The Game of Leela: Light and Sound Series, #2

By John J Pietrangelo

The Roman Curia, made up of the most powerful Cardinals in the Vatican, show their displeasure with the young pope whom they, themselves, have unwittingly placed on the Throne of Saint Peter. A few among them had done this as a ruse to consolidate their ever-growing power over the worldwide congregation of the faithful, never imagining that this politically naive and inexperienced priest would take the bull by the horns, overturning the whole apple cart! But that, it seems, is exactly what is happening!

       From an implausible prophecy unfolding to perfection, a relatively unknown parish priest has miraculously ascended the heights to become Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Unexpectedly thrown into the middle of corruption among members within the highest echelon of the Vatican hierarchy, the new pope is overwhelmed by his unsought position of authority but is emboldened by the unfailing support of his brother, Paul.   

      Intertwined throughout both Book One and Book Two of this Light and Sound Series finds the D'Alessio family wending its way through life's inevitable obstacles, the grandparents and mother of the boys imparting the wisdom of the ages to them along the way.

      Having successfully negotiated a life-threatening experience at the hands of Islamic extremists, Pope Peter now feels his life may be threatened from within the power structure of the Church as well. Paul continues to provide invaluable support to his brother, uncovering further historical evidence of past deceit and corruption within the Church, while translating newly discovered ancient scrolls hidden within the depths of the Vatican Library.

     Constantly looking back to his youthful exchanges with who he deems to have been his guardian angels, the new pope struggles with his own mortality, his spiritual priorities, and his responsibility to execute his duties honestly and faithfully. He wrestles with reconciling his training as a priest with the findings within the scrolls and revelations regarding Church history recently brought to light by Paul.

      Is transformation in the offing? Will those who have been given the Keys to the Kingdom continue doing business as usual? Or when all is said and done will the priest and the archaeologist triumph in the face of enormous odds? Can there be an epiphany wrought in the minds and hearts of the Church's faithful leading to a spiritual renewal?

• Language: English
• Publisher: John J Pietrangelo
• Release date: Oct 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215632291

John J Pietrangelo

       John J. Pietrangelo is a college graduate with a master’s degree in Educational Psychology. He has devoted more than sixty years of his life researching the multifarious religions from across the globe. Through his studies, he has gained in-depth knowledge of psychology, philosophy, religion, history, music, and a broad spectrum of metaphysical and spiritual teachings. He is now retired and resides in Arizona.        The Call of Destiny (Book One) marks the author’s first attempt at writing in the Fictional Novel genre, wherein he has placed the distillation of countless hours of study and contemplation

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The story continues in the Light and Sound Series

The Game of Leela: Book Two

The gauntlet of Destiny has been thrown at the feet

of members of the highest echelon of the Vatican

hierarchy within the Church, as their newly elected pope

implores them to join him in embracing Saint Francis of

Assisi’s challenge to Repair my Church... which has fallen

into ruin. Pope Peter senses that more and more Vatican

Cardinals are beginning to turn against him for a variety

of reasons.

Many are unhappy that he does not comport himself

according to traditional protocol guidelines, some are

insulted, feeling he lectures down to them – disrespecting

them as to their spirituality. Some are jealous – courting

the opinion that it is they who are more deserving of the

exalted office he holds; and still others fear that Pope

Peter II will fulfill St Malachy’s prophecy ending the reign

of their Church, thus, in turn, ending their power and

authority over the faithful! And then there is a small group

of cardinals who are dead set against the pope upsetting

the apple cart of their corrupt undertakings. The pope begs

to differ! These rebellious cardinals stand in defiance and

their self-serving resistance enflames Pope Peter’s

determination to forge on with his quest.

The recently elected Vicar of Christ, Pope Peter II,

having been kidnapped by Islamic extremists, under threat

of harm, even death at their hands, had miraculously

escaped unscathed. Nevertheless, he believes he is still in

danger from within the Vatican, itself. The task he has

embraced is daunting, to say the least. He is

understandably overwhelmed by his unsought position of

authority. While struggling with the status of his own

mortality, his spiritual priorities, and his responsibility to

execute his papal duties honestly and faithfully, he remains

undaunted!

With the help of his brother, his secretary, and

the Swiss Guard he is determined to push through to the

end until he claims victory or suffers defeat.

Simultaneously, he wrestles with reconciling his

training as a priest with information within newly

translated Aramaic scrolls found hidden within the depths

of the Vatican Library, which put a new light on the

teachings of Jesus. In addition, is the uncovering of

historical evidence of past deceit and corruption with the

Church, provided to him by his archeologist brother,

Paul. Together, Pope Peter and his twin brother pursue a

mission of reconciliation between Rabbi Y’eshua (Jesus),

his original teachings, and its adherents to the faith.

The Game of Leela, or Divine play, reflects the

sentiments of Shakespeare’s missive:

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and woman

merely players. They have their exits and their

entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.

The whole world is seen as a stage for the play; the

driving force being karma, or action, the active principle

of the play where everyone and everything is connected,

one to the other. The struggle of the actors upon life’s

stage expresses the cycles of life and death.

The Game of Leela embodies the lengthy journey

toward liberation from the vicissitudes of life; the player

slowly advancing along the way; from veils of ignorance

to transcendence, and enlightenment. It is at once a game,

as well as a serious spiritual path, ending with the

player’s realization of the soul-self during the ending act.

Contained within the rudiments of the game are

Way showers, or Living Masters, who convey through

their teachings the wherewithal and secrets needed to

successfully negotiate life’s game. This perpetual Game

of Leela was put into motion by Divine Providence to

propel all players through self-exploration and discovery,

ultimately culminating in a merging of the Soul with the

ineffable Consciousness of its Eternal Creator.

CHAPTER ONE

The Call to Duty

Vatican City

I swear I will faithfully, loyally, and honorably serve the Supreme Pontiff Peter II and his legitimate successors, and dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing, if necessary, also my life to defend them...Furthermore, I promise to the Commanding Captain and my other superiors, respect, fidelity, and obedience. This I swear! May God and our Holy Patrons assist me!

The Solemn Oath of Allegiance to the Pope is given by each new member of the Swiss Guard at their swearing in ceremony. The name, Swiss Guard, refers to the Pontifical Swiss Guard stationed at the Vatican in Rome. It is a small military like presence maintained by the Holy See (seat of government), and is responsible for the safety of the pope, including the security of the Apostolic Palace.  

Pope Peter entered the offices of the Swiss Guard within Vatican City and was quickly ushered into the private office of Colonel Sonnenberg. Before his death, Cardinal Giordano, the pope’s consigliere, by order of the pope had engaged the clandestine services of a few trusted colleagues who were asked to investigate irregularities in all the Vatican’s affairs. These men had faithfully reported their findings directly, and only, to Pope Peter himself. To ensure his own safety, the pope decided it was time to share this information with the Officer in Charge of the Swiss Guard, Santo Padre. Venga, si accomodi prego. Mi dica? (Holy Father. Please come in. How is it that I can help you?)

La ringrazio Colonnello Sonnenberg. Lei parla inglese? (Thank you, Colonel Sonnenberg. Are you conversant in English?)

Sì, certo, Santo Padre. (Why yes, Holy Father.)

Good, I have something of great importance to discuss with you and since English is my first language, I believe it would be better to converse in my native tongue so I can be as precise as possible. You understand?

Yes, Holy Father. What is it you wish to discuss?

First, I must ask you to keep what I am about to tell you in the strictest confidence. Everything I discuss here today must remain on a need-to-know basis, even from your most loyal men. Can I count on you?

Yes, Holy Father. I give you my word of honor, according to my oath of office. You can count on it.

Good. Thank you, Colonel. Now, where to begin?

The pope began to discuss his concerns of the overall atmosphere presently manifest at the Vatican, and especially his concerns about his safety. He discussed his abduction by Islamic Extremists, and that he had been told by a very reliable source that there were indications that a small group of cardinals may have been involved in its planning. The pope discussed his thoughts concerning what may be inconsistencies of the banking records at the Vatican Bank, and of the intrigue surrounding several of the cardinals who headed various departments in the Roman Curia.

Pope Peter was aware that the Vatican has an unmatched capacity to create a wall of secrecy between itself and the faithful. The higher-ups, in a long line of administrators within the Church, give off somewhat of a clandestine opaqueness, a lack of transparency, as it were, that is normally associated with most governments and corporations in the modern world. For instance, in recent decades the culture of secrecy, especially in the Curia, had abetted the masking of the sexual abuse of minors by priests and the quiet reassignment, rather than adjudication, of predator priests. This wall of secrecy had also kept hidden from view charges that the Vatican Bank laundered money and secretly funded ill-advised projects abroad. It was this charge that had alienated another of Pope Peter’s predecessors from those commanding the entity of the Roman Curia, possibly resulting in his premature demise only thirty-three days after his election as pope.

Pope Peter believed that this was only the tip of the iceberg. Knowledge of the surreptitious history of some of those in the upper echelons of the Church, together with his suspicion of in-house involvement in his abduction, gave him pause. So, he had determined that it was incumbent upon himself to map out a protective strategy whereby his every move could be monitored by those in the Swiss Guard who were privy to his concerns. Of course, this is exactly what he shared with the colonel during their meeting, thinking that if there was anyone whom he could trust with his life, and who was able to protect him from any possible danger he might face, it would have to be the head of his Swiss Guard Protectorate, under oath to guard him to the death.

The pope and the colonel discussed at length every possible contingency and put into effect an overall plan that satisfied Pope Peter. Colonel Sonnenberg’s response, resourcefulness and evident competence had engendered in Pope Peter a feeling of trust. He could sense the dedication and enthusiastic support the colonel embodied. He was obviously relieved that the colonel was in total agreement with him, even to the smallest detail of the plan. The two men shook hands, and as Pope Peter departed, he said in Italian, Thank you, Colonel. You do not know the relief I feel now that this has been handled. I am grateful to you for your understanding and support. May God bless you.

Colonel Sonnenberg replied in kind, You are welcome, Holy Father, and may the Lord hold you in His protective embrace. I will keep you apprised of what I find out, and how our plan is progressing. Do not hesitate to reach out to me any hour of the day, or night. Goodbye for now.

Thank you again. Good day.

Peter’s step was a bit livelier as he ambled over to the hallway door leading to the elevator that would take him back to the Papal Apartment, accompanied by his ever-present Swiss Guard escort, his mind going over his discussion with the Colonel, and their plans to protect him from danger. He thought, isn’t it astonishing that in this day and age, the elected leader of the Holy Roman Catholic Church must endure the frustration and stress of being concerned whether or not one of his Cardinal Priests is out to do him in?

He exclaimed out loud, Madonna mia! It’s a crazy, crazy world!

CHAPTER TWO

Worked Like a Charm

Papal Apartment

Pope Peter awakened feeling dryness in his mouth and throat and having a great need for water; then experienced a bout of nausea and became dizzy, as well. He had familiarized himself with these types of symptoms, and with an unwavering use of caution, immediately responded as if to a lethal poisoning. He gathered himself and rang his bell for assistance, then stuck his finger down his throat causing himself to vomit. He then gulped down a large glass of water, waited a few seconds, then stuck his finger down his throat again, to expel as much of the contents of his stomach as he could.

Fortunately, the pope had managed to keep his equilibrium long enough to call for help, and to initiate a round of vomiting. The plan was afoot. His faithful secretary, Father Michael, responded on cue, and raced into the Pontiff’s bedroom carrying with him a medicine satchel containing antidotes to known poisonous compounds.

Come, Father. ‘What you are about to do, do quickly’! grinned Pope Peter. It seemed that the Holy Father had maintained his sense of humor, even during the harrowing first minutes of what could be his last on earth.

They had both done their due diligence, researching the most prevalent compounds used for the sole purpose of administering a fatal dose of poison. Of all of them: arsenic, cyanide, hyoscine, belladonna, etc., they agreed that belladonna seemed to be the perfect instrument to secure an undetectable poisoning.

Both Father Michael and Pope Peter were praying to Padre Pio for all they were worth as they methodically worked their plan. Father Michael, who had been preparing himself for just such an occurrence, made an educated guess, based on the pope’s symptoms, that it was, indeed, belladonna that had been used. He knew that there was no known official antidote, other than giving a prompt emetic, and then relying on immediate and continual stimulation with either brandy, whiskey, possibly laudanum, opium, strong black coffee, or even green tea that might counteract the effects of the belladonna.

They opted for a quick jigger of brandy and the strongest, dark-roast Ethiopian coffee they could find, which they intentionally had on hand, already brewed, refrigerated, and waiting to be of use, just in case. Despite their efforts, Pope Peter’s symptoms were worsening. He was doubled over with terrible abdominal pain, was sweating profusely, and was rapidly growing weaker. Then, the welcome call of the sirens was heard, sounding as if it was fast approaching the entrance below the Papal Apartment.

Father Michael and Pope Peter were both confident that the emergency medical technicians would arrive in mere seconds. But, even so, officers of the Swiss Guard arrived first, and managed to get Pope Peter on a stretcher, carrying him out the door of the Papal Apartment and down to the arriving ambulance, Father Michael in hot pursuit.

The Emergency Medical Technicians expertly began administering medical assistance to their patient. The pope had consumed almost a liter of coffee, and with their help it seemed like he had a good chance to make it through. It was touch and go, but fortunately Colonel Sonnenberg had prearranged that a care center be made available, if the need arose. And it was only blocks from the Vatican and fully equipped to handle this type of emergency. Pope Peter was in good hands and more importantly, safe from any further harm.

Within minutes of the ambulance leaving through the gates of Vatican City, word of the attempt on the life of the pope had spread like wildfire throughout Rome. The firewalls of Church secrecy had been breached and the local populace was quickly enflamed by the shock of having their Pontiff’s life at risk...again!

Dio Santo!

Hanno avvelenato il Papa!

Hanno avvelenato il Papa!

(Dear God!)

(They have poisoned the Pope!)  

(They have poisoned the Pope!)

The screams rang out and carried through the streets. It was only a matter of an hour, and the Eternal City was abuzz with what had happened. The residents came in droves to the main gate of the Vatican to protest, and pray, while there were those inside who now feared for their own lives.

Needless to say, there were several worried cardinal priests pointing fingers, and wondering what went wrong. There would be no way to conceal their intent to rid themselves of the wayward child this time around. Even if Pope Peter did not survive the attempt on his life, those responsible were trapped. Surely, there would be no escaping the glare of exposure they faced, now that so many in the Vatican were convinced that someone within their ranks was the culprit in this attempted assassination of the pope.

Father Michael returned to the main entrance of the Vatican and organized the praying of the rosary for the recovery of Pope Peter.  A sea of devotees numbering in the tens of thousands knelt on the streets and sidewalks outside the Vatican walls praying for the one whom they called:

L’Eletto da Dio.

(The blessed one of God.)

Their vigil on behalf of the ailing pope has seen no equal. The city of Rome around the Vatican was at a standstill. Not even the media could penetrate the wall of humanity that stayed the night in support of their Vicar of Christ.

With the help of a skilled medical staff of doctors and nurses, Pope Peter was soon out of danger, sleeping comfortably. The plan had worked like a charm, but there would be hell to pay for the perpetrators of this heinous act. Thinking about just what the guilty parties might be going through at this hour, the pope was clear-headed enough to pose a question to himself just before falling asleep. Funny how the tables can be turned on a dime, isn’t it?

CHAPTER THREE

Let Them Be Anathema

Care Center

Still under the effects of poison and remedial medications, Pope Peter had a restless night colored by uneasy dreams of being betrayed. Desiring to avoid further nightmares, and refusing to be sedated unnecessarily, he requested a small container of hot coffee to help keep him awake until he just got so tired that he would eventually drift off into never-never land, without the accompaniment of dreams.

While he waited for the inevitable, he began reviewing the files of stored data in his photographic memory bank and found himself centering in on Paul’s research from eight years ago concerning the betrayal of a pope.

New York

If anyone asserts the fabulous pre-existence of souls and shall assert the monstrous restoration [return of the soul to union with God] which follows from it, let him be anathema.

Second Council of Constantinople 553 CE

Paul decided he wanted to explore the concept of reincarnation during his hiatus from working at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. What better way to spend his time than to do what he and his brother, Peter, had done back in Brooklyn during summer vacation as teenagers; spend time perusing the many books at the Public Library in Brooklyn, with occasional trips into upper Manhattan to visit the Columbia University Library, as well as visiting other museums in the area. So, off he went to largest public library in the world, the Library of Congress, to begin his quest to find out about what he had heard was a very intriguing tale of subterfuge, chicanery, and pretense regarding the subject of reincarnation, as it pertained to the history of the Catholic Church.

It was not long into his search when Paul found historical records showing that in the burgeoning early communities, which followed the teachings of Jesus and his disciples through to the sixth century, true believers in reincarnation were the norm, not the exception.

Paul found that Origen (185-250 CE) the most important of the early Church Fathers developed, not unlike the Apostle Paul, a system of theology surrounding the teachings of Jesus. Origen was a disciple of Clement of Alexandria who was a disciple of the Apostle Peter. Clement and Origen both claimed to be recipients of secret teachings of Jesus handed down through his Apostles.

Origen was an ardent defender of pre-existence and reincarnation. Paul read that pre-existence is the religious concept of the soul not being created at birth, but rather having existed before birth, in heaven, and having sequential embodiments on earth. Origen taught that pre-existence was found in Hebrew Scriptures and in the teachings of Jesus. Paul read that the followers of Origen believed that the Restoration (the return of the soul to union with God) took place through the path of reincarnation! 

At the Council of Nicea in 325 CE the Roman Emperor Constantine convened a council of Christian bishops. This counsel defined the tenants of the Christian Faith to eliminate confusion, controversy, and contention within the church. These became the accepted orthodox teachings of the newly consolidated and state sponsored church made official by Emperor Constantine. Reincarnation was not included in this round of debates.

During the intervening years after that first council until 553 CE, many of the bishops of the church began expressing their disapproval of the writings of Origen, whose teachings were taught, believed in, and furthermore, had been considered exceedingly profound in their spiritual wisdom for nearly three centuries!

It was in 553 CE that Emperor Justinian convened the Second Council of Constantinople to discuss the many controversies that persisted within the church. Emperor Justinian was adamant that unorthodox views which he personally believed to be heretical should be condemned, letting all involved know that he expected the council to oblige him.

It was during this church council that reincarnation was deemed to be anathema (accursed of God)

and the Holy Roman Catholic Church aggressively attempted to destroy all teachings that were considered unorthodox, or outside the current company line. Along with the destruction of unorthodox teachings came the attempted extermination of anyone who dared to stand in the way. Those who still believed and or preached the concept of reincarnation were severely persecuted.

In the years preceding the council Emperor Justinian had attempted to coerce Pope Vigilius into agreeing with him, to no avail. So, he called for the pope’s arrest in Rome and brought him to Constantinople where he held him