08 November, 2020

Hadley Story Corner: #9 Pat’s first communion (Lia)

Grandma Buckley went to mass at least once a day, often more than once depending upon the holidays. As such, Pat, uncle John, and uncle Peter were raised in a very strict catholic tradition.

This picture of Pat on her First Communion, is touching in so many ways. She looks so proud, but also so scared, yet really amazing. I wish we had asked her what she felt. Did any of you talk to her about it?

The other touching thing, is her communion dress and veil. They were handmade. The question is whether they were handed down from one generation to another, in the manner it was with baptism attire. Who would have worn it before she did?

Or, did grandma make those clothes for her? How could she afford to do so considering they were still very poor at that time? How important the occasion must have meant? Grandma spent so much time and money on making something for Pat that was only to be worn once.

Lastly, please take notice of the gifts Pat received. Her first piece of jewellery, a gold necklace with a cross on the end. Her own children’s bible and a rosary held in her gloved hands.

This is the only studio photograph I know of with Pat in it. She would have been seven years old at the time. The center of attention. The belle of the ball. A role she continued to embrace throughout her life.  

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