Confessions

After having Christmas dinner, Jürgen and his mother remained in the dining room while his father and Monifa went into the living room to watch TV. “What’s the matter, Mother?” Jürgen asked. “You’re not wearing your cassock.” “I don’t wear it all the time.” “You weren’t wearing it when Lena thought she saw you.” “She …

The New Secret Room

Father Kiesler had decided that he was going to spend Christmas with his parents and that he was going to take Monifa with him. He called his mother at lunch time that morning to tell her. She sounded happy and told him that she and the rest of the family couldn't wait to see him. …

The Morellis Attend Christmas Mass

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com It was Christmas Day and Father Morelli was giving the Mass. His sermon was on The Mystery and Goodness of God and the scripture verse he used was Genesis 3:15. "God fulfilled this promise and that is why we celebrate Him as God. It was His desire for us to …

Father Morelli’s Guilt & Decision

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com Father Morelli was in the sanctuary, earnestly praying and beseeching God to forgive him. "In Your Word, it says that no temptation has overtaken a person that is not common to everyone. You are faithful, and You will not let anyone be tempted beyond his or her strength, but with …

Jealousy, The Kiss & The Sun Shower

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com He read, "if a spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife who has defiled herself; or if a spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife, though she has not defiled herself." He was a priest so he was …

Celibacy & Abortion

Father Kiesler was in his office with Bishop Haas. The bishop had just completed his pastoral visit. He seemed quite pleased. "Father Kiesler, you're doing a fine job with the school and the parish," he told him. "As fine a job as the late Father Schmidt." "Thank you, Your Excellency." "Is there something on your …

The Decision

He had been praying and fasting for weeks on end. He thought about what his friend, Bernard had said after he told him that he couldn't imagine leaving the church. “You don’t have to give up your Catholic faith if you don’t want to.” And to his objection that Clara and he would be unequally …

Father Desjardins’ Announcement

"Good morning, Ede." "Good morning, Father Desjardins." "Ede, I have news which I wanted to share with you before it is announced in church on Sunday." She looked at him. "I hope it isn't bad news." "No, it isn't bad news. I've been called to minister to Catholics in a parish in Ireland." For several …

Monifa’s Ordeal is Over

Monifa sat there, her mind still reeling from her horrific ordeal. They had kept her overnight at the hospital for observation but that morning the Doctor had discharged her, saying that she was fine. She was waiting now in the parking lot of the parish for Mrs. Wisenthal. Even though she was no longer in …

Monifa’s Whereabouts

It was one of those misty mornings in the summer. It reminded him of the times Monifa and he went for walks. He remembered that it was on the morning of Holy Thursday when he had told her about the hot cross buns his mother used to make every year for Good Friday because it …