Requiem of Faith
by Kristen Fife


Nick watched the funeral on the television, a glass of bloodwine to his
left. In front of him, Joan's cross  lay on the box on the table. He
listened to the oratories and prayers, easily following most of the
languages and calls to prayer, finding comfort in the Latin, a faint smile
as the French lay woman called to prayer in French.  He listened as the
choir sang and the cardinals prepared for the Communion offering, censing
the windy air around the table. As they approached the statue of Christ, he
felt a whisper in his heart, a wish for the peace and everlasting glory for
the deceased Pope.



The familiar songs and chants gave him a feeling of comfort and peace,
something so often denied in his long life. He looked again at Joan's cross,
remembering her words to him.

"Faith.  Pure, simple faith.  Take this to remember me by.  To remind you
that the faith you have lost is always there to regain."The millions of
Catholics around the world were paying their respect to a man of indomitable
faith, the spiritual Father on earth. Nick had avidly read internet
accounts, and when the Pope's final will and testament was posted, he had
read the personal feelings of the most holy of men. One line was engraved on
his mind and his heart.



"I express the deepest faith that, despite all my weakness, the Lord will
accord me every necessary grace to face, according to His will, whatever
task, trial and suffering that will be demanded of His servant, during the
course of my life."



Nick had once been a servant of God. Once he had served the Church, and
believed. Through all the centuries of his evil, he had suppressed memories
of his vows as a Knight of the Church. He recalled those vows now, and with
a shudder, he closed his eyes to pray.



"God, I know you may not be listening. Please have mercy on Karol Wojtyla's
soul. He was an extraordinary man. I have no right to ask you for anything,
and perhaps my prayer is a blasphemy in Your mind. I am trying to have
faith, as Joan and the Pope both did. Amen."



He opened his eyes and continued to watch the funeral on the television. A
blood tear leaked down his face as he witnessed the faith of millions, faith
he was truly trying to find in his dark meanderings along the road of his
life.