บท 275: Chapter 275: The Inauguration Ceremony
"Amen."
Regardless of the choice he had to make, York did not forget to carry out his daily routine tasks.
After all, accumulating 0.5 points every day adds up to a significant amount.
As the saying goes, with decades of performing daily tasks, one could become a god.
Adding some tasks to this routine could accelerate the path to divinity.
"It's just a pity that this world seems about to explode; I wonder if it's just an illusion…"
York sat alone in the holy St. Peter's Basilica, brainstorming while adding the freshly earned 0.5 attribute points to his health, which was on the brink of breaking 200.
Health is inevitably linked to survival.
Thus, he was also eager to see what changes breaking 200 in health would bring him.
[Point addition successful]
[Health increased from 191.5 to 192]
"Just eight points shy now." York glanced at his personal panel, quite satisfied with himself.
However, this satisfaction could not last long.
Mainly because the world seemed not to give him the opportunity to develop slowly.
"Sigh, the old man really said something, feels like the end of the world…" York diverted his gaze from the personal panel, looked at the image of Jesus, stood up disappointedly, and walked towards the spacious central aisle.
"Come what may, it's better to listen to why I am chosen first before thinking about the next step."
With these thoughts, York disappeared from St. Peter's Basilica.
---
With only two and a half days left until the inauguration ceremony, time passed quickly for some but incredibly slowly for others.
Especially for York.
The passage of time felt excruciatingly slow.
On the first day, he didn't do much, merely cooperating with others' work.
Like trying on the bishop's robe tailored for him, checking for fit.
The bishop's robe, after all, differs from a priest's, with upgraded materials and more detailed decorations.
The purple edging, symbolic of bishops, is made from a special material with unique properties, acting as a protection against evil and demonic possession.
This marks the distinction between hierarchies.
York felt nothing special wearing the robe, which was of such fine quality that for the first time, he felt being a bishop might not be so bad.
After confirming the robe and accessories, York began rehearsing the inauguration ceremony under others' guidance.
Yes, he had to practice his positioning, as it was his first time.
And that was just the beginning; what followed was even more troublesome.
For instance, before the inauguration ceremony, York had to participate in the clerical promotion ceremony, officiated by Bishop Gabriel, whose position he was taking over.
Meaning, he had to undergo the baptism and chrismation ceremony led by Gabriel.
The baptism process is relatively simple, generally combined with the chrismation ceremony.
Baptism, one of the Church's fundamental sacraments, symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the rebirth of believers in Christ...
In the vast St. Peter's Basilica, the pews were filled with clergy, bishops, priests, including Erin.
And he was sitting in front of Gabriel, undergoing the baptism led by him.
"I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, according to the rites of the Holy Catholic Church."
Gabriel looked at the man before him, a hint of ease on his face, sprinkling holy water on him, smiling.
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned…"
York bowed slightly, silently accepting under everyone's witness.
---
After this step, Gabriel looked at the man, proceeding to the final chrismation ceremony.
Chrismation is also an important sacrament, signifying the baptized has received the Lord's grace.
A clergy member brought a basin to Gabriel, who dipped his hand in the holy oil and applied it to York's forehead.
"I anoint you with the holy Chrism in Christ, and with the holy oil of our Savior Jesus Christ."
The retired bishop, in front of many witnesses, blessed his successor with a smile.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God, grant you the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that from this day of anointing, you may have eternal life, forever and ever."
York took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and accepted the blessing before him.
In the quiet cathedral, the baptism and anointing were witnessed by all.
The Church's succession was completed at this moment, and York officially accepted the duties and powers of a bishop.
Only the inauguration ceremony remained.
---
The second day.
York became a true free man, wandering around invisibly with Erin, chatting casually with acquaintances, showing no signs of nervousness or excitement.
However, York eventually noticed that more and more believers were coming to the Vatican for the new bishop's inauguration ceremony.
Just from St. Peter's Square, it was evident.
The space capable of holding tens of thousands of people was now showing signs of overcrowding.
This reminded York, who observed from the second floor of a nearby building, of a scene from his previous life.
That was the scene at major stations during the Spring Festival travel rush.
If described in one sentence, it was a sea of people as far as the eye could see.
"It seems they are also curious about who the new bishop is."
A voice reached his ears.
That was Gabriel's remark: "Reminds me of the past, when I was promoted to bishop, there were also this many people."
York glanced at the old man, who was wearing a simple black robe, hands clasped behind him, exuding a sense of ease.
Obviously, retirement had made this man's mood much more comfortable.
"Who will take over the position you've grown with your retirement?"
As he asked, Erin, who had been following, looked over curiously.
"Cecil, he's been quite idle lately anyway." Gabriel said nonchalantly, noticing the gaze and smiling at Erin before continuing.
"Someone will always handle it; you don't need to worry."
"So, can you tell me why you chose me? Why only me, Gabriel?"
"Hehe."
Gabriel continued to gaze at the believers in the square, smiling: "York, you'll know tomorrow."
With that, the old man squinted his eyes, recalling the photos and speculations.
Thinking of this, Gabriel looked at York, smiled mysteriously, and leisurely walked away, leaving a thought behind as he left.
"York, you are special. Think about what makes you different from others, and you will understand why it's only you."
As his voice faded, York watched Gabriel's retreating figure, squinting.
"What makes me different from others?"
In that moment, York suddenly understood everything.
If asked what made him different from other clergy, it would be that clergy's power always needs to be bound to the Church, like God, to exert extraordinary power.
And he... his power comes from within, as he can feel the essential changes these powers bring him.
The difference between him and other clergy is that they rely on God's power, whereas he relies on his own, unrestricted.
Even if he left the Church, or his faith waned, he could still use his powers, and could choose any church to pray in, still receiving rewards for fixed tasks.
"So, it's like this."
York couldn
't help but shake his head, knowing those traces of battle couldn't be hidden from the Church.
"No matter, only the last step remains."
With these thoughts, York walked in the opposite direction from Gabriel.
"Let's go, Erin."
"Okay."
Erin followed, looking back at the old man's fading figure until he disappeared.
She seemed to understand the bishop's meaning, now seeing the priest surrounded by a pure, immaculate halo.
---
The third day.
Under the watchful eyes of many, the inauguration ceremony began.
As the first rays of dawn passed through the massive stained-glass windows of St. Peter's Basilica, reflecting on the marble floor as if God's hand gently brushed over this sacred church,
Believers, including curious onlookers, journalists, and acquaintances of York, had already gathered in the square, inside and outside the church, bustling and watching the screens set up in the center of the square.
The screen was broadcasting live everything inside St. Peter's Basilica.
The painted murals, sculptures, and resplendent decorations sparkled in the morning light.
Inside, the pews were already filled with high-ranking clergy and some dignitaries.
As the camera zoomed out, Pope Gregory, already standing at the altar in a white papal robe, looked calm.
At this moment, as the seated audience stirred, not only the believers in the Vatican but also those in other countries watching the live broadcast felt their hearts move.
"Here it comes!"
"..."
John Wick, Robert, and some old believers who couldn't endure the long journey, all watching in the Church of Pluto, were all focused, their faces hiding an unseen excitement.
"This guy..."
Old Mike, who had been ceaselessly researching, stopped to stare at the screen, unblinking.
Behind him stood Todd and others.
---
"Hehe, thought he would be out of place,"
In the Church of Saint Luz, filled with many believers, the retiring Father Ruiz smiled as he watched the screen.
"It suits him quite well…"
---
In Thailand, a strictly guarded hospital.
"Mom, has Father York come out yet?"
Saxon, just back from a checkup, limped into the ward with the help of medical staff.
Inside, Mrs. Camille and a bandaged Amelia sat absorbed in the screen on the wall.
---
In a supermarket at a junction of several small towns, people were staring at the screen above, wide-eyed.
"Wait, isn't that the guy?"
"How so?"
The cashier, about to finalize transactions, and the helping owner also looked up, freezing in place.
This left the waiting locals puzzled.
"What's going on with you?"
Following their gaze to the screen, they too were stunned.
They suddenly realized their savior appeared on TV.
Dressed in a long white robe with purple edges, wearing a stole, tie (sash), wristbands, wearing a chasuble, mass socks, shoes, gloves, and other accessories, he appeared in the center aisle of the church.
Under the gaze of the world, he walked solemnly towards the altar with a serious and profound look.
This marked the start of the ceremony, as the live screens filled with the sound of choral singing and the solemn music of the organ.
Approaching the calm old man at the altar, York took a deep breath and bowed slowly…
Gregory smiled: "Finally, we've reached this step, York. It seems you've made your choice."
York pursed his lips, silent.
"I'm glad…"
Gregory raised his hand, prayed silently for a moment, then began the clerical promotion and crowning ceremony.
"In the name of God, by the authority of the Church, we declare you a bishop. May God's blessing be upon you, granting you wisdom, humility, and the heart of a shepherd…"
As his voice fell, Gregory's smile brightened, assisted by other clergy, he took a luxurious, gold-edged, jewel-encrusted, and scripture-embroidered bishop's mitre from a solemn case and placed it on the man's head.
The old man's breathing became heavier at this moment, causing York to frown silently.
But Gregory's expression never changed, merely touching the bishop's mitre.
"May this mitre remind you that you are a servant of God, called to proclaim faith, guide believers, always mindful of your responsibilities…"
Saying this, the old man took a beautifully carved bishop's crosier from a dish brought over by another clergy member and handed it over.
"With this staff, you will guide your flock, care for them, and lead them on the right path. May God's inspiration always guide your shepherd's heart…"
York looked up at the old man.
Gregory smiled, nodding slightly.
"Sigh..."
Seeing this, York could only extend his hands to receive the crosier handed over by the old man.
Gregory smiled, taking a gem-encrusted, faith-declaring pectoral cross from the side, leaning forward to place it on York's chest, saying:
"This pectoral cross is a symbol of your steadfast faith. May you always be guided by God's truth…"
York remained silent, solemnly accepting the old man's rites, clearly feeling the old man's struggle, but the man before him meticulously completed the final step.
Dabbing a bit of holy oil, he continued to anoint York's forehead.
As York felt the coolness on his forehead, he heard the final words.
"May the Holy Spirit of God descend upon you, granting you wisdom and courage to serve for the glory of the Church…"
___________________
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