Believe

9 : The Archangel

Surprisingly, Jacob fixed Rebecca's engagement with Jake, which took place at St. Thomas' church since they were re-constructing St. Michael's' after what Jacob's men had done the day before.

"Where's father? I haven't seen him since what had happened yesterday." Derek said. "Where is he Peter? In his office?"

"No clue. I haven't seen him since morning." He said. "Hurry up. Just one more hymn."

"Yea, but we need to get the flash drive from him. The power-point presentation with today's mass' hymns are in it. Normally, Jake brings them. But he has work." Derek said.

"Go get it Derek." Maura said, adjusting her mic.

"This is why I don't sign up for the morning mass." Derek said unwillingly, and walked out of the main wing of the church. He was walking fast towards the priests' office. He stood outside father's room for a few seconds, and then knocked the door. There wasn't any response.

"Father?" He said, and slowly tried to push the door. "Oh, it's open." Father was kneeling in front of a small table that had a lighted candle and a crucifix. He was reciting the rosary.

"Oh, sorry father. I didn't mean to disturb you." He said, and was about to walk out, but father called him back.

"It's alright. Come in." Father said, getting up. "Are you here for the flash drive?"

"Yes father." He said.

"Here." Father said, and was about to kneel down again.

"It's none of my business father, but I'm just curious. Why is it that you're always in your chamber? Like, normal parish priests are always busy, running around in the church. Why is it that you're never seen-..."

"I've wanted to tell you this, but you wouldn't believe me." Father said, standing straight again.

"What is it father?" He asked curiously.

"I'll just be praying continuously. That's all I do." Father said.

"I can believe that." He said.

"Let me explain." Father said. "Have you heard that sometimes people reach purgatory, instead of heaven or hell?"

"Yes." He said.

"The people there are also worthy of reaching heaven. And the only way for that to happen is through our intersessions." Father said. "That is the main idea behind all souls day. But, it's not that we have to pray for them only on that day."

"Uh huh?" He said.

"It is our duty to pray for them, and help them reach heaven." Father said. "For the past couple of weeks, some dreams have been troubling me. I feel like I get visions of those people there. I see them almost regularly. They cry to me, asking me to pray for them, so they can also reach heaven."

"Yea, I think I need to make a move-..."

"Hold my hand. I'll show you." Father said, giving out his hand.

"No." He said immediately. "I need to go."

"Do not be afraid. Just believe in me." Father said, and took hold of Derek's hand. Derek stared at the closed door of father's office. Then suddenly, he saw vague figures of people, who looked like they were screaming and crying loudly.

Derek immediately retrieved his hand and ran out of the office room, petrified.

*

The next day, Rebecca, Jake and the others went to invite father for her wedding, and to ask father to celebrate the mass. Rebecca's parents couldn't make it because they were at St. Thomas', getting some pre-wedding preparations done.

"I think we should go later? Like, after a while? Let him come out. We'll wait." Derek said.

"You were the one who was eager to do this. What happened now?" Rebecca asked. "You have been acting quiet odd after yesterday's mass."

"I don't like singing for the morning mass. I don't know why." Derek lied immediately.

"Get over it Derek." Sasha said. "He's been acting weird ever since-..."

"Enough guys." Derek said. "Let's go then."

The door of his room was wide open. Empty. He wasn't there, and neither were his belongings.

"Where did he go? Father?" Dexter said, walking around the room. Derek looked really tensed.

"Guys. A note." Maura said, pulling out a sheet of white paper from beneath the lamp shade on the table.

"Read it." Isaac said.

Maura read out loudly –

Children, it is time for me to bid farewell. I'm sorry I didn't inform anyone about this. I didn't want you guys to be upset about it .I'm going back to where all our congregation priests reside. Another priest will be appointed as the new parish priest, along with Brother Joel as the deacon. Once again, I'm sorry for not having told you. It's for your own good. May God bless you and your families.

-Father Angelo Clovis

"Oh my." Diana said. "But, why? Why did he have to go?"

"There was no reason." Abel said.

"Guys, look." Jessica said, pointing at a man standing in front of the open door. He was young, in a dark brown tunic, clear green eyes and short and dark brown hair.

"Father? What is this letter about?" Isaac asked.

"What was the use of that letter? Where are you going?" Jake asked, looking at all the luggage he was carrying.

"What letter? I'm sorry, do I know you? How is it that you know me?" Father asked.

"You're father Angelo, right? Father Angelo Clovis?" Derek asked.

"Yes." Father said. "I've been appointed as the parish priest of your church."

"Huh?" Rebecca asked. "How is that possible? Father Angelo has already gone back."

"Gone back? Where? Who is this other father you're speaking of? I'm Father Angelo Clovis." Father said, smiling.

"Then, who was that? Who was that father?" Jake asked.

 *

"Let the church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven."

-Pope Francis

THE END