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Chapter III: The Training, Part 1
The weekdays are a blur of assignments and lectures, as Liz and Wyn diligently tackle the schoolwork handed down by their respective teachers. Despite the workload, Liz's thoughts often drift to Bennett. His image lingers in her mind, inspiring her to persevere through even the toughest days. She wonders where he might be now, and if he would be proud of her efforts.
Saturday finally arrives, marking the first training session for their formation as altar servers. Excitement and nervousness swirl in Liz's chest as she prepares early in the morning. She arrives at the school ahead of time, and to her delight, Wyn is already there, waiting near the designated room. Together, they exchange hopeful smiles and settle in for what they hope will be a fulfilling experience.
For a while, the room remains quiet as they wait for the other participants. Slowly, more individuals filter in, filling the seats and buzzing with energy. Bro. Padilla walks in, his presence immediately commanding the room's attention. He greets them warmly, his voice calm yet filled with enthusiasm.
"Good morning, everyone," he begins, smiling.
"Today is the start of something special. I'm glad to see all of you here, ready to embark on this journey of faith and service. Let's begin with an orientation, shall we?"
Bro. Padilla's tone puts Liz and Wyn at ease, and as the session progresses, the participants are asked to introduce themselves one by one. When Liz's turn comes, she stands and speaks confidently, despite the nerves prickling her skin.
"Hi, everyone. My name is Eliza Mae Flores, but you can call me Liz. I've always admired the altar servers and wanted to take this step to serve the Lord."
Her sincerity draws a few approving nods. Wyn follows shortly after, her voice equally firm.
"I'm Wynona Reina Perez, but I go by Wyn. Becoming an altar server has been a dream since I was a child, and I'm really excited to be here."
The introductions continue, but Liz notices something troubling. Among the participants are older boys whose reasons for joining seem lackluster at best. A few whisper something inaudible, then chuckle as they return to their seats. Liz exchanges a wary glance with Wyn.
"Stick close to me," Wyn whispers, leaning in.
"We don't want to deal with any nonsense from them."
Liz nods, grateful for her friend's support. The boys' behavior grows increasingly disruptive, chatting and laughing while sneaking glances at the younger girls in the room. Liz's unease deepens, but before long, Bro. Padilla addresses the issue.
"Gentlemen," he says sharply, his gaze sweeping over the group.
"This is a sacred calling, not a playground. If you cannot take this seriously, I suggest you reconsider your intentions for being here."
The room falls silent. The boys shuffle awkwardly in their seats, their earlier bravado replaced with sheepishness. Liz feels a wave of relief wash over her as the atmosphere shifts back to one of focus and respect.
With order restored, Bro. Padilla launches into the basics of altar service. He explains the significance of their roles, the importance of discipline, and the joy of serving with humility. Liz listens intently, her heart swelling with determination. Every word resonates deeply, reminding her of Bennett's encouragement and the reason she is here.
By the end of the session, Liz feels more inspired than ever. As they leave the room, she and Wyn chat excitedly about the opportunities ahead, their initial worries fading into the background. For Liz, this is more than just a commitment; it's a way to honor the memory of someone she loves and to grow in her faith.
The next training session arrives, and Liz finds herself filled with mixed emotions. Excitement bubbles inside her as she explores the intricate ways of becoming an altar server. However, an unshakable sadness clings to her, tethered to the constant thoughts of Bennett and where he might be now.
She steps into the training room, greeted by Bro. Padilla's warm smile and Wyn's cheerful wave.
"Morning, Liz! Ready to ace today?" Wyn chirps, her energy as infectious as ever.
Liz forces a small smile.
"Of course. Let's see what's in store for us."
Bro. Padilla claps his hands to gather everyone's attention.
"Good morning, everyone! For today's session, we're diving deeper into the tools and symbols we use in the church. I've brought several items from the sacristy. Your task is to identify them. Let's see how well you know your sacred objects!"
The group murmurs with curiosity as Bro. Padilla begins to unveil a variety of items, placing them carefully on the table before them. He picks up the first object—a simple but elegant cup.
"Anyone knows what this is?" he asks, holding it up.
Wyn raises her hand enthusiastically.
"A goblet?"
Bro. Padilla chuckles.
"Close, but not quite. Anyone else?"
Liz hesitates, memories swirling in her mind. Bennett's voice echoes, gentle yet confident.
'That's a Chalice, Liz. It's used to hold the wine that becomes Christ's blood during the Eucharist.'
"It's a Chalice," Liz answers confidently.
Bro. Padilla's eyes light up.
"Correct! Well done, Liz."
Wyn nudges her playfully.
"How'd you know that?"
Liz shrugs with a sly smile. "A secret."
Bro. Padilla moves on, lifting a larger cup with a cover.
"How about this one?"
Liz's heart races as another memory surfaces—Bennett's hand gently guiding her around the Cathedral's baptistry.
'This is a Ciborium. It holds the consecrated hosts for Communion.'
"It's a Ciborium," she says, her voice steady.
"Right again, Liz," Bro. Padilla says, clearly impressed.
The next object is a banner attached to a long staff.
"This one might be trickier," Bro. Padilla teases, raising an eyebrow.
Liz doesn't miss a beat.
'That's an Estandarte, a banner holding the titular saint of a place,' Bennett's voice whispers in her mind.
"It's an Estandarte," she answers aloud.
Wyn stares at her, wide-eyed.
"Are you secretly studying these things? How are you getting them all right?"
Liz chuckles, though her heart aches slightly.
"Just lucky, I guess."
Bro. Padilla continues to reveal more items, from the Paten to the Thurible, and Liz answers each one flawlessly. The other trainees glance at her with a mix of admiration and curiosity.
"Okay, Liz," Wyn whispers as Bro. Padilla explains the use of a Lavabo Bowl. "You've got to tell me your secret. This isn't just luck."
Liz's mind drifts again. In the flashback, Bennett's warm smile fills her vision.
'You see this, Liz? This is called the Lavabo Bowl. It's used by the priest to wash his hands during Mass, symbolizing purification.' She remembers the way he had patiently explained every item, his passion for serving the church shining through.
She snaps back to the present and grins at Wyn.
"Let's just say I've had some help."
Wyn crosses her arms, feigning annoyance.
"Fine, keep your secrets. But one day, I'll get it out of you."
Bro. Padilla claps his hands again, signaling the end of the guessing game.
"Great job, everyone! Especially you, Liz. Your knowledge is impressive. Now, let's move on to today's discussion."
As the lecture begins, Liz feels a wave of gratitude toward Bennett. His teachings had prepared her for this moment, but the ache of his absence lingers. She wonders where he is now, if he's proud of her, and if she'll ever see him again.
Her thoughts are interrupted by Bro. Padilla's voice.
"Remember, being an altar server is more than knowing these items. It's about serving with your heart and staying true to your faith. Let's strive to embody those values in everything we do."
Liz nods, determination settling in her chest.
I'll make you proud, Bennett. Wherever you are.
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