there were five schoolgirls and one schoolboy . It wasn’t as though women sinned more than men, it was more a case that women were more open with their sins and problems and were also able to admit to themselves that they had transgressed . Males seemed more obstinate and ready to pretend that any sinful behaviour was not really sinful.
“Parishioners,” Father Rafferty announced to the smattering of people . “I would like your attention please.” His words echoed around the spacious building, the design accentuating the acoustic value.
“I would like to introduce to you an eminent visitor to our humble parish.” Ignatious cast a sidelong glance at the priest at the description of ‘eminent.’ “He has travelled the world to spread the word of God, visiting many unknown and dangerous areas in the past, being undaunted by his task . A Jesuit priest, he is na med Brother Ignatious Saviour . The name Ignatious is a truly venerable one, being the name of the founder of that fine and dedicated branch of Catholicism . The good Brother has graciously offered to take confessions this afternoon and you may visit him in confessional box two . I urge you to attend for his special brand of advice whilst receiving the Lords penance.”
Father Rafferty then raised his arms wide and pronounced: “Go in peace and may the Lord God bless you all.” With that, he turned to Ignatious, smiling . “Please, Brother, take booth two; I will take booth one as is my usual custom,” he said in a whisper, the words carrying over the intently listening congregation . The men of God walked briskly to their respective confessional boxes and closed the doors.
For several minutes, the parishioners sat, looking in the direction of where the two priests had stood, each feeling the strange compelling aura of Brother Saviour . Then, one of the women stood and, with head bowed respectfully, shuffled along to the narrow benches arranged before the booths.
She went immediately to booth two, entered and knelt . In front of her was a crucifix bearing a plaster model of Jesus, draped with injured hands nailed to the cross, crown of thorns above thin trickles of blood that covered the forehead, an incredibly sad expression in the eyes; eyes that looked into the very soul of the sinner before Him . The cruel, open wound in the side looked so real, it was sure to bleed soon.
Mary Stewart, bowed her head again, unable to take the penetrating eyes, as she clasped her hands, leaning them on the small shelf placed beneath the crucifix . She was a wicked sinner, not fit to be in the presence of her Saviour . Her eye caught the slight movement of the shadowy figure to her right, behind the grey, closely meshed screen . Another presence began to flow through her, an almost tangible sensation . Brother Ignatious Saviour had turned to her, unable to see the miserable woman clearly, but his effect a touch more pronounced than that of the plaster figure on the wall . Father . Father . Please . Take me! Do as you will! Rape me! Scourge me! Cover me with your blessing! Mary was shocked at the terrible thoughts that had entered her mind – without knocking!
“Yes, my child.” The warm, comforting voice of the Jesuit floated to her . “I will hear your confession.”
Mary clutched the string of Rosary Beads tightly, so much so that they were in danger of snapping . She blessed herself, making a hurried and practiced sign of the cross, kissing the small silver crucifix that dangled from the end.
“Father forgive me, for I have sinned,” she began, using the words drummed into her from early childhood . “I am a sinner, an unworthy and wretched person.”
“We are all sinners, my daughter . God is all forgiving . You should not fear his wrath; it will not touch you . He has knowledge of all the frailties of Man.” The soothing voice melted over Mary . “Tell me now; in what way have
“Parishioners,” Father Rafferty announced to the smattering of people . “I would like your attention please.” His words echoed around the spacious building, the design accentuating the acoustic value.
“I would like to introduce to you an eminent visitor to our humble parish.” Ignatious cast a sidelong glance at the priest at the description of ‘eminent.’ “He has travelled the world to spread the word of God, visiting many unknown and dangerous areas in the past, being undaunted by his task . A Jesuit priest, he is na med Brother Ignatious Saviour . The name Ignatious is a truly venerable one, being the name of the founder of that fine and dedicated branch of Catholicism . The good Brother has graciously offered to take confessions this afternoon and you may visit him in confessional box two . I urge you to attend for his special brand of advice whilst receiving the Lords penance.”
Father Rafferty then raised his arms wide and pronounced: “Go in peace and may the Lord God bless you all.” With that, he turned to Ignatious, smiling . “Please, Brother, take booth two; I will take booth one as is my usual custom,” he said in a whisper, the words carrying over the intently listening congregation . The men of God walked briskly to their respective confessional boxes and closed the doors.
For several minutes, the parishioners sat, looking in the direction of where the two priests had stood, each feeling the strange compelling aura of Brother Saviour . Then, one of the women stood and, with head bowed respectfully, shuffled along to the narrow benches arranged before the booths.
She went immediately to booth two, entered and knelt . In front of her was a crucifix bearing a plaster model of Jesus, draped with injured hands nailed to the cross, crown of thorns above thin trickles of blood that covered the forehead, an incredibly sad expression in the eyes; eyes that looked into the very soul of the sinner before Him . The cruel, open wound in the side looked so real, it was sure to bleed soon.
Mary Stewart, bowed her head again, unable to take the penetrating eyes, as she clasped her hands, leaning them on the small shelf placed beneath the crucifix . She was a wicked sinner, not fit to be in the presence of her Saviour . Her eye caught the slight movement of the shadowy figure to her right, behind the grey, closely meshed screen . Another presence began to flow through her, an almost tangible sensation . Brother Ignatious Saviour had turned to her, unable to see the miserable woman clearly, but his effect a touch more pronounced than that of the plaster figure on the wall . Father . Father . Please . Take me! Do as you will! Rape me! Scourge me! Cover me with your blessing! Mary was shocked at the terrible thoughts that had entered her mind – without knocking!
“Yes, my child.” The warm, comforting voice of the Jesuit floated to her . “I will hear your confession.”
Mary clutched the string of Rosary Beads tightly, so much so that they were in danger of snapping . She blessed herself, making a hurried and practiced sign of the cross, kissing the small silver crucifix that dangled from the end.
“Father forgive me, for I have sinned,” she began, using the words drummed into her from early childhood . “I am a sinner, an unworthy and wretched person.”
“We are all sinners, my daughter . God is all forgiving . You should not fear his wrath; it will not touch you . He has knowledge of all the frailties of Man.” The soothing voice melted over Mary . “Tell me now; in what way have
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