What prayers does Crispin make to saint Giles at the end of chapter 26? Why?
Father Quinel is a good friend to both Crispin and his mother Asta. He also knows the true identity of Crispin's father, and this makes him a threat to the wicked John Aycliffe. Aycliffe brutally murders Father Quinel before he can tell Crispin the whole truth about his father. When Crispin finds Father Quinel's body, he's absolutely devastated. He feels all alone in the world, as if everyone's abandoned him, even God. Nevertheless, Crispin is still sufficiently devout to get down on his knees and pray to St. Giles. Crispin is petrified, frightened at what's in store for him. Like the vast majority of people in the Middle Ages, his faith provides a source of comfort in times of great fear and sorrow.
In medieval Christianity, St. Giles was one of the so-called Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints thought to be particularly helpful in interceding on behalf of believers. If Crispin ever needed the assistance of a saint, then it's now. Trembling, he falls to his knees and prays to St. Giles, imploring his blessings on the departed priest and on himself.
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