followed by girls in order of size then boys, all of whom today will make their first communion; and finally family and friends. For the past year 15 boys and girls of about 10 years old have been preparing for this big day by reading bible stories and by attending weekly meetings designed to deepen their understanding of biblical themes.
First communion
The girls look like small brides; the boys wear a smart shirt with tie. Some boys and girls also wear gloves The mass starts when the procession is. back in church. The young people who will take their first communion sit on the stage, in full view of the parishioners.
After the sermon the official part of the service starts. The clergy who prepared the young people for their first communion, two parents representing all the parents, and finally two of the young people, take it in turns to ask the Father whether he is prepared to accept them for their first communion. In his acceptance of this request the Father stresses that today should be the first day of an on-going relationship with God. After the consecration of Bread and Wine the young people, supported by a family member, line up to receive their first Holy Communion. I am honoured to have been asked to accompany my god daughter Astrid Daniella. The rest of the parish receives Holy Communion after us.
At the end of the Service every first communicant receives a bible and a certificate, and the catechists are thanked for their commitment. A group photograph that includes the pastor ends the two and a half hour service .
Low income
This is the period that large numbers of young people take their first communion in many churches. It costs around $80 for families who want to play according to the rules to prepare their children for their first communion: the dress, the veil, the gloves, new shoes, a candle and for girls a rosary all need to be paid for. Add to this the celebratory meal at the family’s home. One really wonders how the poorer families manage to pay for the event, given that the minimum wage for those who have employment (many do not!) is around $150,- per month. I know too many people who struggle hard to make ends meet to be in favour of this biblical image of ‘happy are the poor’. It is obvious that families depend on other families. ‘Today I’m hard up, tomorrow you will be’. It’s certainly a life skill to live and survive in a poor country like Nicaragua where there is hardly any Government support.