In Eastern Indonesia, the First Communion emerges as a nexus of religious, cultural, economic, and social dimensions that transcends its traditional liturgical role. Field research reveals that this transformative rite brings together various stakeholders, from church institutions and families to the broader community, who both reinforce collective religious identity and pursue diverse, often conflicting, socio-economic interests. Drawing on Durkheim’s notion of collective consciousness, Turner’s model of rites of passage, Weber’s insights into the religious economy, and Putnam’s social capital theory, this study shows how the ritual not only solidifies communal bonds and internalizes core values but also catalyses networks of trust, mutual support, and economic exchange. Moreover, the lavish celebrations foster cultural hybridity and local identity while simultaneously accentuating socio-economic stratifications, converting symbolic capital into material gains and elevated community status.
Key words: First Communion, Christian, religion, economy, social capital
DOI: 10.22250/2072-8662-2026-2-73-81
About the authors
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Fransiska Widyawati – Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng; A. Yani 10, Ruteng, Flores Indonesia; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4248-4133 |