Memento mori

Morning, Monday October 23, 1032

As a cleric, Benedict wakes up, prays the Divine Office with some cardinals, bishops, priests and monks. After the Hour of Terce, he celebrates his Mass, the Thanksgiving Mass for his election as Pope.

After Mass, Benedict comes to the dining room for breakfast. The meal is simple, just some eggs and bacons with some fruits. While he is eating breakfast, a boy in servant clothes comes and greets him "Holy Father, here is the calendar for the following week."

"Read it."

"Yes. Monday October 23

Tuesday October 24

Wednesday October 25: Saints Chrysanthus and Daria, martyrs

Thursday October 26: Saint Evaristus, pope and martyr

Friday October 27: Vigil. Abstinence.

Saturday October 28: Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Sunday October 29: 23rd Sunday after Pentecost." [1]

"Tell the Papal Masters of Ceremonies that We will celebrate Masses of each saint on their respective feast day at their respective church. On Sunday, We will celebrate Mass at Our private chapel in Lateran Palace."

"Yes, Holy Father."

KNOCK KNOCK

"Who is it?" the servant asks.

"Holy Father, it's me, Cardinal Ferrari."

"Come in!"

"Thank you, Holy Father, for spending your time meeting me." The Cardinal says while kneeling down and kiss Benedict's ring.

"Go to the main issue, We don't want to waste time. Time is precious for each man."

"Yes, Holy Father.

According to tradition, after a new Pope is elected, he will visit the tomb of his predecessors. I think it's time for you to do the same."

"Right now?"

"Yes, Holy Father."

"We will go, but let Us finish Our breakfast first . . . you can join Us." Benedict adds the last part when he sees the way the Cardinal is looking at the food on the table.

"Thank you, Holy Father."

***

Beneath St. Peter's Basilica

"Holy Father, here lied most of the Popes who are your predecessors."

("And most of Our successors will lie here too") Benedict silently adds in his head.

Benedict looks around, he can see many crypts, and on many of them he sees statues lying on top. These statues are statues of the Popes made in the pose of sleeping. This is to remind people that death is also like sleeping, one day, all will rise for the General Judgement.

Then they come before the largest tomb, directly under the main Altar above.

"Holy Father, this is St. Peter's tomb."

"In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost!" Benedict makes the sign of the Cross and kneels down and prays. Cardinal Ferrari and the servants immediately kneel down to pray too.

When Benedict stands up, he sees many other Cardinals walk toward him.

"Holy Father!"

"You are . . . ?"

"I'm Cardinal Rossi, Holy Father."

"Coincidentally. you all come here to pray with Us?"

"No, Holy Father. We have come here since after the Hour of Matins. We have prepared a gift for you."

Another Cardinal gives Cardinal Rossi a black box then the black box is given to a servant beside the young Pope.

The servant then opens the box for Benedict, his eyes widen, he is completely shocked.

"How dare you mock the Pope!!!" roared the servant, other servants also become angry when they see their colleague's anger.

"Stop it, let Us see what it is?"

"But . . . "

"Give it to Us!!!"

The servant gives the box to Benedict, he looks inside and he is surprised when he sees what is in it . . . although not too much.

Inside the box is a skull with Latin words "Memento mori" - "Remember death"

"Alright, you are worldly-minded, step down!" Benedict tells the servant.

("So these Cardinals are the pious ones.") Benedict thinks and he knows they are testing him.

"Beloved brethren, We thank you for the great gift. We will take it to Our mind and act according to it, lest We be damned to Hell and suffer eternal torment.

And We also want everyone to carve into their minds Four Last Things: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell.

We will all die, it is inevitable, then come Judgement. And the state of our souls when we die will decide our eternal fate at Judgement. If we are in the state of grace, we will be in Heaven and enjoy Eternal Happiness forever, no ending, we will look at the merciful face of God for eternity. But if we are in the state of sin, we will be damned and suffer eternal torment in Hell, and we will have to look at the miserable face of Satan for eternity."

All Cardinals and servants kneel down, saying "Amen." and makes the sign of the Cross.

***

[1] I base this on the 1568 Tridentine Calendar of Pope St. Pius V, excluding all saints who lived after the 11th century, and all feasts that I know won't be introduced to the calendar until later times.