Not only did she write down names, but Casanova also swiftly drew sketches of the faces of important people who were being mentioned one by one by Mrs. Merry. As a former face painter, this is certainly not a difficult problem for Casanova.
The faces of the Mister and Miss, the supreme leader of the mafia family are drawn on the front sheet. While on the back sheet are the faces of officials who hold political power. The next sheet is filled with faces of high-ranking police officers, military soldiers, and people who are quite influential in the city of Venice. All did not escape to decorating Casanova's booklet.
"But wait… don't I know that the title for the leader of a mafia group is called the Godfather? Then why now change the name to Mister and Miss?" Casanova asked Mrs. Merry. His eyes asked for an explanation.
"Good question, young man. The title Godfather does exist, but it's an old term. Because, in the last few decades, there has been a massive eradication carried out by the Italian police to get rid of the mafia kingpin. The situation became chaotic. Many mafias were caught and slaughtered everywhere, and some fled abroad. So, since then Casanova, the mafia has changed a lot of terms to maintain the group's secrecy. The Godfather was changed to Mister. As for the family name, they put the term 'EL' for the first name."
"EL?"
"Yes, EL. It is taken from the word Elohim, which means God," explained Mrs. Merry.
"Lord? Huh, what the heck, why are they bringing up God's name?" protested the young man. "It is very clear that their family is in a dirty and illegal business. And they don't even hesitate to kill other people to launch their business. So I think it's very strange if the mafia family uses EL's name in front of the family's name. Examples are the EL Santo family, the EL Capone family, the EL Rio d'Bonuchi family, and also the EL Selena Franco family. Huh, that's all. Isn't the term EL totally against their business?" Casanova frowned, again asking for an explanation.
This time Mrs. Merry smiled broadly before answering the question. He felt Casanova was a bright young man and so critical.
"Oh, it seems that you should also know, young man, that all members of the mafia are very religious individuals. Every week they come to church to worship and pray, they don't even hesitate before their Pastors to confess all their sins…"
"It's true, their business is very dirty. They never pay taxes to the government. But remember one thing, Casanova. The mafia is never absent from paying 'tithe' to the church (Tithing: is an activity to give 10% of income to places of worship)…"
"They look like Robin Hood. The difference is, that Robin Hood gives wealth to the poor people out there. Whereas the mafia donated property to the church…"
" Not only that. Although the mafia is known as a ruthless group and does not hesitate to kill anyone it's business opponents, there is one rule that must not be broken! They may not kill, harm, or wage war on church grounds. Because they believe that the church is an honorable holy place. So to maintain their authority, the mafia agreed that whoever is in the church has received protection from God. So under no circumstances should they kill or fight in this holy place. Interesting right?" asked Mrs. Merry.
Casanova nodded.
"So in short, young people, the mafias call themselves 'mafioso', or which means gentlemen. So they must be able to maintain an attitude of courtesy and honor. And even, this morning as you know, Mister Adam will be the 'Godfather' to a baby from one of his family. Meanwhile, being a Godfather can not just anyone. He must be a person who is respected, respected, and religious at the same time, " concluded Mrs. Merry, explaining at length.
Casanova nodded. But it seems the young man is still not satisfied with all the answers.
"Mrs. Merry, don't you feel strange? If it's just a baby's baptism this morning, why should Mister Adam bother inviting…"
TENG!
TENG!
The ringing of the bell stopped the conversation. All present stood up immediately, to welcome the group that appeared from behind the big curtain in front of them.
Mister Adam and Miss Bianca carried a tiny baby wrapped in a dark cloth. With them, there was also an old priest walking in the front carrying a scepter with a crown of jewels, and behind him were two female church servants, each carrying a jug and a large bowl.
Then the group walked hand in hand towards the main pulpit, smiling at all the guests who were standing looking at him.
Especially to the honored guest who sat in the front row of seats, the 3 highest leaders of the mafia family.
Mister Adam and his wife even paused for a moment, to politely nod their heads to the three.
Mister Capone responded quickly by repacking his cigar, nodding, and smiling politely at Mister Adam.
Mister Rio d'Bonuchi, the handsome man put one hand to his chest, bowed slightly, and smiled kindly.
Meanwhile, Miss Selena Franco seemed indifferent instead of behaving politely like the other two Misters. The beautiful woman looked straight with a snowman's face, cold and expressionless. Even worse, he didn't want to take off his sunglasses, what disrespectful behavior.
But the other three Misters don't need to think about Miss Selena's behavior, that's how it is.
Next, Mister Adam's group walked back, until they arrived in front of the main pulpit, they positioned themselves in the available place.
The christening ceremony this morning began immediately.
It was opened by the Pastor who read the prayers and did not forget to give a short sermon.
The entire audience who stood listened intently, although some looked bored and yawned. Until the white-browed Pastor asked, "So, would you like this child to be united with Christ and accepted as a member of God's people?" he asked as he looked at the tiny baby in the sling, then turned to look into Mister Adam's eyes.
"Yes, I will," replied Mister Adam, nodding.
Then the sacred procession is carried out. Wisely the Pastor poured water from the jar to sprinkle on the baby, as a symbol of purification and cleansing of the soul. All the guests smiled at him, following this baptism process very deeply as if they were seeing the mercy of God with their own eyes.
"Amen."
"Amen."
And finally, the closing prayer was just read by the Pastor, as a sign of the completion of the series of events this morning.
The audience left. Likewise with Mrs. Merry. But he was surprised to find Casanova still standing where he was, staring intently at the front row of seats.
"What's wrong, Casanova? Let us go home."
"Just a moment, Mrs. Merry. I'm still curious, why for a baptism that is family in nature like this, Mister Adam bothered to invite 3 other Misters?"
Mother Merry shook her head. "That is none of your business, young man. Hurry up, your business is to take me home. Now!" told him not to want to be denied.
"Okay, Mother Merry." Casanova complied, then left where he was standing. Although deep down he was still wondering...
What's the secret behind this morning's show?