Seven years of love or seven years of bad luck

Author's Notes. This story is 100% fictional, I do not mean to offend the Father, religious people, and his followers.

Story for over 18s ©All rights reserved Luciana M.M

In the monastery of the Brothers of the Sacred Face.

-Brother Cláudio Hernandez, receive the vows of obedience, chastity and poverty for one year at the hands of your superior?

-Yes, I freely and spontaneously accept my vows, I will be obedient, I will follow chastity and I will serve holy poverty.

In the eyes of my lord may my superior pray for my novitiate.

The brothers of the order of Saint Augustine took the black habit and put it on top of the other habit that Cláudio took off when he was just a postulant, the Father carefully unfolded the black tunic, which was immediately followed by a short cape and placed it over the head of the novice wore a black hood, then he took a rosary that tied around his waist and a leather belt around it. After taking possession of the vestments, the Friar Superior looked at young Cláudio and the other young people who were taking their vows with him and asked.

-Children, what do you ask for?

-We ask that you let us experience your way of life and, after being approved by you, we will admit ourselves to this family to follow Christ more closely - Everyone responded, kneeling before the Superior.

-May the Lord grant you his help. _ Everyone- Amen.

-God of mercy help you with his grace and the divine Master enlightens us with his light.

- Everyone responds. Help us to live the precepts of the Gospel every day of our lives to know your Rule and to keep the law of fraternal charity. Everyone- Amen.

-This is the sign of belonging to the congregation for a year, receiving the cross of our Lord and the word of God to feed your heart and soul.

Claudio took the Bible and the cross in his hand and kissed him as a sign of respect, the little brother's eyes were in tears, he couldn't contain his tears, that was a very important moment for him.

He looked at his confreres who were also crying with him with joy, and he remembered when he arrived at the convent three years ago how time passed quickly and Cláudio was sure that he wanted to dedicate himself completely to God. But his family, especially his father, was not happy with his son's decision, as it was not the life he wanted, in his mind, admiring his religious clothes, he remembered the threat that his friar had made three years ago when he entered the Augustinian order and I thought about the harsh and offensive words your friar said when leaving home.

''This is not the life I chose for you my son, a monk, an insignificant friar, what did I do wrong to deserve this, look your mother is disgusted with you, Claudio rethink this idea, I want you in the company.

-No, my friar, I'm sorry because I've already made my decision, I want to serve God, to serve only him.

-You are no longer my son, I cursed you, you ingrate, I don't want to see you anymore, get out of my sight, forget that you had a father and a mother.

Given these painful memories, he smiled with tears in his eyes, he saw his brothers and his family celebrating together, and he felt a pang in his heart at not having his parents and his older brother. He looked at one of his friends, now also Brother Matthew of perfect joy, yes it was a memorable name he brought perfect joy to the brothers in the convent, and he hugged him very happily, celebrating the vows together.

The brothers embraced their newest novices and everyone was invited to the banquet in the main hall.

The Institute of the Friars of Saint Augustine in Spain was well known for the excellent performance of primary and secondary education, it was an orphanage and school for abandoned children, in total there were 20 friars, 5 postulants, and 5 novices. The brothers always helped those most in need, held food bank fairs, and donated clothes, men and women worked inside, including coordinators and teachers, the convent was divided into two wings, one for students and teachers among the staff and the closed wing there was a cloister where the brothers were, other professionals were not allowed to enter, only the brothers could frequent the place.

The superior priest, brother Javier Domingos, a 68-year-old man, professed his vows in Spain, had charisma and affection for the little ones, and always wanted to help orphans, as he knew well how difficult the life of an orphan living in a shelter was, so He decided to dedicate himself to religious life and help children, recognized for his charisma and work. He was called by Bishop Emeritus Dom Peter to take charge of the convent of the Brothers of the Sacred Face of Jesus 30 years ago in Madrid after the semi-closure of the Sisters of the Sacred Face was inaugurated, now there were not only the Friars, there was also the women's enclosure, both Friar Domingos and Mother Marta worked together for the good of the mixed monastery and the orphanage, dedicating their lives to the little ones and their brothers.

When he saw young Cláudio he knew that he would be a great religious and welcomed him into the monastery.

When Cláudio entered the convent, he was only 18 years old, but he always had a good relationship with the friars because before he entered he was a student too, so it was easier for him to join the order, always helping Friar Domingos at masses, determined to serve God. He never had love, he didn't know what it was, he never had a girlfriend because within him, he felt the strong call of God. But that didn't mean that he wasn't attractive, on the contrary, Cláudio had the beauty of a king and attracted a lot of attention, a sight for many women sang him and made several marriage proposals, dating even casual sex, even though he was wearing religious clothes, He went out on the streets and was well known, but he took it all in stride. Upon being accepted into the order, he began his studies in philosophy and theology, but he enjoyed teaching children and ended up becoming a Portuguese and Spanish teacher within the convent.

Upon being accepted into the order, he began his studies in philosophy and theology, but he enjoyed teaching children and ended up becoming a Portuguese and English teacher within the convent. But there was a big problem within the convent, which was a model school in the city, there was a lack of an English teacher who could handle the second year class, as no one could make the students enjoy studying, they always got low grades and the other teachers couldn't cope, there were several teachers who found Domingos' conditions to be very strict, they found the students to be poorly educated and without any scruples. Domingos was tired and could no longer bear the neighbors' complaints about the students' lack of decorum and mischief, as they created terror in the place. But one day, the history teacher, Mrs. Candace, heard about an excellent language teacher who taught English and Portuguese. In all the schools she went to, no student was left without learning, and those who were more troublesome she managed to change them. Making good students with top marks from the teaching board.