The Greatest Evil Read Online Free PDF Page B

do. The important thing was that Tully be the one to decide the response to this demand.
    But, Koesler recalled, there were two documents that required a new pastor’s external assent. “What about the other statement … the Oath of Fidelity?”
    Tully again picked up the paper from which he had read. “There’s more, all right. But to my mind the damage was done by the Profession of Faith.”
    The rectory was now in shadow. Tully switched on the lamp next to his chair. “I’ll just read you the salient parts.
    “‘In carrying out my charge, which is committed to me in the name of the Church, I shall preserve the deposit of faith in its entirety, hand it on faithfully and make it shine forth. As a result, whatsoever teachings are contrary I shall shun.
    “‘I shall follow and foster the common discipline of the whole Church and shall look after the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially those which are contained in the Code of Canon Law.’
    “And finally, ‘ With Christian obedience I shall associate myself with what is expressed by the holy shepherds as authentic doctors and teachers of the faith or established by them as the Church’s rulers …’”
    Tully let the document flutter to the floor as he looked up dejectedly at Koesler.
    “That’s it?” Koesler asked.
    Tully was surprised. “That’s not enough?”
    “Oh, it’s enough, all right.” Koesler took a chair opposite Tully.
    “To tell the truth, Bob, this bothers me more than I’ve let on. And we’re getting closer all the time to the point of no return.”
    “How’s that?”
    “I take it that when you accept that document making you a Senior Priest”—here, Tully did a better-than-passing imitation of Delvecchio’s voice. “‘We do not speak of retirement from the priesthood’”—now he returned to his own voice. “in effect you will be a Senior Priest. In effect, you will retire, too.”
    Koesler laughed at the mimicry. “I don’t get the impression that it works all that automatically. I mean, it’s not like Australian tag team—where one wrestler tags his partner and then takes over the match. There’s probably a little room to breathe.
    “But, yes, I don’t think they expect me to linger here for months—or even weeks.”
    “Okay, so it’s not tonight. But sometime very soon, I’m going to be face to face with a Profession of Faith and an Oath of Fidelity. And, frankly, Bob, I don’t know what I’m going to do. But it sure looks as if the ball is in my court.”
    There was silence as both priests considered the situation.
    “This is awkward, isn’t it?” Koesler said finally.
    “You betcha!” Tully confirmed.
    “Your appointment should be published soon in the Detroit Catholic. And of course the parishioners here have been informed for at least several weeks. Most of them are familiar with you from your stay last year.” Koesler paused. “These papers—the Profession and Oath—they are the only problem facing us?”
    “Absolutely. I mean, I prayed over this move for months before deciding to come here. I really loved the folks in Dallas. It was painful to leave them. And that option is closed since the Josephites have already named my successor. I can’t go back to Dallas.”
    “I hesitate to ask,” Koesler said, “but do you have anyplace to go?”
    “What?”
    “This requirement isn’t just for Detroit. It’s Canon Law. Wouldn’t you run into the Profession and Oath no matter where you went?”
    Tully smiled, but without warmth. “I’d bet my bottom dollar I’d have no problem finding a Josephite superior who would take a benevolent approach to this canonical demand.”
    Koesler was silent briefly. He looked at Tully with genuine sympathy. “Have you given any thought to refusing this parish and returning to the Josephites?”
    “Sure. But it’s a kind of Catch-22. I want to be a part of my brother’s life. He’s the only close family I have. This is a good parish with