Prayer at Saint Quentin Basilica

With the recent changes in the New Bastogne WW2 RP area, among the new sims is Saint Quentin. It was decided to build a cathedral here, one that from the outside looked well built. On April 3rd, a nondenominational service was to he held, open to all who wanted to attend. The only thing that was asked was that people wear clothes appropriate for the era. The service was to be held by Father Kravyn.

Entering the cathedral at Noon Sunday, it was very well detailed inside as well as out, a table full of red candles not far from the pews, a spiral staircase leading upstairs, and more. Father Kravyn stood motionless at the altar as people came in from both teams, those from the German side as well as the majority of the Allied wearing civilian clothes. People greeted one another, Allied commander AngusGraham Ceawlin saying, “It is good to see everyone, and it is good to take pause and reflect.” He thanked Deusen Marx for building the basilica, whom answered, “It is always humbling to make something like this.”

For whatever reason, the preacher remained AFK, whatever emergency that kept him away never made clear. Angus then decided someone needed to speak in his place, “I am not a preacher, but as you all are here, I shall ... attempt to deliver something of hopeful value.”

“We are here to to pause and reflect and give thanks to the Maker of all. Our maker goes by many names, depending on our individual belief systems. We give thanks to him in how we perform our lives, in our dealing with people, and the use of our gifts. Deusen’s work here on the church is an example of such gifts. We must always use our gifts to the best use possible, whether as a creator of beauty, or as an employer, a mediator, and so on. This is how we give thanks. This is how we honor the Creator. When we are fair in our dealings with others we are honoring Him.”

“I ask that we all take a moment to give thanks. Bow your heads with me. (pause) Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunities you give us each day to honor You. And thank You for the gifts you have given each one of us. Help us to remember to be upright in all that we do. It is in Your name we pray, Amen.”

After several “amens” from the parishioners, Angus apologized for not being able to offer more, only asking that everyone “go out and be a hero to someone ... thank you all for coming. This shall hopefully be a regular occurrence, held on schedule.”

Deusen then asked everyone to join her in a prayer, “Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done. On Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

After several more “amens,” Angus wished everyone well, “Thank you all for coming.” And then the group went their separate ways, some presumably to battle, others to matters outside the sim.

The basilica is next scheduled to hold service is at April 10, 12 Noon SL time.

Bixyl Shuftan