Every year, thousands of seven and eight year-olds across the UK take their First Holy Communion - an important rite of passage in the Catholic Church. It’s a sacred ceremony but the celebrations, parties, outfits and even the hair are getting bigger each year.
First Communion follows four children and their families as they prepare for their First Holy Communion, one of the biggest days of their lives so far.
This film offers a unique glimpse into the world of Holy Communion Season in the UK, capturing the emotional highs and lows through the eyes of the children and their families and asks what place does this ancient ritual have in the modern world?
Tia lives in West Belfast with her mum, dad and four siblings. She is determined to have a huge First Communion Day party fit for a princess.
First Communion for seven year-old Seren in Formby means following a set of much-loved family traditions. Granny Norma takes her to the same dress shop the family has used for decades.
Niall lives with his mum and his granny in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. He loves learning and has spent weeks preparing with his class and teacher for the big day. He takes his religious studies very seriously, despite his family’s lapse in faith. But when his granny is faced with a life changing diagnosis, Niall’s communion day, and their faith, takes on a new meaning.
Magdalena lives in London with her mum, dad and eight siblings. Her younger sister lives with a life-threatening breathing condition and her family’s faith is a support to them.
The film examines modern families and their relationship with the Catholic Church. Through a diverse cast of characters, it explores the changing role of faith in the UK, offering insight from a child’s perspective.
First Communion is a Walk On Air Films production for BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Factual and was commissioned at part of the Hot House commissioning initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
Watch First Communion on BBC1 NI on Monday 27 January, 11:40pm - 12:40am.