Three weeks later at Kingsford Smith International Airport, Julian awaited the final boarding call for Rome. His mother, father and Tom had taken time out to farewell him.
Eddie, Simon and Joe, now settled into their new parish lives, were unable to join the farewell party. But each had phoned early that morning.
“You know you can return at any time.”
“I know, Mum. But I reckon I’ll see it through. Working and living near the Vatican may be – interesting – for want of a better word,” Julian replied with a smile.
“And call us if you need anything.”
“Will do. Thanks Dad.”
“And don’t forget to let me know dates of holiday breaks,” reminded Tom. “Important, isn’t it when Meg and I have to set the date of our wedding to suit the celebrant,” he added with a grin.
“How could I forget! So the kid brother calls the tune for a change, does he!” laughed Julian. Then becoming serious he added, “Tom, you and Meg set the date that suits you and I’ll be there!”
The boarding call came shortly after. He was on his way!
Julian was a seasoned traveller and enjoyed travelling. But, for reasons he did not understand, this flight to Rome was one he would prefer to forget. The flight itself went without a hitch.
So, why this sudden inner feeling of void? Or was it sudden? His analytical brain told him nothing. How could he know the answer to this question when other questions were still in the subconscious? Grappling with deep feelings and unanswered questions as the Boeing flew closer to Rome, Julian would never be fully consciously aware of subsequent answers until many years later.
He was met in Rome by a member of staff. No problem arose in communication – Julian was proficient in many languages, including Italian. He presumed he would be housed in Rome. Instead, he soon learned not only would he be schooled in the Vatican but he would also be staying there. Prior arrangements had been made for his studies. The semester had begun a week previously, but that posed no problem to Julian’s capabilities.
Two weeks into the course and Julian had become friendly with others studying for similar results. Although the only Australian in the group, the majority of students came from English speaking countries. With his proficiency in other languages Julian automatically became the interpreter of the group. As the course progressed he had to admit to himself that he enjoyed study. Not that he agreed with some concepts of Christian morality as decreed in the course. But, basically, he found learning fulfilling. His interest in legal studies grew steadily.
Life in the Vatican Julian could only describe as surreal. Unless they had been born to it, Julian could not understand how those living and working there would survive, in most cases almost a lifetime. Yet Julian found so many of different races and backgrounds working and praying together year in and year out. For him this was an interesting experience but never could he imagine it for longer than a very few years.
The Vatican archives – well that was an extremely different situation! Prior hopes of studying documents and references pertaining to some of the traditionally based teachings were soon dashed. As students, they automatically received passes to certain sections of the archives. Julian’s search for knowledge in this new field of study soon had accessed all permitted areas. To be a successful canon lawyer, he told himself, he would need to cover the full gambit of reason and legality behind dogma and doctrine.
He had always accepted the basic doctrines, but for many years now he had questioned some of the many other Church teachings. Not to be easily beaten, he questioned one of the managers at his second visit to the archives:
Q. How does one proceed to the next floors to study their contents?
A. Special passes for the next floors; the higher ones are closed.
Q. How does one come by these special passes?
A. Granted only by special referrals.
Q. Where does one apply for special referrals?
A. Don’t bother! Special passes are never given to students.
Right then and there Julian was ready to end his studies and head home. Wisdom prevailed. With a view of his future slightly blurred, Julian continued with his studies. As the end of the year approached, thoughts of home for the long break negated any worry of examination results. The day before these were due to be posted he received a call to the Dean’s office.
At first, panic! But not for long. Julian knew he had certainly passed, perhaps even passed with credits in some subjects.
“Come in,” the Dean welcomed, opening the door to Julian’s knock.
“Well, Julian, how have you enjoyed your first year?”
Julian thought – be careful – as he answered, “Interesting.”
The Dean smiled, “Your tutors speak well of you. But you have looked for answers to pretty tricky questions.”
“I suppose I have,” Julian answered quietly. “But I only question when I need an answer or the statement is reasonably wrong!”
“Be patient, Julian. You may find your answers one day… Now, I won’t keep you too long. So – down to the reason I called you. You have done exceptionally well in your first year – better than most ever achieve. For this reason we are making you an offer. We are giving you the opportunity to complete the whole course next year. Of course it won’t be easy for you, completing two years of study in one year. This will entail a tremendous amount of time given to study. Of course if you commence and find the going too difficult or too stressful, you may revert to second year study and take the ordinary three years to complete the Course. Well Julian, what do you think? Do you need time to think it over?”
Seconds passed before Julian replied, “Thanks Dean. Thank you for the offer. No, I don’t need time to think it over. I accept the offer gladly. Thank you… Oh!” he added with a smile, “Do I have to wait until tomorrow for my results?”
“High distinction in all subjects. Great result. Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Julian breathed.