I think there are times when a revolution is needed. And I think we need one now, one that should be stronger than the industrial one. I’m talking about a revolution in celebrations: a revolution in Communions, in weddings…

But let’s take it step by step. To begin, I’m proposing something not simple: revolutionizing First Communions.

A few years ago, a woman approached me. She wasn’t particularly affectionate. I couldn’t stop staring at her nails: black, with a painted half-moon and sparkling glitter on the moon. While I was lost in these details, she reprimanded me because we shared a church on the same day as our children’s Communion—she in the morning, me in the afternoon—and warned me that if I didn’t pay the stipulated amount, they would take the flowers away.

I paid. I was afraid of the color that mother with black nails and a half-moon would have chosen. And this is absurd. I paid without choosing, without knowing, without having a say. I paid to have a peaceful celebration.

I think it would be good if centers and parishes could overcome any obligation. There are parents who worry and organize months in advance, who hire services as early as January so they don’t run out of photographers or flowers… and there are families who can’t afford certain expenses. We get both of them into trouble if we don’t act sensibly.

I would encourage the catechists themselves—who know the children well and are sensitive to what is being celebrated—to be in charge of arranging the church with simplicity and good taste for the ceremony.

I would also encourage parishes to trust that, if anyone has an iPhone and a bit of good taste, they can take photos inside the church without needing expensive professionals.

And, drumroll for the revolution: if all the children wore the same white tunic, they would all be dressed exactly the same. The economic factor wouldn’t make any difference, nor would it be a problem.

Afterward, of course, everyone would be free to celebrate however they wanted: with photographers, flowers, dresses, candy tables… that depends on each family’s taste, needs, and possibilities.

But I firmly believe we need to start revolutionizing ceremonies. Why not?