Rosary Village.”
CHAPTER-2
VISIT OF FATHER JOHN OF THE CROSS
After reading the letter, Jack Batson couldn’t control his curiosity to know more about the subject that mentioned in the letter. Father John was a famous preacher and Jack was amazed thinking what the confidential responsibility that he was going to entrust him.
“If the letter is genuine, he is coming to meet me today!” Jack Batson said to himself.
Jack felt that the time was crawling like a caterpillar. He checked the clock impatiently. Finally, the clock struck at twelve and his heart started beating like a roaring ocean. Each seconds and minutes seemed crawling at a snail’s pace and he felt that the time was stagnant. He turned his eyes down from the clock and looked impatiently through the window at the road. He expected his guest there, but he couldn’t see anyone. He stared back at the clock and lost his patience.
One more hour passed and finally the clock struck One.
“Tuck, Tuck!”
This time he could hear somebody knocking at the front door. He was impatient and eager to see his visitor and ran towards the main door to open it.
When he opened the door, he could see a clean shaved young gentleman in his mid-thirties. He was clad in a catholic priest’s black cassock and white collar.
“I am Father John of the Cross, and I think, you are Mr. Jack Batson. Am I right?”
“Yes, father. Please come in and take a seat!” Jack Batson said.
As Father John entered the room, he looked around and noticed the highly expensive paintings of Holy Trinity, Holy Family, Angels and saints that were hanging on the wall.
“These paintings are marvellous. Whose work is this?” He asked.
“You like them Father? Some are the paintings of famous artist Michael Artherton and Richard Patrick, but the rest are from a famous artist Ruperto of Cupertino of Italy. My dad is a great fan of paintings. He has a collection of attractive paintings from all over the world.”
“To be frank with you, I am very happy to be here in this beautiful house. Can you please tell me more about this splendid house? Who is the builder of this house and when was it built?”
“Actually, this house was not built recently. I think, this is around 600 years old and built by one of my great ancestors, Gonzalez Batson, who was richer than the King at that time.”
“He must be a great architect of that time!”
“Yes, he was not only an architect, but also a famous physician. He used to travel around the neighbouring countries for treating patients with severe illness.” Jack Batson replied proudly remembering about his ancient house and his rich ancestor.
“O.K. Now I understand how your ancestors could build such a palatial bungalow that can accommodate hundreds of people together.”
“Yes, father.”
“Actually, I am very much eager to know your opinion about the case that I am going to discuss with you. Still, many people are afraid of the incidents happened there….but how it happened is still a mystery.”
“Father, don’t worry, whatever may be your problem, I am ready to help you. I don’t understand why you came here to seek my help rather than seeking other persons help? Why me in particular, Father? Another thing I don’t understand is about the people who referred my name? Can you please tell me more about them?”
“They came to my vicarage after 7:30 in the evening, soon after I finished my Rosary. I was sitting in front of the dining table to have my dinner. Then the calling bell rang and I thought it might be the chaplain. When I opened the door, I could see a beautiful lady standing outside carrying a charming infant in her arms accompanied by two young men. It was pitch dark, yet I could see the radiance on their faces. As I looked at them, my eyes blinked as if I was looking at the scorching sun rays.
They were quite noble people, I have never seen such gorgeous people in my life before. They introduced themselves to me. The couple’s name were Joe and Maria and their lovely child’s name was Emmanuel and their friend’s name was Mike. The moment I opened the door they looked like angels appeared from heaven! Husband Joe and Mike were young and handsome and appeared to be in their thirties. The lady seemed like a late teenager and the child was looking around three years old.
I felt very light and an inner peace frothed inside my heart that lasted for a long time. I welcomed them in even before asking who they were, because I felt them very special and magnificent. I am sure anybody would have loved to welcome such pleasing personalities to their home. When they entered my room, I felt like four Suns descended from the sky. Indeed, I didn’t feel uncomfortable even though they intruded into my privacy, instead, it was like a pleasant surprise like getting a celebrity visiting your home unexpectedly.
I felt very comfortable by their presence and I wished and prayed that they should be with me forever. I strongly wished that they shouldn’t go away from me. They looked like angels to me and I whispered whether they were God’s messengers. When they heard my question, they smiled and Joe unravelled my past life:
“Father John of the Cross, you are the last child of your parents, and born into your family after your three brothers and two sisters. You always wanted to become a detective, but you accepted Jesus’ call and entered into priesthood. Your brothers and family are peasants and all of them stay in the same house with your parents in the village Ursula. Your two sisters also got married to two noble twin brothers and live in the same village.”
I was stunned and my eyes were widely opened for a few minutes in great amazement.
“But, Sir, how did you know that?” I was really astounded by these revelations made by that strange person. Even though, I am a famous preacher only my closest friends knew that my family lived back in Ursula.
“We know everything about you. You are the Minister General, the worldwide Superior of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. I am sure if we tell something more, it will be beyond your imagination. We know you were searching for something priceless which was stolen from the monastery of Holy Face of Jesus. Am I not right? You are behind the Holy Chalice, which is also known as the Holy Grail. But you don’t have any clear plans to retrieve it. Yet you are not willing to seek help from the Police as you wish to keep it as a secret. You wish to hide this news from everyone, even from His Holiness, because your friend the Abbot of the Monastery has requested you not to. He has instructed you ‘never tell anyone, even to Holy Father or to the Police’. So, you were planning to entrust this task to someone whom you can believe completely. True?”
“Yeah, you are right, Sir! But, how did you get this information which we were keeping within us as a top secret? There is no chance for it to be leaked out through the media as only three individuals know about it. It is me, the Abbot and Jesus Christ! I think the Abbot has told you about it!”
“No Father, it is not from the media or from the Abbot that we knew about this incident. The way we know about this matter is a mystery! The stolen Holy Grail, used by our Lord Jesus Christ in His last supper is one of the most invaluable treasures that belong to the church. If you want you can keep this theft as a secret forever, as the Holy Grail was safeguarded in the underground chamber from public where only your eminence, the Holy Father and the Abbot of the Monastery have access. The only chance for another person to know about this incident is while the newly elected Abbot or Minister General is enthroned. The monastery is following a tradition that only after the death of the current Abbot they would choose another one. But in your case, you are a saintly Minister General and everyone do like you, there is no chance for your position to be replaced. So this would have continued as a hidden secret for many years to come. Still you don’t know why the abbot has told you, not to tell anyone about this theft.”
“Exactly Sir, I am wondering how did you get this precise information?”
My mind was totally turbulent by the revelations of these strange visitors. Yet I tried to conceal the frustration on my face. How can
a robber steal the Holy Grail by breaking into the underground chamber that is secured with the highest security systems? The robbers have done their job skilfully even without leaving a trail on the security cameras.
This time Mike answered:
“Father, we are the envoys of the Roman Catholic Church and you can call us either the protectors or well-wishers. Our mission is to protect the Church, defend God’s people and make them closer to God. Still if you are asking us who and what we are we have only one answer to give you, we are just the humble servants of Jesus Christ.”
These words dissolved my pride and I realized I am nothing before them. From my inner heart, I got a vision that the mission of their visit is to entrust me to retrieve the stolen Holy Grail. At this stage I became stronger in my mind and my ears were totally prepared to take any orders from them.
“Yes Master, what to be done?” I humbled myself.
“Could you give me direction how to achieve this goal? I am sure it won’t be a cake walk!” I was waiting for his response.
There was a spell of silence for a few moments.
“So, what do you think, Your Highness? I beg you, please give me guidance.” I repeated.
“We know a young man who is an efficient investigator and a smart adventurer, who may be able to probe into this case. Nothing is impossible in this world. So don’t be afraid. Our emissary will undertake this case. We promise that, he is the most suitable to deal with this case.”
“If you can vouch for him then how can I contact him?”
“He is a lovely 27 years old gentleman and his name is Jack Batson. Whoever come across likes him very much. He is known to us since his childhood, because he is one of our relatives. That’s why we refer him to you to accomplish this mission.”
“Sure Sir, I shall try.”
“IF YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOAL, NEVER TRY, JUST DO IT, THE WINNERS NEVER TRY, THEY ALWAYS DO IT. If you trust our words, you can approach him. This is his address. You can go and meet him directly.” Mike gave me your business card.
Their words and promises were influential and undeniable that penetrated through my mind. I trusted and decided to come over from Rosary Village to Danger Forest to meet you personally. I am fully confident that you can fulfil this task.”
Father John of the Cross finished his narration and looked around the paintings again. While Father John described all these incidents, Jack Batson was frantically trying to figure out the details. Jack realized that Fr. John was still hiding something in his turbulent mind and some secrets were haunting him.
“Father, I know, something is stirring you. It seems like something more has to come out of your mind. What is it? No inhibitions please. Probably that might be the thread that will take me through this adventure.”
“Dear Jack, I think, Doomsday is coming soon…there was a prophesy that I have read a few years ago. If it is true, something bad is going to happen very soon. It was the prophesy of Saint Malachy. It was written by him, which says:
‘When two Vicars of Christ will be in the Holy City, one would give up his authority completely for the other. Then his successor will be in reign, then suddenly, Holy Grail will disappear from its sacred place. To torture the new Vicar of Christ, the enemy of Christ will be born into the world. Many people will lose their faith and some people, even the clergy will be against that saintly Vicar. Then the enemy of Christ, who was born from a woman who lives in complete sinful life, will be lurking and prowling about the world gathering all the people to destroy the Church and defeat its leader. Many people will have to suffer a lot for their faith. But, don’t be afraid, Jesus will come at the right time to save you.”
Jack Batson was shocked while Fr. John narrated the prophesy.
“Father, do you think, Antichrist was born into the earth?” Jack Batson asked.
“Still, I don’t know, Jack. But, I think, all these scandals against the Church, the sufferings of Christians all over the world for their faith and the war of the countries against each other are symbolizing the birth of Antichrist. Besides, you know, it is the first-time Holy Grail has been robbed, after it had been kept for many centuries in the monastery of Holy Face of Jesus.” Father John of the Cross stopped for a moment and wiped away his sweat from his forehead. Then he continued:
“In my opinion, the Holy Catholic Church is in danger, the Judas Iscariots from inside and their alliance from outside are trying to defeat the church and believe me, even our Holy Father’s life is in danger. Satan is wandering everywhere by cheating even the clergy. This one percent evil inside the Church is making plans to destroy the Church completely. As a priest, I have my own limitations to fight against these issues.”
“Father, believe me, do you think that, the Church is helpless? I can assure you it is not like that as you think. If one of our brothers is a criminal, will you say that our mother is a evil woman? No, nobody will say that! The one percent of Judas Iscariots inside the church including the clergy, nun and laymen may try to defeat the Church, but the rest 99 percent are with us. Remember, Holy Trinity one God- the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are with us. Holy Mary, mother of God, Saint Joseph, foster father of our Lord Jesus Christ all are with us. St. Michael the Archangel, all other Archangels, Angels, Saints, all the Holy Souls in purgatory are also with us. Then why should you be afraid, Father? Let the evils do what they can to destroy the Mother Church and we can do what we can with the help of our Lord to defend the church. Let’s see who will win!” Jack Batson said very proudly and looked at Father John of the Cross. He seemed very nervous and deep in thought.
Still, Jack Batson was wondering, how fast everything could be changed. Jack Batson was longing to become an adventurer for many years. He prayed well and tried for it for many years. But, whatever he tried never helped him to fulfil his dream. He was a total failure not just for himself, but for others too. So he never imagined that an opportunity like this would come to support him at this grievous time. Until that morning he was just Jack Batson who was nobody in front of others, but now, he got an opportunity to prove himself worthy in front of others as an adventurer. Then he remembered his dad Ben Batson’s words:
“IF YOU HAVE A BURNING DESIRE FOR SOMETHING GOOD, BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS HEARD YOUR PRAYER AND ALREADY FULFILLED IT FOR YOU. THEN, YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOCK AT MANY DOORS FOR OPPORTUNITIES. THE OPPORTUNITIES WILL COME AND KNOCK AT YOUR DOORSTEPS.”
Now he realized that, his dad’s words have come true: “DON’T DESPAIR, YOUR GOD, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL COME INTO YOUR LIFE AT THE RIGHT TIME”. Then Jack Batson was nothing for the past 27 years and people used to call him a moron, but now God has chosen to touch his life.
Jack Batson’s thoughts were wandering like an unleashed horse around his sweet heart Nova. The fond memories of her blossomed in his heart like wild flowers in the first rain. He knew that, it is the one and only opportunity to prove his worthiness before his relatives by undertaking this adventure and to marry her. If he fails in this battle, he may not get another chance to prove himself. THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY TO FULFIL YOUR DREAM MAY SELDOM COME TWICE IN YOUR LIFE. IF YOU MISS IT, YOU MAY NOT GET ANOTHER CHANCE.
Jack Batson decided to say ‘Yes’, to Father John of the Cross’s request. At the same time, his mind was pondering about the strangers who referred his name to Fr. John to investigate this case.
“Father, I am willing to help the Church in this matter. I will gather more information about this issue. Please don’t let anybody know that you have shared this matter with me. You may leave your phone number and address with me. I shall contact you over phone, or directly come to the vicarage to meet you after finishing this job. You can contact me in the interim to discuss the developments. I am starting this investigation this very moment. I will do everything possible to retrieve the Holy Grail. I promise, I will find out the Holy Grail, before the new year. You may go now in peace.”
Jack Batson couldn’t understand why he gave such a strong promise to Fa
ther John. He knew, it was not easy to retrieve such a valuable treasure and fight against the culprits. The only thing he knew clearly was that he needed to retrieve the Holy Grail.
“So, here is the advance cheque for one hundred thousand Hostos. Once the mission is accomplished, I will give you another nine hundred thousand. So, the total reward for this investigation will be one million Hostos. But, if you can’t accomplish the duty, I will take back this cheque from you. That means unless you retrieve the Holy Grail the value of this cheque is nothing more than a blank paper.” Father John of the Cross then handed over the cheque to Jack Batson.
NB: The Currency in Billston is CROSTO and HOSTO. 100 Crostos make one Hostos.
For a moment, Jack Batson’s mind was confused with mixed feelings whether to accept the cheque or not. He knew that one hundred thousand is a huge sum of money which is enough to make him rich to buy a big mansion and two hectares of lifestyle property in Danger Forest. He realized that the successful investigation and retrieving the Holy Grail was the need of the hour which can turn his current situation upside down. Hither to he never gave importance to money in his life, but now money has become all the more important to prove his worthiness in the society. This was going to be the first earning he make ever in his life!
JACK BATSON AND THE HOLY GRAIL Page 3