A PRIEST'S JOURNEY: Personal Pilgrim Book

[rep2k 3192]

 

𝕬 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘𝖙'𝖘 𝕵𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖓𝖊𝖞

From North to South – Chased by Duty, Not Bandits

 

 

Penned and Published in the Year of 2013

by Father Witmar,

Vicar of Lemon Hill

 

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𝔒𝔭𝔢𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔖𝔱𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔪𝔢𝔫𝔱

 

A priest’s journey is never a simple one, nor does it follow a single road. Over the years, I have walked many paths, visited places of great reverence, and stood before relics that have withstood the test of time. Some locations are well-known, others hidden, yet all hold meaning for those who seek to understand faith beyond words.

I cherish all the sacred places of religious importance, but this book is a collection of places and experiences I deem worthy of visit. These are sites where one may find historical lessons, wisdom, or solitude. Whether you are a devout follower, a wanderer, or a weary soul searching for purpose, may these pages serve as both a map and a compass on your journey.

Take from this what you will, and should you find yourself at any of these places, offer a prayer, not for me, but for those who will walk the path after you.

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[!] Diary's Entry, 14th of Owyn's Flame, 2012

I have received Father Elim's letter, and I must say, I am surprised. Perhaps they need more clergy for the southern parishes, maybe I was chosen simply because I was the right choice. But in the end, such matters little, for I know that my duty lies wherever the Cross is.

 

𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔒𝔴𝔶𝔫𝔪𝔬𝔰𝔮𝔲𝔢

 

Fr Witmar's depiction of the Owynmosque, 2012

 

I will not be ranking these places, as their order does not determine their importance. However, this does not diminish the significance of the most notable site in Grense, the Owynmosque. This remarkable building stands along the path travelers take when journeying east or west, making it a landmark impossible to miss. Its distinct architecture is not something one encounters every day, telling a story of the unique blend between a love for architectural beauty and devotion to God.

 

Fr. Witmar's depiction of Grense, 2012

 

One would have to live under a rock not to know of the Township of Grense, or rather, the Papal Duchy of Burgundy, where the Owynmosque is located. Known for its agricultural significance, Grense is home to resilient men and women who have demonstrated that unwavering loyalty to the Church and God brings its own rewards.

 

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𝔅𝔩𝔢𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔡 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔱 𝔏𝔲𝔠𝔦𝔢𝔫

 

Witmar's depiction of the Blessed Temple of St. Lucien, 2013

 

Before I set off for the wonders of the East, I must highlight the remarkable achievement of the Principate of Ivoria and its devoted workers. One doesn’t even need to enter the town of Gottenthal to catch sight of the Blessed Temple of Saint Lucien of Ulmsbottom. However, it is highly recommended to visit, offer a donation, and take a moment for prayer before continuing your journey.

 

Witmar's depiction of Gottenthal's entrance, 2013

As mentioned, the temple is visible from the road, but bypassing Gottenthal means missing out on everything this town has to offer. The region’s architectural brilliance is undeniable, and Ivoria is no exception. Bustling streets filled with diligent workers of all trades, a welcoming atmosphere, and a kindhearted barkeeper with whom I enjoyed talking - there is something for everyone, I am sure.

 

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𝔐𝔬𝔫𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔶 𝔬𝔣 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔖𝔞𝔠𝔯𝔢𝔡 ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱𝔰

 

Witmar's depiction of the Monastery of the Sacred Hearts, 2009

 

For a Canonist, failing to visit the Seat of His Holiness is a grave mistake. Likewise, neglecting to pay homage to the Monastery of the Sacred Hearts would be yet another oversight. This remarkable structure has endured the trials of time and turmoil, yet it still stands strong. Founded in 1933 by our beloved Mother Lorina, the monastery serves as a refuge for those grappling with doubts about themselves and their faith. 

 

Witmar's depiction of Lemon Hill, 2009

 

The Holy See, the Bishopric of Mount Lemon - these words alone speak to the religious significance of Lemon Hill. Here, people from all walks of life come and go, each seeking something different, yet all bound by a common thread: their love for God. I myself visit Lemon Hill often - though, of course, not merely because my station is within it.

 

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔢𝔩 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔱 𝔇𝔞𝔫𝔦𝔢𝔩 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔓𝔦𝔩𝔤𝔯𝔦𝔪

 

Witmar's depiction of the Chapel of St. Daniel, 2011

 

I hold no bias, nor do I gain anything from Countess Alstion-Enswerp, yet this is a chapel I cherish with all my heart, the Chapel of St. Daniel. Perhaps it is the doubt surrounding his competence compared to his brothers that makes me admire the figure of the Saint of Al’Khazar even more. Known also as Saint Dan, his story speaks of unwavering dedication and deep love for his people.

 

Witmar's depiction of Enswerp, 2011

 

This beautiful chapel rests within the warm embrace of the County of Enswerp, ruled by House Alstion-Enswerp. From afar, one can glimpse the breathtaking keep of white marble, its splendor commanding admiration as travelers draw near. Beyond its religious significance, Enswerp offers much to behold - the solemn Enswerpian Cross for the Souls We Have Lost, a monument whose name alone tells a tragic tale, and the neighboring city of Elizabeth, capital of the Duchy of Alba. Yet, one need not visit Enswerp solely for matters of faith; rather, it stands as a testament to what true loyalty to the Church means.

 

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[!] Diary's Entry, 27th of Tobias' Bounty, 2013

The fourth hour has passed, or so I believe. The sun is setting behind the only hill visible from here. I wonder what Stran once looked like, back when it stood whole and unbroken at least. And why did they have to defile the church? That, too, I ponder. I doubt pagans were behind this. In times like these, I am more inclined to believe that man would destroy the very place where he prays rather than a pagan. It's sad, but it is a tragic reality.

 

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔢𝔩 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔖𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔫-𝔗𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔞𝔫𝔡

 

Witmar's depiction of the Chapel of the Seven-Thousand, 2013

 

Beyond the walls of Elizabeth, past the ever-rotting crops and ravaged fields which are now getting replaced, one may stumble upon the ruins of Stran. Once a proud duchy, now nothing more than a heap of debris - shattered windows and scattered remnants of its former self. It’s surreal how far one can fall, isn’t it? Mortal values will always crumble, but immortal ones never will - for they are His values.

I sat beside this chapel for hours, contemplating the faith of Man and admiring the resolve of whoever built it, likely to honor the old Stran church that still stands beside it. Truth be told, the Heartlands have always been a land of turmoil and tragedy, a place where one cannot help but wonder when the next calamity will strike. God willing, not anytime soon.

 

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𝔗𝔞𝔟𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔞𝔠𝔩𝔢 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔱 𝔓𝔲𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔲𝔰

 

Witmar's depiction of the Tabernacle of St. Publius, 2012

 

By advancing through the Langkette Pass, past the ruins of the old Holy See, and finally through the lands of the Ravenstates, one will come upon a city of breathtaking beauty. It is here, in the majestic city of Venic, that this tabernacle stands. Saint Publius is a fitting patron for such a place, for he fought against the wicked, those who chose genocide over salvation.

 

Witmar's depiction of the Republican City of Venic, 2012

 

If there is anything I love more than snow, it is surely the sea. I have always admired seafarers; their work is arduous, requiring them to leave their families behind as they brave unforgiving waters. Though Venic may not have direct access to the open sea, I do not doubt that its people depend on the waters they do possess, teeming as they are with a bounty of fish and other animals.

 

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