Angela's Ashes

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession.

Yes, my child. And what sins have you committed?

I told a lie,I hit my brother, I stole a penny from my mother’s purse, and I ate a sausage on Friday.

Yes, my child, anything else?

I listened to dirty things about girls from the lanes... who don’t care what they do because they-- because they’ve already done it with their brothers.

And who told you these things?

– Mikey Molloy, Father.

For your penance, say three Hail Marys, three Our Fathers, and say a special prayer for me.

Am I one of the worst boys, Father?

No, my child. You have a long way to go.


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In the name of The Father and of The Son and of the Holy Ghost.
Bless me, Father,for I have sinned. It’s been a day since my last confession.

A day? And what sins have you committed in a day, my son?

I overslept, and I nearly missed my First Communion. My hair stuck up like a Protestant’s, and I threw up my First Holy Communion breakfast. Now me grandma says she has God in her backyard and what shall she do?

Tell your grandma to wash it away with a little water.


Grandma: Holy water or ordinary water?

– He didn’t say, Grandma.
– Well, go back and ask him.


In the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Ghost.
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.It’s been a minute since my last confession.

A minute? Are you the boy that was just here?

– I am, Father.
– What is it now?

My grandma says holy water or ordinary water?

He says ordinary water, and don’t go bothering him again.