First communion: 2

The priest singles out, among the candidates for catechism, since the succession of volunteers is thin, a pretty girl from a wealthy family to groom for service. Surplices don’t wash themselves; it’s not easy to scrub the sweat stains from chasubles; and the altar must be regularly adorned with flowers. He marks a girl with holy water and a touch of his hand. If her forehead turns red, then she’s a good candidate. She must be taught that any impure thoughts in the room are her own fault, that she must submit to the Lord and at all times do what she is told without question. It’s not easy, but she learns that it’s her weakness; it’s her weakness that she breaks into fevers at night, dreaming fitfully of sweaty priests and meaningless rituals. She knows it’s not the incense or funereal odors that makes her nauseous, but her own unworthiness. She vows that she will suffer as Christ requires.