THE PONTIFICAL ENTHRONEMENT OF 1807

Iudaes · February 7, 2021

It had been a long day in the secluded halls of the Basilica of the Ascent in Providence, the Cardinals having been locked away in the higher levels of the largest house of worship in Canonist history for one purpose: electing a new Pontiff. After extensive prayer and thought, those convened would begin to take up quill and ink and write upon their ballots the name of the man they wished to see with the Prophetic Laurel atop their head.

***

Soon after, the click of the lock could be heard, the large doors to the private chambers were opened wide by two Acolytes, the pair soon making way for the formal procession of Cardinals out of the hall, following behind a man donning simple, plain vestments of pure white. One by one, they made their way down the lift, before at last, the Pontiff Elect--whoever he was--descended from the upper levels to the ground floor. As they once more reorganized themselves, they continued their procession and finally made contact with the first few crowds who had been waiting aside the crimson carpet as the main chamber of the Basilica overflowed with others.

Finally, after many hours of waiting, the crowds saw their first glimpse of their future Pontiff, the man in white surrounded by those in crimson red. As the procession approached the Pontifical Throne of red fabric and gold lining, the results of the ballots were read out to the congregation, the procession slowing some so as to allow the announcing Priest to finish before they arrived at the fore of the throne.

The Priest said aloud, his voice echoing throughout the halls of the Basilica…

Manfried Cardinal St. Julia
Manfried Cardinal St. Julia
Pelagius Cardinal Albarosa
Benedict Cardinal Jorenus

The crowd cheered as they tallied the votes, some wholeheartedly and others seemingly with a hint of disappointment at hearing their preferred pick was not chosen. Nevertheless, Manfried eased onto the throne as the Cardinals moved to either side. His one and only arm fell upon the right arm rest as what was left of his other side hung awkwardly above the left arm rest. Tired, solemn eyes looking out across the crowd, the congregation was met with a light smile from Manfried yet remaining there in his visage a hint of discomfort at all the cheering.

However, soon enough, among Cardinal Ailred, and Pelagius approached Cardinal Benedict. For the first time, the man would begin the Prayer of Penitence:

"Almighty and most merciful Creator,
we have wandered and strayed from your ways
like lost sheep.
We have followed too much the devices and desires
of our own hearts.
We have offended against your holy laws.
We have left undone those things
that we ought to have done;
and we have done those things
that we ought not to have done;
and there is no health in us.
But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners.
Spare those who confess their faults.
Restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared to mankind
in Horen our Lord.
And grant, O most merciful Creator, for his sake,
that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life,
to the glory of your holy name.
So say we all."

Now, Pontiff Elect Manfried rose from the throne, stepping down to ground level. He soon turned his back to the congregation and looked unto the Lorraine, genuflecting weakly before it. As he arose from his knee, the aging Cardinal looked upon his brothers by the side of the throne, Cardinal Benedict continuing…

“With the Lord Creator our witness and guide, it has been divined that the Manfried of Helena, born Manfried Tobar, has been willed to fulfill the seat of the Church Pontificate. Do you heed the call of Our Creator to bear this vocation?” Benedict said before Manfried said in reply, “I do so believe.”

“You have been ordained in our church, your household names forsaken and your life devoted in sole service to the teachings of our Creator. The vows of your past vocations remain firm; now you must make the declaration of assent.” Cardinal Benedict then proceeded to read the assent, an age old part of the ceremony preserved from Pontiff to Pontiff…

“The Church of Faithful is the One, Holy and Rightful Church of the Creator , worshiping the one true God, The Creator. It professes the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scrolls and set forth in the Faithful creeds, which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation. Led by the Holy Light, it has borne witness to Faithful truth in its historic formulates, the Articles of Faith, The Book of Saints. In the declaration you are about to make, will you affirm your loyalty to this inheritance of faith as your inspiration and guidance under God in bringing the grace and truth of Horen to this generation and making Him known to those in your care?” Manfried would soon say, “I, Manfried of Helena, do so affirm, and accordingly declare my belief in the faith which is revealed in the Holy Scrolls and set forth in the Faithful creeds and to which the historic formularies of the Church of The Creator bear witness; and in public prayer and administration of the sacraments, I will use only the forms of service which are authorized or allowed by Canon.”

“Do you accept the Holy Scrolls as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith?”

"I do so accept them."

"Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scrolls, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the Word?"