PRIMA BULLA AQUILA | First Minor Bull of Aquila

[Jameson_h 334]

 

PRIMA BULLA AQUILA

First Minor Bull of Aquila

HIS GRACE Pious Bishop Aquila does decree…

 

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

 

I. GREETINGS AND PRAYER

II. ON MATTERS OF LITURGY

III. CALL TO THE PIOUS

IV. MATTERS OF SAFETY

V. ON HEATHEN ICONOGRAPHY

VII. RECOGNITION OF THE FAITHFUL

VIII. CLOSING THOUGHTS

 

GREETINGS AND PRAYER

 

Greetings to the Diocese of Aquila, greetings to those of strong faith. I have seen fit and desire to publish the first minor bull of Aquila. Not only the first of this Diocese but also the first of my own writing. I am early in my days of service to the church and though I do not doubt my abilities to guide my flock I recognize that I may falter at times in my service as we all falter in life, for this I beg your forgiveness. It is by the grace of GOD and most excellent tutallege in his word I am allowed to serve the Númenedain as their Bishop and for that I thank you Father Toni and to all those who have guided me, let us pray…

 

“May the Creator protect us

And in turn we protect others

Let Him be our shield,

So that we may be His hammer,

ridding this world of darkness.

He who stands with me shall be my brother, 

Amen.”

 

 

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ON MATTERS OF LITURGY

 

It has for some time been a matter of great consideration on the nature of the Númenedain and the culture of faith surrounding it and Canonized Adunians at large. Thus I have seen fit to formally declare my intent to begin the development of Liturgy that caters to such a populus.

 

I am myself an Adunian, and I find myself amongst many of my kin, understanding deeply the spiritual needs and cultural nuances that shape our worship. Our traditions, rich and ancient, deserve a Liturgy that resonates with our history, our values, and our aspirations.

 

It is my belief, as should be shared amongst all brothers of GOD, that new Liturgy should in nature serve to add and enhance the faith and not serve in any capacity to draw lines or divide and in such a pursuit I intend to not only seek out those of intimate knowledge of the Faith but also those with similar strength in regards to the culture and way of my people. It is my hope to form a small committee dedicated to such a task, should you be an expert in either capacity please do not hesitate to reach out. 

 

 

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CALL TO THE PIOUS

 

The Diocese of Aquila does hereby declare the need for the training and deployment of additional members of the clergy within the Diocese, Through rigorous training and contemplative meditation, new acolytes will forge a deep connection with the divine, eventually becoming beacons of light for our community. Understand that the path of the clergy stands distinct from any worldly profession, it is a divine vocation. Upon ordination you will join an eternal brotherhood of priests and in doing so, commit upon a life of uncompromising virtue, unwavering faith and boundless love.

 

Those interested in such an endeavor need only arrive at the Bastion Temple of St King Caius and seek the attention of myself or his eminence, prelate of the clergy Cardinal Antonius. In return for your dedication, the Diocese promises not only to cater to your basic needs but also to nurture your spiritual growth. 

 

If the fervent flame roars brightly within you, if service in the name of GOD resonates deeply within you, step forth and let your journey of faith, service, and devotion begin.

 

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MATTERS OF SAFETY

 

In recent times the Númenedain have risen and faced an onslaught of challenges, little rest in their combat of darkspawn and the influence of the foe. I have in turn received a number of letters reaching out and asking whether support would be needed in order to safeguard the faithfull. To those who have made such an offer I return as such. Thank you, but the Númenedain will not buckle to such petty obstacles. The people of my parish are strong people, our faith is a strong and unwavering faith. Yet, should the need arise there will be no hesitation to call on brothers of the faith.

 

To those strong and devoted of Numendil I beseech you: risk nothing alone you may risk alongside your brethren. Too few and too precious are your lives and though the call to be bold rings proudly in not only your ear but mine we must always temper righteous action with wise contemplation. Please report any matters of concern or threats to the faithfull to the office of the Tar, the Church or any member of the Knights of Numendil.

 

In unity and vigilance, we shall prevail.

 

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ON HEATHEN ICONOGRAPHY

 

It has come to my attention, a matter of great concern, the finding of Iconography in strange and vaguely canonist fashion, it was not the other day I was accosted by a creature of the night who sought to intimidate and disorient me on a walk of the lands contained within the diocese. It was after declaring myself a servant of GOD unshaken by the fiend that I was given a carving of a woman's hands, a delicate and well worn inscription of ‘Faith’ which had seemed to be worn away by a constant touch. It was upon my reflections that its true nature became apparent.

Foolish and brash as I am, I retrieved the object, inspecting it closely only to realize: even the most innocent of objects can carry a taint which will not wash away. The foe will use a myriad of techniques to lure in those unsuspecting and unprepared for the honeyed words and gifts of the deceiver.
 

SUSPICION IS YOUR SHIELD

REPORT THE SUSPICIOUS

FIND FAITH SOLELY IN THE WORD OF GOD

 

Let this be an unequivocal decree: the possession of pagan symbols, the veneration of false icons, or the construction of heathen altars are grave transgressions against our faith. Such acts will be met with the severity they are deserving. It is the duty of every faithful to remain watchful, to report any deviations, and to ensure that our devotion to GOD remains untainted and pure.

 

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RECOGNITION OF THE FAITHFUL

 

Nearly two decades have passed since my initial arrival in the lands of Numendil, without much faith provided to me in my youth I came to these lands with a single task in mind: live and die in service of Tar-Numentar. It is by nature of my life that now I follow a similar path though that service is to GOD. Five years, perhaps, I committed to service of Tar-Numentar,  these were years of pride and distinction as I was serving not only my liege but the protector of my people, of my kin. It was this pride I felt which left me in such utter shock when the man of his own volition sought to abdicate that very seat I was in service to.

 

By no small measure does any man or woman step down from the very thing which has defined them. Pride is a chief weapon of the foe blinding those afflicted with it to the passing of time and the changing of fates. It is why many die with the power they sought after, clutching to it with white knuckles as they fall slowly into age. Not we, not those who seek to upset what is in favor of what should be. It is now that I recognize the profound wisdom in his actions.

On behalf of the Diocese of Aquila and its parish I thank you Ser Numentar, for your toil against the foe, for your unwavering faith and for shepherding the faithfull, let us pray…

“Saint Edmond, model of all knights, possess me not with fear;

grant me peace and strength in the hour of battle. 

Let God think not on my faults but on my potential.

I swear that if I come through this day with courage, 

I will strive to embody the honour that thou didst: 

I shall show clemency to the prisoner, give succor to the widow and spare the peasant. 

Amen”

 

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CLOSING THOUGHT AND PRAYER

 

In these closing words I will be brief as time is dear. In every matter, whether grand or seemingly insignificant, turn to the church for counsel. Remember, as we devote ourselves to the service of GOD, the church stands as our beacon. Remind oneself that while we, those in communion with the church, seek to commit ourselves to service to GOD. We are due the guidance of the church in return, In our journey of faith, let us never neglect our spiritual needs. Seek always the guidance and solace of the Church.

A Final Prayer…

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. 

And may perpetual light shine upon them.

 

Amen”
 

 

Deus est veritas, Deus est veritas

 

[Pepto 292]

Amen.