william23
Magistrate
The Passion Play
The Holy Order of The Blessed Virgin was a convent for lost cause girls and nestled in the Black Hills. For some this was the only way to get a roof over their head and three solid meals a day. The convent was run by Sister Martha and a handful of holy sisters who helped her set up the convent some fifteen years ago. Very few people knew of the whereabouts of the convent but those who did stayed well clear as it had one hell of a reputation. Once a year, however, they would put on their annual Passion Play for the towns folk and hundreds would attend and marvel at the realism of the event.
Sister Martha stood proud on her platform to address the assembled nuns.
"Sister's," she began, "it is nearly time for the Passion Play to be held in the field. I am sure this year will be one of the best. As you know we will draw lots to see who plays the parts, unless there are any volunteers?" She smirked as a murmur went around the room.
"No one wants to volunteer? well, lots it is then!"
Her helpers quickly went around the assembly and each nun, with trembling fingers, removed a scrap of paper. Slowly they each unfurled the slips and glanced into their hands. If they were lucky they would see the word "crowd", which meant they would only participate by shouting and jeering. They may get "soldier" or crucifier or even Pilate himself. However, for three of them they would hang on crosses with nails hammered into their hands and feet, they would be Jesus, Dismas and Gestas.
The murmuring got louder and then the shrieks and sobs from the three unfortunates began to ring out.
"Come now girls, this is a great honour that you have been chosen. You will be fed and watered far better than the rest and you will sleep on soft beds for your final days. Sisters! take them down to their cells and look after them well."
To be continued................................................................
The Holy Order of The Blessed Virgin was a convent for lost cause girls and nestled in the Black Hills. For some this was the only way to get a roof over their head and three solid meals a day. The convent was run by Sister Martha and a handful of holy sisters who helped her set up the convent some fifteen years ago. Very few people knew of the whereabouts of the convent but those who did stayed well clear as it had one hell of a reputation. Once a year, however, they would put on their annual Passion Play for the towns folk and hundreds would attend and marvel at the realism of the event.
Sister Martha stood proud on her platform to address the assembled nuns.
"Sister's," she began, "it is nearly time for the Passion Play to be held in the field. I am sure this year will be one of the best. As you know we will draw lots to see who plays the parts, unless there are any volunteers?" She smirked as a murmur went around the room.
"No one wants to volunteer? well, lots it is then!"
Her helpers quickly went around the assembly and each nun, with trembling fingers, removed a scrap of paper. Slowly they each unfurled the slips and glanced into their hands. If they were lucky they would see the word "crowd", which meant they would only participate by shouting and jeering. They may get "soldier" or crucifier or even Pilate himself. However, for three of them they would hang on crosses with nails hammered into their hands and feet, they would be Jesus, Dismas and Gestas.
The murmuring got louder and then the shrieks and sobs from the three unfortunates began to ring out.
"Come now girls, this is a great honour that you have been chosen. You will be fed and watered far better than the rest and you will sleep on soft beds for your final days. Sisters! take them down to their cells and look after them well."
To be continued................................................................