It’s a good place to pray. His parent’s words rang hollow in Alfonso’s heart.
The first time his parents said they were going to La Union Alfonso had already thought of the questions he would ask the surfing instructor.
He didn’t expect the empty stones of an old church.
Through the years they became a sort of comfort. No matter what happened in his life, the stones would be there. He would be there.
Alfonso remembers the first time he saw the priest.
It was out the corner of his eye. He was exploring the ruins and wanted to know who else was there.
He called out for a friend and he found a phantasm.
Tears in his eyes, he ran to his parents and told them what he saw.
Their answer was always the same – ‘Pray for him’
It is 8PM, 3 hours since Alfonso arrived at the church. He takes another drag on his cigarette and remembers better times.
He tried to find out everything about the priest, of course, digging through urban legends about the headless specter and finding nothing of note.
No one knows why he lost his head. ‘But does it matter?’ he thought.
Another drag, another reflection. ‘The word ‘lost’ implies that you know your destination and you just don’t know how to get there.’ He couldn’t find another word to explain his situation.
He never had a goal he could chase.
9PM and the priest finally shows up, making his rounds through the once-blessed stones.
And Alfonso begins:
Heavenly Father
In You we find salvation
Souls wander
And I cry to you
For those that are hopeless
To those that do not know love
You become all things
To all people
That you may save them
Lift Your hands
Set our souls free
Undo our chains
Cleanse us of the past
Heal our scars
That we may look forward
It happens only through your grace
In your name
Who saves us
Amen
He repeats this without pause and Alfonso’s tears fall on the stones below.
He knows that the priest will still be there the next time.
He knows that he won’t be forgiven.
But he trusts in the power of prayer.
From one lost soul to another.
=====—————————————
Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by The Headless Priest of Pindangan Ruins urban legends
The Headless Priest of Pindangan Ruins Illustration by Kring Demetrio
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