Howling winds that began yesterday evening, peaked last night, and at just after 1.00 a.m. there was a brilliant flash of light over the hills to the south and all the power went off. It wasn't restored until just after 4.00 p.m. this afternoon, which made the monthly Benefice Coffee morning that I host quite an exercise in logistics. Fortunately a helpful parishioner came forward with several flasks of hot water, and I dug out my single-burner camping gas stove, and so we were able to go ahead - with instant coffee though instead of the real stuff!
And now, at 7.15 p.m. I've just had a call from the Diocesan Exorcist asking my permission to come in to a house in one of our villages and do a "cleansing". Of course I've said "yes". But what is slightly interesting is that they seem to have been contacted by a previous incumbent. I know nothing about the situation at all. At least that call is a nod in the direction of protocol, but I don't think much of the former incumbent's lack of communication with me.
So from the Leap Day we move through St. David's Day and into Mothering Sunday. What a feast of celebration this Lent is proving to be!
Is the previous incumbent the poltergiste then? Only you didn't make it totally clear.
ReplyDeleteNo, he's the person who has apparently been dealing pastorally with the family. It would have been nice to have been informed, even if I wasn't involved.
ReplyDeleteSounds a bit creepy :)
ReplyDeleteIn my 23 years of ministry I've said prayers in a couple of "troubled" houses, and celebrated a home communion in two, as part of my pastoral duty and care before the "professional" is called in. In each and every instance these prayers have "settled" the situation, and no further action has been required. I don't say this to "blow my own trumpet", so to speak, but simply as an expression of my regret that I have not had the opportunity to offer the same in this situation.
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