Upon the recommendation of Renua, the manager of the Kiligruger troupe, I arrived at the House of Confession, a welfare institution. It was clear from the state of the place that it had seen better days. Here, I met the elderly priest, Father Pierre.

If someone as prestigious as me had visited a more well-off establishment, they would have been obliged to offer fine beverages and lavish hospitality.

But Father Pierre could only offer me a chipped cup and plain water.

“I apologize for the lack of proper hospitality, sir. Our facility's situation is unfortunate, and I regret that I …