Chapter 144: The Nun's Official Induction
Thus, due to religion, anything, any number associated with God inevitably carries significance.
As religion flourished and rapidly expanded, with religion deeply integrated into the lives of believers and God becoming the faith of the followers, the number 13, defined as ominous and unlucky, naturally became embedded in the common consciousness of Western people.
Of course, in this world with supernatural forces, the association of 13 with other bizarre events, like these 56 cases, obviously indicates a problem.
Turning to the second set of documents, York's gaze lingered on the death time and the date of entering room 1408.
The first victim, Kevin Miller, died by cutting his throat in the year and time of [1912] June 7th, one hour after checking in at [22:09].
The second victim, Ophelia Jimenez, died by jumping from the building in the year and time of [1921] March 19th, one hour after checking in at [21:55].
Reviewing the information of the second victim, Ophelia Jimenez, York continued to the next page without expression and looked for the death year and time of the third victim.
The third victim, Mary Pearson, died by jumping, in the year and time of [1930] April 9th, one hour after checking in at [23:08].
And so on...
For the fourth victim and the following ones, York noticed a common pattern: the sum of the death year, period, and time equaled 13.
Another similarity was that all these victims checked in at night...
Realizing this, York didn't need to go through the rest of the documents. He gathered all the materials, turned to Jeffrey and Beck, who were anxiously waiting, and said,
"I'll personally take a look tonight."
Jeffrey instinctively asked, "Father York, so there really are supernatural elements involved?"
York placed the documents and photos gently on the table, calmly stating,
"It seems likely."
Then, York paused, giving them a somewhat ambiguous look,
"You're lucky to have stopped investigating. If you had gone there today, you might have actually encountered danger."
A heavy sigh filled the room as Jeffrey exhaled deeply, looking seriously at the priest.
"Is it because today is September 4th, Father?"
Having considered the case from a supernatural perspective, he had already grasped the pattern.
York smiled, unsurprised by Jeffrey's understanding.
"Yes."
After responding, York, as if foreseeing the future, left a parting remark and headed towards the door.
"Enjoy the welcome party first, then prepare for tonight's event."
Jeffrey and Beck exchanged glances, standing up to follow.
"Okay, Father."
York opened the door, and the lively noise from outside became louder, filling his mind with more and more detailed information.
At that moment, Robert approached, surprised to see York opening the door but quickly recovering.
"Father, they've finished talking and are looking for you!"
York smiled, knowing well that he had to preside over the welcome party, at least to formally introduce Eileen as part of his duties as the priest of Pluto Church.
"Alright, I'm on my way."
Jeffrey and Beck followed as York led the way out.
Beck, puzzled by the cryptic conversation between the priest and his superior, watched York stride confidently down the hallway and mumbled to Jeffrey,
"Buddy, why would investigating today pose a danger when it was safe before?"
Hearing the mumble, Jeffrey calmly explained,
"Add up all the numbers, and you'll understand what the priest meant."
With that, Jeffrey quickened his pace, leaving Beck in a daze, suddenly realizing the significance.
"Add them up? 13?"
.............
The solemn yet warm Pluto Church finally settled down.
Bunches of fresh flowers and candles adorned the entire church, leaving only the voice of the priest standing at the altar.
The congregation, old and new, had taken their seats on the neatly arranged benches, looking sincerely and smilingly at the center where the priest and the nun stood.
With a solemn tone, York officially introduced Eileen, the novice nun, her monastery, and her background. He glanced at the calm Eileen, scanned the attentive congregation, and spoke again.
"Today, we are fortunate to welcome a new member. She will become part of our Pluto Church. May we support each other with the Gospel."
Applause erupted, filled with joy and anticipation.
York watched Eileen, who slightly pursed her lips at the applause, and gestured for her to step forward.
Eileen took a deep breath, stepped onto the altar beside the priest, and faced the congregation.
As she scanned the crowd, every face was smiling and clapping sincerely, welcoming her.
This sincerity and warmth gave her, a newcomer with nowhere else to turn, a sense of belonging.
She was receiving the support and goodwill of the congregation.
Knowing what to do, Eileen bowed deeply to express her gratitude.
"I will do my utmost as a nun of Pluto Church to help those in need. May God guide my steps, making me His servant, to spread love and hope to His children."
"..."
The applause ceased, and the ceremony continued.
Under York's guidance, Eileen clasped her hands and knelt before him.
Watching Eileen bow slightly, York held the heavy Bible in his right hand and gently placed the cross on her forehead with his left, officiating her induction as a nun in the presence of the congregation, including the two officers.
"By the authority granted to me by Pluto Church, in the name of the church, I accept your vows.
From this moment, you belong to Pluto Church, to God. You are consecrated to the Holy Communion, on the path to perfection. May God's love always connect you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
York concluded, drawing a cross on his chest with his left hand.
"Amen."
The congregation echoed,
"Amen."
As the ceremony concluded, Pluto Church officially welcomed its second clergy member...
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