Days go by in their usual way, sometimes interesting, sometimes not so much.
When York woke up the next day and went to the living room for breakfast, freshly prepared by Eileen, he found himself troubled by his promotion in priesthood, yet not so troubled after all.
After all, it's a promotion and a raise.
In life, you can be troubled, angry, or tired, but don't complain or make unnecessary choices.
Most importantly, it's not just the church saying you're promoted, and then you are.
The promotion from a priest to a bishop is a significant event within the vast church.
Promotees must attend an inauguration ceremony arranged by the church, recognized by all clergy, and then, under the witness and authorization of the Pope, your priesthood is officially elevated to bishop.
The inauguration ceremony of a new bishop is a solemn and dignified ritual, representing the transmission and continuation of the church's authority.
So, the preparation for the inauguration ceremony is very cumbersome, including venue preparation, ceremonial preparations, preparation of the title, preparation of the vestments, and so on.
Apart from this, the ceremonial forms within the ceremony are also very numerous.
"How long does the preparation for the inauguration ceremony take? I remember it seems to take about a month and a half. It doesn't matter anymore..."
York felt somewhat indifferent; he just picked up Eileen's note and read it with a calm expression.
"[Father, today is the day you preside over the wedding. Please don't forget the time.]"
"Getting more and more thoughtful." York smiled, placed the note aside, stuffed a cherry into his mouth, and then picked up the sandwich in front of him while habitually taking out his phone and placing it on the table.
His curiosity about the lives shared by the parishioners, not just charitable activities or invitations to do good deeds, but also the enjoyment of lurking in their shared life experiences.
Parishioners sharing their lives, good moods, and even seeking help or answers, creates a kind of tacit understanding and an alternative affection among them.
And their common place of communication and the center of maintaining these emotions is Pluto Church.
"Everyone seems very happy today?" York's smile never faded as he browsed through the records, occasionally biting into his sandwich.
The first wedding at Pluto Church, especially being the child of old parishioners, had exploded the atmosphere in every group.
Two words: festive and blessing.
At the same time, these familiar parishioners, when not busy, would also help decorate the venue.
He saw more than one selfie video.
Among them were Eileen, bustling around with instructions, and John Wick, decorating with green plants.
This made York somewhat emotional, seeing how a once naïve novice nun had become more efficient and exuded a strong presence.
He vividly remembered her naive, stubborn face while moving things.
"And John Wick, he really doesn't seem out of place..."
York smiled, continuing to scroll to previous records.
Sure enough, at the beginning, he found the parishioners sharing their lives.
Skipping others, like mowing lawns, inviting to dinner parties, etc., he directly found someone he had been keeping an eye on, Cathy Slot.
"[Cathy Slot]: "Today is the third day of recording."
"[Cathy Slot]: "I suspect things aren't simple, seems like there are unseen things, I really think there are ghosts."
Skipping these, York found the video uploaded by her.
This made his eyebrows raise slightly because in this recorded video, York found traces of paranormal presence.
On the third night, around 3 a.m., in the dimly lit bedroom, a couple was sleeping under a thin blanket, which, for some unknown reason, started to be pulled down as if by an invisible person.
Simultaneously, the firmly closed door began to open slowly.
It appeared as if an invisible person had left the room.
What made York believe in the paranormal was what happened next.
Seemingly the female lead, named Cathy Slot, suddenly woke up as if from a nightmare, then noticed the blanket on the floor and the open door.
Anyone would be startled by this; the woman quickly woke her boyfriend.
The sleeping boyfriend finally woke up and, upon her explanation, became alert.
Both looked towards the opened door.
At this moment, a strange noise came from outside, followed by a non-human howl.
This instantly terrified Cathy Slot and her boyfriend, huddling together.
Eventually, the boyfriend took the camera to check, but everything outside was normal, except the living room's chandelier was swinging...
"Things are not that simple." York exited the video, looking at the parishioners' discussion, mostly advising the female lead to talk to him.
However, the female lead thanked them while replying that she had already found a psychic.
"I just wonder if this qualifies to trigger a random mission."
York's expression unchanged, continued scrolling, continuing to eat his sandwich.
He was patient; if the issue was resolved, then it was just a story for dining. If not resolved, his last-minute intervention could gain a devout parishioner for Pluto Church and trigger a random mission opportunity.
"This is the strategy."
York stuffed the last bite of the sandwich into his mouth, drank the water beside him, then got up to clean up the table.
"It's about time to leave."
...
At Pluto Church, a simple, unadorned elderly woman, now dressed in glittering attire, stood next to a nun, her tone worried.
"Sister Eileen, Father York doesn't have any other engagements today, does he?"
"Mrs. Meserly, rest assured, Father York generally fulfills his promises." Eileen reassured with a smile.
"You know Father York's character, don't you?"
Mrs. Meserly's eyes showed uncertainty, but her face relaxed.
Seeing this, Eileen smiled, looking at the already prepared Pluto Church, only waiting for both families to take their seats, feeling a sense of belonging and approval.
"The church has been decorated differently than its usual austere appearance. Though weddings are usually decorated to highlight the solemnity of the occasion, the arrangements of flowers, greenery, and candles at least added a different touch to Pluto Church.
"We can start letting everyone take their seats."
Eileen, like a true conductor, said to Mrs. Meserly.
"This way, when Father arrives, the timing will be just right."
"Okay, Sister Eileen." Mrs. Meserly nodded.
Eileen's gentle smile remained: "Don't worry, Father will definitely arrive as promised."
Mrs. Meserly paused, smiled at the nun, and said, "Okay, Sister." Then she left to invite the families and friends of the wedding party to take their seats.
Eileen watched quietly, then turned her gaze to a corner where Robert and the new employee, John Wick, stood low-key, silently observing.
She then shifted her gaze to the right aisle.
Her confidence stemmed from the note she left for Father, specifying the time. Knowing Father York, she was sure he would arrive on time.
Just as Eileen thought, Father York, dressed formally, appeared at the scheduled time, holding a Bible, scanning the solemn church and nodding to Robert and John Wick, then greeted Eileen, who seemed to have been waiting for a while: "Didn't I arrive late?"
"No, Father, you're very punctual."
"That's good."
York naturally stood at the center of the altar, facing the seated guests, beginning his duties as a priest.
In his three-dimensional diagram, everyone outside was already prepared.
Once everyone was seated and the entrance music started, with the groom entering first, the only ones standing in the church were him, the priest, and the groom.
The groom seemed a bit nervous, his face flushed, but York gave him an encouraging smile. Seeing the groom relax, who was committed to his sick wife, York started the wedding ceremony.
"According to the procedure, it looks like we start with an opening prayer, announcing the beginning of the wedding."
York took out the Bible, recalling the steps in his mind. Although this was his first time officiating a wedding, he had an idea of what to do. The Bible in hand, his credibility instantly soared.
"Dear friends and family, today we gather in the presence of God to witness and celebrate the marriage of Melvin Simon and Nayara Aigbaoje..."
Under everyone's gaze, York began, "This is a joyful and holy moment, as two souls unite under God's care..."
He delivered the opening speech in one breath, continued speaking, looking ahead.
"Let's begin our ceremony, may their marriage be a testament to love and miracles. Please stand up to welcome and honor the entrance of Nayara Aigbaoje."
Upon his words, everyone stood up, looking towards the main door.
With everyone's attention, the bride Nayara Aigbaoje and her father appeared at the entrance, slowly walking towards the altar.
Everything seemed so beautiful.
But in York's eyes, something was off about the bride's condition. In his vision now, the bride's movements were very stiff, although she tried hard to hide it, her hands were constantly trembling.
"Parkinson's disease, perhaps..."
York pursed his lips, watching the bride walk ahead, meeting the groom's gaze, sighed internally, and became serious.
"Dear Lord, we thank You for bringing this couple together.
Bless their vows and joy doubly. Help them exchange vows with sincerity and steadfast hearts."
The wedding proceeded step by step.
With the groom's commitment to never give up, and the bride's grateful vows about her fortune, York's expression became even more gentle.
Vows.
Declaration, exchange of rings.
Bride and groom's speech.
...
Even after it ended, he still reminisced about the experience of officiating his first wedding.
It must be said, at least in front of this newlywed couple, exchanging rings and kissing, he was earnest in officiating and sincerely blessed their future.
...
"Father York, what are you thinking about?" Only Eileen stood by his side, asking.
York, watching the congregation gather around the newlyweds, blessing them, smiled and said, "I was thinking about why our church can be so intertwined in people's lives, from the baptism of newborns, to beautiful weddings in the middle, and finally to funerals at the end, being involved throughout."
Eileen clasped her hands together, following Father York's gaze to the gathered crowd, blinking.
Seemingly sensing Eileen's mood and thoughts, York laughed, "Actually, I don't know either. But being able to participate fully in this wedding as unrelated individuals is really... wonderful, Eileen."
"Yes, Father." Eileen, looking at the beautiful scene in front of her, agreed warmly, smiling.
...
However, after the beautiful wedding ended, York sat in the confessional, listening to some parishioners' various confessions, once again mentally ranting.
Because some parishioners' thought processes were truly unique.
Not sure if it's the freedom of America, but the old man in front of him made him want to lash out for the first time.
This stranger seemed to have wandered into Pluto Church, reeking of alcohol, and came straight to him, declaring he needed to confess.
Out of duty, he had to maintain his priestly demeanor and led him into the confessional.
But this confession turned into a rant, venting about his children.
However, from his earlier confession, the old man's current ranting and complaining made York as speechless as could be.
The man before him was an utter disgrace.
In his confession, he admitted to abandoning his family, deceiving the government and his children, even sending them to foster care out of spite, and secretly using their savings for winter. Now, with the cold winter approaching...
He confessed to these terrible actions but began to rant and complain.
"Mr. Frank, are you looking for a sounding board or do you truly wish to confess?" York directly interrupted the old man's rambling.
"If it's a sounding board, I'm sorry, but I wish to decline this session because I can't see any intention of repentance or desire to change in your actions and eyes.
Moreover, Pluto Church is not a place for your complaints; it accepts all but does not welcome derision."
The old man seemed stunned, but York, staring at his confused and dazed look, walked out of the confessional.
"John, please escort this drunk guest out..."
___________________
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