How long do Bishops last?

[revanne]

So we have just moved, my life is in boxes and  I have a new Parish to get to grips with from Sunday. And I am being haunted by that wretched ghost in Valoret, who was only there as a plot device to get Duncan talking. Demercia has helpfully identified the ghost for me -which has made everything far more complicated. Thanks, Sis! Of course I have no access to any of my Deryni books and have no memory of how old Bradene was in canon,  and so I am wondering... Is he still likely to have been Archbishop of Valoret in 1138/9?  And if not who might have succeeded him. For internal consistency it can't be Cardiel because he was still at Rhemuth until shortly before his sad demise in Nunc Dimittis.

Help please...

(Ironically we have just moved from a house which was actually haunted and now I'm being haunted by fictional ghosts! )

[Jerusha]

According to the Codex, Bradene was born in 1067, which would make him 71 in 1138. 

[revanne]

According to the Codex, Bradene was born in 1067, which would make him 71 in 1138.

Which is just about possible but unlikely.

Any ideas folks - as the human Cardiel is at Rhemuth a Deryni is possible although it seems a little early for that. Any ideas...?

[revanne]

I'm tempted to go for Hugh de Berry. Experienced as Secretary to Loris and Corrigan but supported Kelson before his was obviously the winning side. Has a longstanding friendship to at least one high profile Deryni. By this point he has been a diocesan Bishop for a number of years.

[revanne]

Just thought to check -Bradene is still Archbishop in 1138 when Jorian is canonised and as there is no particular significance in the story I am pondering who the Archbishop is Bradene can enjoy his 3 score years and ten +.

[Laurna]

The codex has Bradene of Grecotha as Archbishop from 1122-1130+. I see nothing wrong with him still being at his position in 1138. Maybe he is becoming more serious about grooming a  younger candidate to take his place. Considering all aspects of medieval life, I would imagine that the clergy lived the longest: a roof over your head, food even in the harsh times, and an nearby infirmary when needed.

Now as to your ghost. It is all very possible that your prior haunted resident has decided he/she liked your company so much that he/she choose to move with you.   I am not saying this is a bad thing.  Just a mild soul seeking a loving soul to be with. I am sure as you unbox and settle in, so will the ghost that came with you. So if he/she gets you to write, I see it as a good thing.

[Jerusha]

Ah, that would explain the very light-weight box with the mysterious, glowing message that says "open me first."   

[drakensis]

Bradene is the 93rd Archbishop-Primate of Valoret.

The average reign of his predecessors is 9-10 years. 1130 is his ninth year of office. With that said, there's a lot of variation: some Archbishops reigned less than a year but others lasted long enough that 17 years in office isn't unprecedented.

[Demercia]

My pleasure

[Shiral]

Check the Expiration Date on the back of the clerical collar. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) They're probably good for Three Score Years and Ten. So it's plausible that Bradene could still be Primate at the time of Cardiel's death.

Melissa

[revanne]

Am now imagininng:

"I am so sorry your Grace,  but you appear to have passed your Best Before Date! "

I will scrutinize my clerical collars with much more care now looking for that hidden expiry date. Oh wait,  it's too small for me to read with middle -aged eyesight. Bother!

[Laurna]

 

[DesertRose]

Time to break out the bifocals or the reading glasses! 

[Jerusha]

There is nothing wrong with being a bit to the right of your "Best Before Date."   The best is yet to come.   

[Elkhound]

Just before Holy Week!  What a time to come into new Parish!