He can hear the sweet clear voices of young boys raised in praise of a risen Son of God echoing from the nave as he kneels on cold stone. The smell of burning incense fills his humble room. The rough weave of peasant cloth keeps him warm for this church was built long before luxuries such as central heating.
"Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae."
The words come easily, familiar as breathing and as comforting as the embrace of a lover. He has spoken them almost all of his life. This is his world: a world of traditions far older than he, ones he knows will continue long after his passing. The Church has changed, moved forward into modernity and become the religion about Christ instead of Christ's religion, but here at this small French parish time stands still. Here the Mass is still celebrated in Latin every Sunday, they wear simple homespun brown instead of ornate vestments, and spreading the message of love and peace is the most sacred of all callings.
"Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem et vitam aeternam."
The hands that come to rest on his shoulders are strong, warm, and as ageless as the Latin he speaks.
"Amen, Brother Joseph."
"Amen, Brother Darius."
TheThe Latin is part of the Apostles Creed:
Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. -- I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem et vitam aeternam. -- I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.