Britain | Loose and lacy

Northern Irish Catholics are becoming less devout

But cultural attachment to their faith is undiminished

|DERRY

AMONG THE nine-year-old girls of Derry, demand for frilly white frocks that resemble mini-wedding dresses remains strong. The first time a child takes part in the Eucharist, the holiest of Christian rites, is an important milestone that features not only a fancy new outfit, but a big party (covid-19 permitting), and cash gifts that are splurged on toys and computer games.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Loose and lacy”

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