A Kingdom of Conscience: Orlando’s Column in Dubrovnik
The Adriatic sun bathed the ancient city of Dubrovnik in a golden glow as Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Nelly Furtado, and Joe wandered through the cobblestone streets. The city’s medieval walls loomed majestically, whispering tales of resilience and history.
Orlando led the group toward the city’s main square, where a marble column stood proudly at its center. “This is Orlando’s Column,” he said with a smile, gesturing toward the statue of a knight holding a sword.
“Wait,” Nelly said, raising an eyebrow. “You mean your column?”
Orlando laughed. “Not quite. This is Orlando—or Roland, as he’s called in Europe—a legendary knight who symbolizes justice and freedom. The people of Dubrovnik built this column in the 15th century as a reminder of their commitment to fairness and integrity.”
A Legacy of Justice
They circled the column, taking in its intricate carvings. Joe traced the hilt of the knight’s sword with his eyes. “So, this is more than just a monument. It’s a promise to uphold justice?”
“Exactly,” Orlando said. “Dubrovnik was a republic back then, and they prided themselves on being a ‘kingdom of conscience.’ They believed in governance that served the people, not just the powerful.”
Katy leaned against the column, her face thoughtful. “A kingdom of conscience,” she repeated. “That sounds like something the world could use more of.”
A Vision of the Kingdom of Heaven
As they stood in the square, the church bells of St. Blaise’s rang out, filling the air with a reverent melody. The sound seemed to inspire a shared vision among the group—a kingdom not defined by borders or rulers but by the values of compassion, equity, and love.
“It’s like the Kingdom of Heaven,” Joe said softly, recalling the words of Christ. “Not a place you go to after you die, but something you create here on Earth.”
Nelly nodded. “A kingdom where every action is guided by conscience. Where justice isn’t just a word but a way of life.”
Katy took Orlando’s hand. “We’ve seen glimpses of it, haven’t we? In moments of kindness, in communities coming together. Maybe that’s what we’re meant to build.”
Orlando gazed at the column, his expression resolute. “Then let’s do it. Let’s live as if that kingdom already exists. Every choice we make, every word we speak—let it be for that vision.”
A Call to Action
Inspired, the group decided to honor the spirit of Orlando’s Column by making their own commitments.
- Katy vowed to use her platform to advocate for environmental justice, ensuring future generations could inherit a thriving planet.
- Orlando pledged to support education initiatives, believing knowledge was the foundation of a just society.
- Nelly promised to amplify the voices of marginalized communities through her music and activism.
- Joe dedicated himself to mental health advocacy, inspired by the belief that a sound mind was essential for a just world.
A New Chapter
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the square in a warm, amber glow, the group stood together, hands linked. The column, now bathed in twilight, seemed to shine brighter, as if blessing their resolve.
“This isn’t just about us,” Nelly said. “It’s about everyone. If each person lived with a kingdom of conscience in their heart, imagine the world we could create.”
Orlando smiled. “A Kingdom of Heaven, here and now.”
With that, they walked back through the streets of Dubrovnik, their hearts full of purpose and their spirits united by a shared dream—a world where justice, love, and conscience reigned supreme.