X [Video; Latin and Roman Common (Italian)]

[sancta_sedes]

[The video comes on as Alessandro is kneeling at the side of a bed. He is holding his Rosary in his hands, bent in prayer. Though the video just came on, it seems he has been doing this consistently for a while now. In a soft voice he recites scripture to himself unsteadily in Latin. He is obviously afraid and is searching for any sort of solace he

Comments

[13th_crusader]

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we turn to thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To thee we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us.

And come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Amen.

Is the chill bearable, Il Papa?

[sancta_sedes]

It's too c-cold.

[13th_crusader]

Perdonami, Il Papà.

I would offer you what provisions I had.. were I not bound to the hospice.

I would imagine such a culture shock as this for you, even if our Vatican is on different plains; I'm hardly accustomed to the cold either.

A... subordinate of mine would have suggested this... Yet if you will, perhaps you would do well to stay close to your sister. The shared warmth between you will kindle you through this small trial.

[sancta_sedes]

I n-never knew it could g-get like this. I-it was beyond my i-imagination....

Please also t-take care, and stay w-warm. I will s-stay as close as possible to Sister, and p-pray we all make it th-through this trial.

[13th_crusader]

Sì, yet.. I assure you it has been.. there, has been far worse here. Before my subordinate left, he told me of things we see only as It is Written.

Sulfur once filled the sky, the air became unbreathable, and the rain came as acid. Earthquakes shattered foundations, and darkness filled this city for weeks.

It was only by miracle that these patrons survived, and I have faith we will see another of His deliverances again here and now.

[sancta_sedes]

A-acid rain? Th-that sounds horrible.... But... I w-wonder which is w-worse....

[13th_crusader]

To freeze or to melt? Mmn, both are rather extremes, yet in the least we're not facing all of those former trials at once as they did.

Remember Job, Il Papà. Darker forces are at work here to stumble your faith, just as they attempted to stumble Job's. Remain steadfast.

[sancta_sedes]

I-I will! I w-will not l-lose faith, e-even in these t-troubling times. I will c-c-continue to wait for H-His guidance.