August 1186 A.D. – France – Becoming a Priest

Raoul had barely slept. He had woken at the crack of dawn filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Today was the day he’d spent the past twelve months thinking about. Today was the day he was about to take the ultimate step and undergo the Consolamentum ceremony. This would take him to the ultimate level within his chosen religion. He would be a full Cathar, part of an organised group of believers who took their name from katharos, the Greek word for pure.

He was about to leave the blacksmith’s shop that had been his life. He felt as though he should be filled with guilt at abandoning the man who had taken him in as an orphan. Who had fed him, housed him and provided him with a trade and a living. But as he had learnt more about the Cathar tradition he had become convinced, that to follow it was his destiny.

This morning after the ceremony, he would become a Perfecti, a priest within the church. Once he was a Perfecti his whole lifestyle would change. He would be expected to pray fifteen times a day and to fast on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Three times a year he would need to fast for forty days, to reflect the suffering of Jesus in the desert. When visiting believers, he would need to give a blessing and provide a gift in return for food.

But to Raoul it would be worth the price. He would become the embodiment of the eternal spirit. And when he died, he would be saved for all eternity. He’d been shown all that was to happen at this morning’s service and he was anxious to get on with proceedings.

As he dressed he could barely contain his growing sense of excitement. After breaking his fast, he made his way to the barn just outside the city walls where the service was to be held. Entering through the open door, he was reassured by the familiar face of his teacher, who was to act as the leader for the ceremony. He opened his arms in a welcoming gesture and turned to the small crowd of fellow Perfecti, who were gathered as witnesses.

“Bless us.

Have mercy on us.

Amen.

Let it be done to us, according to Thy word. May all our sins be forgiven.”

The preacher bowed his head and the crowd followed and recited the Lord’s Prayer.

The leader of the ceremony, raised his head, and looked round at the gathered priests. He brought his hands together gently and began the next stage of the service.

“In the beginning was the Word.

And the Word was with God.

And the Word was God.

All things were made by it, and without it there was nothing. In it was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, but the darkness comprehended it not.”

Raoul’s teacher then took the congregation and most importantly Raoul himself, through the vows under which he would be expected to live. Even though he had heard the words many times before, he nonetheless listened with rapt attention. This would change his life forever.

The explanation over, the priest walked over to a small table that had been set up against the far wall of the barn. On top was placed a copy of the gospels, covered by a small white cloth. He gestured Raoul to join him in front of the table. The priest turned to face the young man and said to him.

“Raoul, you wish to receive the spiritual baptism, by which the eternal spirit is given in the Church of God. This Holy Baptism has been passed down through the Church of God from the apostles and then from Good Men to Good Men and will continue to do so until the end of the world.

Raoul, you must keep the commandments of Christ to the utmost of your ability. You must not kill, lie, swear an oath or steal. You should turn the other cheek to those who persecute you. You must hate this world and its works and the things that are made of this world.”

Raoul knew what was expected of him. He looked the priest squarely in the face and replied.

“I will.”

The older man turned to the table and picked up the cloth-covered book. He placed it gently on the young man’s head. The entire congregation gathered round and placed their right hand on the book. They all fell silent in prayer for a few quiet moments. The preacher then kissed Raoul on the cheek and then his lips touched the book. This gesture was repeated from the other Perfecti in attendance.

The ceremony was now complete. Raoul felt a sense of inner peace rush through his body. But he also felt a sense of responsibility. He knew that he would be expected to keep his vows for the rest of his earthly life.