The Bishop & The Crucifer { Prose }

{ Prose The Crucifer, a young man, no more than fifteen, turned to the Twelfth Station of the Cross, realizing the great honour it was to be the one chosen to carry the symbol of the Crucifixion and stand afront the particular Station that reflected the crucified Christ, the- boy suddenly became overwhelmed in awe of the moment by the ambience about him, and stood motionless at the foot of the Station. So, when the Bishop tapped his brass Staff, a signal for the Crucifer to move on to the next Station...the young man did not respond. A second, far louder tap followed, and could be heard throu'out the Cathedral. The Bishop, now looked over a sea of tall candles and Deacons ten long... two abreast so as to see what was holding up his sanctuous ceremony. Yet, the Crucifer stood still, statuesque, ossified like the tombs beneath Peters Basilica. Now with a most obvious sense of displeasure ornately displayed thru' winced eyes and crinkled brow, the Bishop proceded to leave his position at the spearhead of the procession passing Deacons holding candles at quite the brisk pace until he had made his way to the front of the procession, where the young Crucifer stood virtually catatonic. The Bishop, now embarrassed by the ordeal quietly, yet firmly confronted the Crucifer. 'Young man, why are you ignoring my requests'? The Crucifer replied...'I am truly sorry 'Your Eminence', as I mean you no direspect but although you hold a most highly acknowledged position in the Church....unfortunately, I've been summoned to respond to anothers request that you once told me takes precedence over yours....Your Eminence'. The Bishop, now flustered and in complete frustration chided back, 'And whom might this be, pray-tell '? The Crucifer looked sternly into the eyes of the Bishop and said, 'My God...if you don't know the answer to that, then perhaps you should take this Cross and stay here, and I'll take your place and lead this procession before that Man hanging on the Cross at this 12th Station is charged with making His first mistake ever! Suffice to say both the Bishop and the Crucifer did not break bread nor imbibe in red wine together that day. © Frank J. Ryan, Jr./FjR All rights reserved 2015