the presence of the priest

There are some 30 priests here in the village. With some of them I have a special connection. I have no idea why, just they touch me deeply when I am near them. They make me smile, and I like their smile, their way of being and doing. Then one day I was praying at the temple ceremony and felt that the ringing of the bell they hold in their hand while performing the ritual, sounded different. It had a presence to it. I could only see the priest from the back, since he was facing towards the altar for the ceremony, but I could feel an inner peace from him. When he stood up to anoint the different altars I noticed that his face was very still, his walk was quiet and calm, and his movements were smooth and slow. I commented to my friend, asking him if he knows what this priest does for a living. He said no he doesn't, but that he seems very Buddhist in his facial expression and way of being. I laughed and said that I was thinking the same thing. That I have never heard a priest ring the bell with such presence.