Father Crompton
The Catholic priest who takes Sarah's spiritual movement seriously.
To honor Sarah's expressed religious intention after her death.
The book
At a glance
- Catholic priest
- Sarah's funeral arrangements
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeFather Crompton is the priest connected to Sarah's late religious inquiry. He is severe and direct rather than conventionally comforting.
He gives institutional form to the belief Bendrix wants to treat as a private enemy and insists that Sarah's stated intentions matter.
How the book draws them
- Plain authorityHis dress and manner avoid theatrical mystery.
- Direct speechHe does not soften Catholic claims.
- Institutional memoryHe carries knowledge of instruction and burial practice.
- Unsentimental concernSeverity can obscure that he argues for Sarah's choice.
Crompton argues for Catholic burial. Henry and Bendrix proceed with cremation.
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