THE PONTIFICAL ENTHRONEMENT OF 1886

Balthasar · August 26, 2022

The votes had been double-checked first by the Vice-Chancellor then again by the Chamberlain. Indeed there was no foul play and the votes were truthful. The Conclave was now over and the Basilica doors were thrown open!

Pontifical enthronements had not been a public affair for at least a century, in modern history, they have often been done quickly and quietly. This was different, it would be a splendid public affair where all, faithful and not, would be permitted to watch.

As people entered the Basilica they spoke in hushed tones, some uttered prayers and some said nothing, content to sit in silence. Eventually, a contagious hush fell over the gathered and then a procession of the Curia began, at the helm was Chamberlain Katerina, carrying a sturdy ballot box, behind her were the Cardinals Viktor and Armand.

The procession seemed to be neverending, they walked and walked until they finally reached the altar where the container was set aside and opened and the ballots were read aloud for all to hear.

The Chamberlain spoke such:

“Adrian Cardinal Albarosa;
Adrian Cardinal Albarosa;
Adrian Cardinal Albarosa;
Adrian Cardinal Albarosa.”

The College of Cardinals had reached a consensus within their conclave. The reaction of the public wasn’t met with much of a reaction, the congregated mostly whispered among themselves.

Once more the Chamberlain spoke, reciting 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."

This was merely the beginning, abruptly the Goats of Sedan marched in, and among them in the middle was the Pontiff-Elect, Adrian of Albarosa, clad in a simple white frock. Soon the Goats stepped aside at the pews and the successor continued to the Immaculate Throne at the apse

Adrian of Albarosa genuflected before the altar and signed the Lorraine, once on his feet again the Chamberlain continued with the lengthy ceremony. Speaking the many oaths of office required to assume the most Holy Office.

“With the Lord Creator our witness and guide, it has been divined that the Adrian of Albarosa, born Adrian de Sarkozy, has been willed to fulfil the seat of the Church Pontificate. Do you heed the call of Our Creator to bear this vocation?”

She asked. The Pontiff-Elect, answering “Yes, I do so.” in reply. Cardinal Katerina continued the oaths. This time reading the assent, an ancient part of the ceremony.

“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.

The Church of Faithful is the One, Holy and Rightful Church of the Creator, worshipping 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?”

The Cardinal sighed, the lengthy recitals coming to an end. Now Adrian spoke;
“I, Adrian of Albarosa, 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.”

Katerina stepped back, returning to her former position. Taking her place was the Auditor of the Tribunal, Cardinal Armand. He would deliver oaths of his own. He would begin;
“Do you accept the Holy Scrolls as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith?"

Promptly Adrian of Albarosa affirmed, “I do so accept them!” Like so it would go back and forth for a few minutes, the Auditor speaking a vow and the Pontiff-Elect confirming;

"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?"

“By the help of God, I will”

"Will you lead your people in proclaiming the glorious Word of Horen, so that the good news of salvation may be heard in every place?"

“By the help of God, I will”

"Will you teach the doctrine of Horen as the Church of Faith has received it, will you refute error, and will you hand on entire the faith that is entrusted to you?"

“By the help of God, I will”

"Will you be faithful in ordaining and commissioning ministers of the Church?”