Knights In Tarnished Armor Christmas Special
#12. Letter from Father Benedictus to Bishop Petrus
Your Reverence,
My heart fills with shame as I write this sad missive. Yet, I fear I am already too late, and you have heard a distorted, gossip-laden account of the most appalling behavior of two of the young townsfolk. Who they are, I have yet to determine, for I saw no faces. But I begin at the end. Your Reverence deserves to know all as it occurred.
Last night I prepared the High Street Church for the Holy Eve service. I left all as it should be, with candles burning in the alcoves of the Saints and the hearths well stoked for Your Reverence knows that in this bitter weather we must tend to the bodily needs of our flock as well as their souls. The House of the Lord is always open, so I locked only the gate to the sanctuary.
Indeed, as I left the nave some of our fair city's less fortunate denizens asked me to bless them where they gathered about one of the hearths. Naturally, I did so, and directed them to the East Gate, where Brother Frederick would supply them with hot stew and cider if they so desired.
I busied myself with my preparations for the service and prayer for the souls of those in their care until the bells rang for Holy Eve service. Your Reverence knows this routine well.
But alas! I entered the sanctuary from my office to the foulest blasphemy, for there on the carpet behind the altar lay a young man and maid entirely bereft of clothing and defiling the holy sanctuary with the most gross of carnal acts!
I fear I quite lost control, so great was my shock. I do not recall what I said. They scrambled to their feet and fled into the crypt. How they had entered the sanctuary and where they concealed their clothing remains a mystery to me.
Tragically, the service was a farce. Great gales of laughter rocked the congregation and not one word I said could quiet them. After such a terrible event, I fear I can no longer remain in service to the Church as a priest. I beg Your Reverence to accept my resignation forthwith and allow me to retire to a quiet seminary where I might endeavor to regain my peace of mind.
With deepest regret,
Father Benedictus
Your Reverence,
My heart fills with shame as I write this sad missive. Yet, I fear I am already too late, and you have heard a distorted, gossip-laden account of the most appalling behavior of two of the young townsfolk. Who they are, I have yet to determine, for I saw no faces. But I begin at the end. Your Reverence deserves to know all as it occurred.
Last night I prepared the High Street Church for the Holy Eve service. I left all as it should be, with candles burning in the alcoves of the Saints and the hearths well stoked for Your Reverence knows that in this bitter weather we must tend to the bodily needs of our flock as well as their souls. The House of the Lord is always open, so I locked only the gate to the sanctuary.
Indeed, as I left the nave some of our fair city's less fortunate denizens asked me to bless them where they gathered about one of the hearths. Naturally, I did so, and directed them to the East Gate, where Brother Frederick would supply them with hot stew and cider if they so desired.
I busied myself with my preparations for the service and prayer for the souls of those in their care until the bells rang for Holy Eve service. Your Reverence knows this routine well.
But alas! I entered the sanctuary from my office to the foulest blasphemy, for there on the carpet behind the altar lay a young man and maid entirely bereft of clothing and defiling the holy sanctuary with the most gross of carnal acts!
I fear I quite lost control, so great was my shock. I do not recall what I said. They scrambled to their feet and fled into the crypt. How they had entered the sanctuary and where they concealed their clothing remains a mystery to me.
Tragically, the service was a farce. Great gales of laughter rocked the congregation and not one word I said could quiet them. After such a terrible event, I fear I can no longer remain in service to the Church as a priest. I beg Your Reverence to accept my resignation forthwith and allow me to retire to a quiet seminary where I might endeavor to regain my peace of mind.
With deepest regret,
Father Benedictus