Faith as Power and Shelter

Trespasses

Catholic ritual and clerical authority offer communal structure while also exposing children and families to fear, shame and coercion.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Ashes and Public Identity Ashes and Public Identity from "Trespasses". Ashes and Public Identity A visible sign Cushla removes the ash cross from her forehead before serving customers, knowing the Catholic symbol will be unwelcome…

Ashes and Public Identity from "Trespasses". Ashes and Public Identity A visible sign Cushla removes the ash cross from her forehead before serving customers, knowing the Catholic symbol will be unwelcome…

Ashes and Public Identity A visible sign Cushla removes the ash cross from her forehead before serving customers, knowing the Catholic symbol will be unwelcome to many regulars. Her brother calls her foolish rather than defending her choice. Faith under pressure A small ritual becomes a public marker of communal identity. The moment captures how religious practice is not private in a town where even appearance can invite judgement.

Slattery’s Classroom Threat Slattery’s Classroom Threat from "Trespasses". Slattery’s Classroom Threat A sermon to children Father Slattery tells pupils a horrific story of sectarian assault and insists Protestants hate Catholics.

Slattery’s Classroom Threat from "Trespasses". Slattery’s Classroom Threat A sermon to children Father Slattery tells pupils a horrific story of sectarian assault and insists Protestants hate Catholics.

Slattery’s Classroom Threat A sermon to children Father Slattery tells pupils a horrific story of sectarian assault and insists Protestants hate Catholics. Davy asks a concrete question, while Cushla recognizes the manipulation behind the tale. A teacher intervenes Cushla sends the children outside and leaves Slattery alone. Her small act of resistance protects them for the moment, though the priest’s authority remains intact.

A Song Against Fear A Song Against Fear from "Trespasses". A Song Against Fear A public confrontation At assembly, Slattery uses the assault to frighten children about Loyalist violence.

A Song Against Fear from "Trespasses". A Song Against Fear A public confrontation At assembly, Slattery uses the assault to frighten children about Loyalist violence.

A Song Against Fear A public confrontation At assembly, Slattery uses the assault to frighten children about Loyalist violence. Bradley offers no objection, leaving teachers and pupils trapped in the speech. Music disrupts authority Gerry walks onstage and leads a peace song. Its sentiment is clumsy, but Cushla joins in because it gives the children another voice besides the priest’s.

Davy’s First Confession Davy’s First Confession from "Trespasses". Davy’s First Confession A child made afraid Slattery gives Davy an unusually long penance and calls him a bad boy.

Davy’s First Confession from "Trespasses". Davy’s First Confession A child made afraid Slattery gives Davy an unusually long penance and calls him a bad boy.

Davy’s First Confession A child made afraid Slattery gives Davy an unusually long penance and calls him a bad boy. Cushla hesitates to challenge the priest after seeing how Bradley’s authority has been used against the family. Tommy steps in Tommy pulls his brother from the pew and confronts the adults. Davy later receives a missal and rosary from Cushla, objects that are meant as affection but can also feel like religious pressure.

Communion Amid Uncertainty Communion Amid Uncertainty from "Trespasses". Communion Amid Uncertainty Ritual proceeds The children receive Communion and sing together while their families gather in the school canteen.

Communion Amid Uncertainty from "Trespasses". Communion Amid Uncertainty Ritual proceeds The children receive Communion and sing together while their families gather in the school canteen.

Communion Amid Uncertainty Ritual proceeds The children receive Communion and sing together while their families gather in the school canteen. Gina gives Davy an extravagant gift, and Betty is unsettled by the gesture. Faith cannot repair everything Davy’s family attends partly because Betty fears losing her children. The ceremony offers a moment of community, but it cannot erase Slattery’s intimidation or the family’s insecurity.

Ash Wednesday 1975, before Cushla’s pub shift

Early spring 1975, during a P3 lesson

Spring 1975, after news of Seamie’s assault

The day before First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion day, late spring 1975