Meade smiled. ‘Not quite. In basic terms, deconsecrating is the act of removing a religious blessing from something that was previously consecrated by a priest or bishop. In respect of a church, anything which has been blessed and dedicated to the use of God must be removed: the crucifix, the vestments, the stations of the cross, holy water and so on...’
‘Would the petition cover moving the remains of any convent nuns or other bodies to another graveyard?’ Jane asked.
‘No. A further “faculty” would need to be granted by the bishop of the diocese for any exhumations to take place. If a body lies in consecrated ground, disinterment — without a faculty — is an offence under ecclesiastical law and the 1857 Burial Act.’
‘Would the archives have a record of any consecrated ground on the old convent site?’
‘I am aware the archives hold material relating to finance and property, so there may well be records regarding the sale of the old convent. I’ll ask Mrs Parkin to look into that as well,’ the bishop said.
‘Thank you. I don’t wish to appear rude, but do you know how long it might take to get a result?’
‘I’ll speak with Mrs Parkin this afternoon. She doesn’t work weekends, but hopefully she might have an answer for you by Monday or Tuesday at the latest.’
‘That would be fine. Thank you for your assistance. I really appreciate it.’
‘Do you have any photographs of the nun’s body?’
‘Not with me, but I can arrange for one to be delivered to you.’
‘Don’t worry, it was merely a curiosity to know how she looked.’
‘Unfortunately, her body was mummified with adipocere so she’s unrecognisable.’
‘How sad. Let’s hope we can find out who she was. May I ask when her body will be released to us for reburial?’
‘That’s a decision for the coroner. He has said that he would like us to identify her first, but I think that might just be a standard formality.’
‘I understand. Is there anything else I can help you with?’
‘No, I think that’s about it for now,’ she said.
The bishop turned to Father Chris. ‘You’ve been very quiet, Father Floridia. Is there anything you’d like to add?’
‘No, Your Excellency. I’ve merely been an intermediary, who thought it best to let Detective Tennison explain the circumstances.’
‘You’ve acted appropriately. When the nun’s body is returned to us, I’d like you to conduct the service at her reburial.’
‘Thank you, Your Excellency. I’d be honoured to do it.’
The bishop stood and proffered his right hand to Father Floridia, who stood then bowed and kissed the amethyst ring.
‘I thought that went well,’ Jane said as they walked back to her car.
Father Chris looked uncertain. ‘Do you? I think he was suspicious of me being so quiet.’
‘Then surely he’d have asked more questions,’ Jane replied, trying to sound upbeat.
‘That’s the thing,’ he said. ‘Normally he asks a lot of questions and chats away for ages. Why didn’t you show him the pictures of the coffin?’ he asked.
‘You told me a nun wouldn’t normally be buried in a metal coffin. If I’d shown him the photographs, it might have made him suspicious about her death.’
He sighed. ‘He’s not going to be happy when he knows the truth.’
‘Don’t worry, that’s my problem, not yours. Besides, he might realise the police were in a difficult position and be more sympathetic than you think.’
Father Chris didn’t look convinced. ‘Why does Barnes want the nun’s murder kept quiet, anyway? Surely it would make more sense to just be open about it so as not to upset Bishop Meade.’
Jane didn’t want to tell him about Barnes’s painful experiences with the Catholic Church. ‘I don’t know. I’d never met him until this morning. It’s not for me to question his decisions.’
He gave her a sideways look. ‘Does he also suspect a priest or nun might be involved?’
‘Like I said before, we have to consider it as a possibility...’
‘I don’t think such a thing is possible,’ he said firmly.
A sad-faced Father Chris sat silently staring out of the passenger window on the journey back to the parsonage. Jane wanted to ask some more questions relating to the investigation but decided it was better to leave him to his thoughts. Eventually they pulled up outside St Mary’s.
‘Would you like to know the result of the archives search when I get it?’ she asked, trying to engage him in conversation.
He shrugged. ‘It’s up to you. If I’m doing the reburial service, I’m sure Bishop Meade will give me the details. Thanks for the lift,’ he said, getting out of the car.
Jane could see he was still upset. She got out of the car and followed him.
‘I’m only doing my job, Father Floridia. The thought that anyone could commit such a heinous crime revolts me. All I want to do is find who is responsible... no matter who it is!’
He turned around sharply. ‘You have no idea what it means to be a priest or nun.’
‘Then enlighten me.’
‘When a priest is ordained, he becomes a new man, one who can say with St Paul, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” He is changed not because of what he can do, but because of what he has become. He carries out his work in the power of Christ, not in his own power. It is inconceivable to me that a man or woman who has heard God’s calling and accepted his Holy Orders could commit, or even contemplate, the murder of another human being.’
Jane realised it was pointless carrying on the argument, and didn’t want to drive a wedge between them. ‘I realise this whole situation can’t be easy for you.’
He looked sad. ‘You don’t know the half of it, Jane. I think it would be best, for both of us, if we don’t contact each other again,’ he said with regret in his voice.
‘If that’s what you want,’ she replied, taken aback.
‘As I said, it’s for the best.’
Father Chris walked away.
Chapter Thirteen
Driving back to Bromley, Jane regretted telling Father Chris that a priest or a nun might have been involved in the murder. She sighed, knowing she’d find it difficult to believe if someone told her a police officer had violently murdered a colleague.
But what had he meant when he said, ‘You don’t know the half of it’? Was he referring to something that had happened in the past or the present situation?
Returning to the station, Jane went straight to DI Stanley’s office and told him about her meeting with Bishop Meade and the forthcoming archive searches.
‘Sounds like you just got away with murder,’ Stanley remarked.
Jane gave him a quizzical look.
‘I mean, you didn’t reveal to the bishop the nun was murdered. It also means DCS Barnes won’t be on your back.’
‘I’d prefer to describe it as a lucky escape,’ Jane said.
‘Whatever... it’s still a good result and Barnes will be pleased — even more so when you identify the nun. He rang me earlier for an update. He didn’t say anything about his grievances against the Catholic Church, but it sounded like he’s chomping at the bit to get a result on this case.’
Jane frowned. ‘I’m worried Barnes might be a bit too eager. What happened in the past might cloud his judgement. On the face of it Bishop Meade was very open and helpful.’
‘Believe me,’ Stanley said, ‘Barnes doesn’t rush anything. He’s always slow and methodical. If anyone in the diocese lies or tries to cover this up, he’ll give them enough rope to hang themselves... then come down on them like a ton of bricks.’
‘Will he tell the bishop it’s a murder investigation or does he want me to?’
‘He didn’t say, but my bet is he’ll want to do it.’