Kelley Vandiver Kyrie Eleison

The Fallen Inquisitor

Lord Have Mercy, Christ Have Mercy!

Under the direction of this, the Lord High Inquisitor, many sinners and fallen were put to death. However, in the 23rd year after becomming a priest, a woman named Rosalba, was brought before him accused of heresy for speaking harshly in public against the church. She told how her child had been playing in the street when the Bishop’s carriage passed by. Her child fell under the wheels and his leg was broken and the Bishop refused to stop and aid the child. She then sealed her fate by climbing the steps of the cathedral and demanding an apology from the Bishop.

It is common knowlege that it is a sin to question the actions of a Bishop and when he heard of her speech, he ordered her death.

At that time, the Lord High Inquisitor was visiting Santiago de Compostella and agreed to hear this woman's complaint. When the Inquisitor saw Rosalba he instantly lost his heart. As he heard her speak he was entranced by the singing quality of her impassioned words. Her perfume filled his nose and lungs and he was truly lost. In his mind, he plotted their escape together. He fantasized their flight across Spain while being chased by the church. His heart beat faster as his excitement reached a fever pitch.

He stopped her speech and told her of his plan. He explained his love in flowery word and in simple ones (for she was a simple woman with no education). He could tell from her face that she was disgusted. The Lord High Inquisitor had made a horrible mistake. Rosalba ran from the building and climbed the steps of the Cathedral and renounced the Inquisitor for his profession of love.

The Lord High Inquisitor left calmly for those of the church have great power and command respect. He stepped into his own carriage and left Santiago de Compostella. When his driver asked about their destination, he was told to continue on to the sea where a boat was to be hired to take him to France. In France, The Lord High Inquisitor shed his robes and crosses and his jewelry. The jewelry he sold to begin his new life. Because he honored his heart and took the greatest of risks he eventually became truly free.