Yes I'm back again after 2 hours of studying secondary participle clauses. Next week we start analysing the Acts of the Apostles. Not going to be easy!
I forgot to say that Jadallah our handyman is on holiday because his wife just gave birth to their 5th daughter - no sons. We were all happy that mother and baby are ok, but he couldn't hide his disappointment that it wasn't a son. And he's got lots of problems with housing as well. I hope he gets an apartment from our Custody Housing Project because he works so hard, and he deserves it.
I bought 3 books from the library this morning - whenever there are duplicate books, the library sells them to students, and I got 3 that will make interesting reading. Its all about the background of early christianity. I always thought that God created the universe with his Word; and this Word became flesh and dwelt among us as Jesus Christ; so words are very important. They share in the creative process of God's action, and in a way we should respect and use words properly. St Francis of Assisi used to pick up bits of paper from the ground and kiss them and put them in a reverent place because he said that the pages contain words and with these words we can assemble the name of God etc... And this brings to mind last night's renewal of vows because after Mass there was a reading from Celano (a biographer of St Francis from the 13th century). Strange I never read this passage before (Fr Marcello also said he never heard of it), but the passage goes to say that when Francis was thinking of how to write a Rule for his friars, he had a dream. He saw tiny grains lying on the floor, blown about by the wind. Then God told him to pick up the tiny grains and make a piece of bread with it. When he awoke, it became clear to Francis that the tiny grains on the ground were the pieces of Gospel/Bible teaching that people throw away and reject. By putting the Bible together, the bread became the symbol of our Rule which is meant to feed/nourish. Interesting.
Anyway from this digression, the lesson is simple - read! Wonder at how a wriggle here and a stroke there when put together becomes a word. Put words together and you have a sentence to express your thoughts. It's architecture - constructing sentences, building on it, giving it form so that sense can come out of it. Each time we speak or write, we're architects of words. And these words have power because we give them power. A word from a judge or lawyer can destroy forever a person's life or bring justice - "guilty". So why not just reflect alittle today about words. What if there was no language today, that humans never developed words. What would the world be like?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Friday again
Woke up as usual at 4am but hurried to get to the Holy Sepulchre - I wanted to concelebrate mass with Fr Vincenzo on Mt. Calvary. He was surprised to see me; and I reminded him the last time we concelebrated it was many many years ago down in the crypt of the Chapel of St. Helena. It was good to concelebrate with him. This time I had the chance to observe how focussed he was, and how sincere, especially when he celebrates Mass. I'm lucky to have a friend like him, though he always scolds me ( but in a fun way). Our community invited him over for lunch, then his (former) community (and mine too since I was there for a year), the Terra Santa College, invited me over for dinner. So tonight I'll go over and meet up with old classmates and students.
Last night's renewal of vows at the garden of Gethsemani was very impressive. Almost 100 friars, young and old, from around the Jerusalem area came for the mass and vespers. Everyone remarked how well the seminarians sang, and the Mass went without a hitch. I didn't concelbrate because I had already celebrated Mass earlier that day, so i sat with Fr Marcello Buscemi, our expert in Greek and St. Paul. We walked together to Gethsemani and back as well. It's always good to walk together in our part of town - you'll never know what'll happen especially when it's so dark. I went for communion and the Custos has distributing the sacrament: I saw his hands shaking and thought he must be really tired with all his work and travels around the world. After Mass he gave each one of us a copy of our Rule. When it came to my turn, he cracked a joke (which I thought was very embarassing, but he does that all the time with me) and the deacons and those around him heard and laughed - and it was all filmed by telepace camaramen! I hope they'll edit that part out! yeah... and I know all of you want to know what he said ..... that's for me to know and you to find out!!!!!
OK I'll be going to classes now - philology again.
Last night's renewal of vows at the garden of Gethsemani was very impressive. Almost 100 friars, young and old, from around the Jerusalem area came for the mass and vespers. Everyone remarked how well the seminarians sang, and the Mass went without a hitch. I didn't concelbrate because I had already celebrated Mass earlier that day, so i sat with Fr Marcello Buscemi, our expert in Greek and St. Paul. We walked together to Gethsemani and back as well. It's always good to walk together in our part of town - you'll never know what'll happen especially when it's so dark. I went for communion and the Custos has distributing the sacrament: I saw his hands shaking and thought he must be really tired with all his work and travels around the world. After Mass he gave each one of us a copy of our Rule. When it came to my turn, he cracked a joke (which I thought was very embarassing, but he does that all the time with me) and the deacons and those around him heard and laughed - and it was all filmed by telepace camaramen! I hope they'll edit that part out! yeah... and I know all of you want to know what he said ..... that's for me to know and you to find out!!!!!
OK I'll be going to classes now - philology again.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
talk about the devil
Was writing the blog this morning when Shukri the computer guy came to redo my internet line. I had to turn off my computer hence I lost my text before I could publish it. Well actually I think it was saved automatically by the blog programme but I don't know how to search for it.
Anyway the "Tiger Medicated Plaster" that Cecilia Cavero left me has worked wonders. They're pretty big pieces but I cut them in quarters and use two to wrap my ankle. I had no pain last night nor today. Will wrap another two this evening.
After lunch i went to the Holy Sepulchre as promised to help clean the muck but I found the workers had thought of a temporary solution ; locked the toilet door, stuffed paper and towels around the edges so the muck wouldn't flow out. Well the sacristy floor was dry and they poured nard (like biblical nard? you know, Mary Magdalene and nard? it's real stuff you know!) to make the place smell a little better. My only question is: what will happen when they open the door a week from now to repair the tubes? Avalanche!!!!!!!! Tsunami!!!!!!!! Aiya, local logic ...
Well I had lots of time because no cleaning was needed, so I sat and prayed the Office. Someone came for confession; then Fr John came to take over listening to confessions. He's a young, huge american with a beard. Looks more like a bouncer. But he's very humorous and friendly. We had a good chat and he brought up the topic of his apostolate before he was sent to Jerusalem: he was an exorcist in Rome. WOW! Werewolf night, remember?
He was assistant exorcist in Rome for a while, and then became official exorcist. And he told some cases he had! Man, my hairs were standing on end! I asked how he could know if it wasn't merely a psychological problem. He said it takes time to find out, but when people start climbing walls with their bare hands and heads turning 180 degrees, there's no doubt! He also said that the possessed could spit out nails, chains, clips and other stuff from their tongues (remember what i told you guys about the documentary I saw?). Then he opened his prayer book, took out a folded piece of paper and there was a black nail an inch long. There was no rust, it was smooth but very very black. He said this was one of the nails that formed from the tongue of a woman he was exorcising. Anyway he spoke alot and I thought I'd better go home, it's 4pm and getting dark! (stop laughing you guys!) But one thing he said struck me, something that i also told you guys in my lessons: the demon is full of lies and half-truths. So all of you, go to confession, and avoid lies. It's one gateway for the devil to enter your lives. He also spoke of Hasmodeos, the devil from the Book of Tobit who destroys marriages; something that Fr Marcello, our former member of the Studium in Hong Kong, also said because he is the exorcist for Malta. So when you're having difficulties in marriage life, first pray that God cast away Hasmodeos from your houses. Apparently from Fr John's experience, the possessed person is innocent and is a victim of a curse, jealousy or that someone in his/her family has played with black magic. So people, keep your homes pure: no idols, superstitions, etc... it's another gateway. OK enough of creeping you out - but it's a timely warning now as Advent is beginning. We await the coming of the Messiah who will save us: God who became man. Our darkness will turn to light at Christmas.
Well in an hour's time we'll all go down to the Garden of Gethsemani where all the friars will renew their vows (we do it once a year) and the Custos (finally I get to see him; probably for 2 seconds) will give each one of us the Rule of St. Francis - like, hey...he wants to remind us of something, so it's serious here. I'm not concelebrating the Mass with vespers as I already celebrated Mass at the Holy Sepulchre. Then its a walk up from the Kidron valley (check Gospel of John) back to the Flagellation monastery for dinner. But I think I'll skip that as I'm very tired. I want to sleep early. Tomorrow morning at 6am Fr Vincenzo will say Mass on Mt. Calvary and I want to surprise him by showing up as a concelebrant. I saw his name listed on the Mass schedule in the sacristy. Oh I forgot to ask the sacristans when they'll repair the sewage system: I want to make sure I'm not around for the tsunami!
Anyway the "Tiger Medicated Plaster" that Cecilia Cavero left me has worked wonders. They're pretty big pieces but I cut them in quarters and use two to wrap my ankle. I had no pain last night nor today. Will wrap another two this evening.
After lunch i went to the Holy Sepulchre as promised to help clean the muck but I found the workers had thought of a temporary solution ; locked the toilet door, stuffed paper and towels around the edges so the muck wouldn't flow out. Well the sacristy floor was dry and they poured nard (like biblical nard? you know, Mary Magdalene and nard? it's real stuff you know!) to make the place smell a little better. My only question is: what will happen when they open the door a week from now to repair the tubes? Avalanche!!!!!!!! Tsunami!!!!!!!! Aiya, local logic ...
Well I had lots of time because no cleaning was needed, so I sat and prayed the Office. Someone came for confession; then Fr John came to take over listening to confessions. He's a young, huge american with a beard. Looks more like a bouncer. But he's very humorous and friendly. We had a good chat and he brought up the topic of his apostolate before he was sent to Jerusalem: he was an exorcist in Rome. WOW! Werewolf night, remember?
He was assistant exorcist in Rome for a while, and then became official exorcist. And he told some cases he had! Man, my hairs were standing on end! I asked how he could know if it wasn't merely a psychological problem. He said it takes time to find out, but when people start climbing walls with their bare hands and heads turning 180 degrees, there's no doubt! He also said that the possessed could spit out nails, chains, clips and other stuff from their tongues (remember what i told you guys about the documentary I saw?). Then he opened his prayer book, took out a folded piece of paper and there was a black nail an inch long. There was no rust, it was smooth but very very black. He said this was one of the nails that formed from the tongue of a woman he was exorcising. Anyway he spoke alot and I thought I'd better go home, it's 4pm and getting dark! (stop laughing you guys!) But one thing he said struck me, something that i also told you guys in my lessons: the demon is full of lies and half-truths. So all of you, go to confession, and avoid lies. It's one gateway for the devil to enter your lives. He also spoke of Hasmodeos, the devil from the Book of Tobit who destroys marriages; something that Fr Marcello, our former member of the Studium in Hong Kong, also said because he is the exorcist for Malta. So when you're having difficulties in marriage life, first pray that God cast away Hasmodeos from your houses. Apparently from Fr John's experience, the possessed person is innocent and is a victim of a curse, jealousy or that someone in his/her family has played with black magic. So people, keep your homes pure: no idols, superstitions, etc... it's another gateway. OK enough of creeping you out - but it's a timely warning now as Advent is beginning. We await the coming of the Messiah who will save us: God who became man. Our darkness will turn to light at Christmas.
Well in an hour's time we'll all go down to the Garden of Gethsemani where all the friars will renew their vows (we do it once a year) and the Custos (finally I get to see him; probably for 2 seconds) will give each one of us the Rule of St. Francis - like, hey...he wants to remind us of something, so it's serious here. I'm not concelebrating the Mass with vespers as I already celebrated Mass at the Holy Sepulchre. Then its a walk up from the Kidron valley (check Gospel of John) back to the Flagellation monastery for dinner. But I think I'll skip that as I'm very tired. I want to sleep early. Tomorrow morning at 6am Fr Vincenzo will say Mass on Mt. Calvary and I want to surprise him by showing up as a concelebrant. I saw his name listed on the Mass schedule in the sacristy. Oh I forgot to ask the sacristans when they'll repair the sewage system: I want to make sure I'm not around for the tsunami!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
muck!
I was supposed to have a meeting with the Custos this morning at 10.30. Spent yesterday afternoon drafting several letters to be presented to him. This morning I slept in, because usually on Wednesdays I celebrate Mass in the evenings in German with several other students who want to keep up with that language - and I have the permisison of the superior for that. Walked up the hill to St. Saviour's monastery at 9.30am, went to the tailor's first to see how he corrected my capuche (the hood of my habit) and he did a good job - so I gave him two more capuche to redo. Then went to the Custos' office only to be told my appointment was canceled and I have to wait till Dec. 5th at 3pm when he'll see me. Hmmmm being good friends doesn't pull any strings here - he's a busy man. Well his secretary tried to console me by giving me candies. I made sure they were mint and not honey! And it WAS a long walk after all!
After that I went to see my former superior who's now the treasurer of the Custody - well actually he wanted to see me. This is Fr Dobromir, a Pole, who served as superior after Fr Vincenzo completed his term. We had coffee and chatted and he promised to get my internet line fixed so that the video-conferencing can go ahead. In fact he called Shukri the guy in charge immediately to his office and told him to get it fixed immediately. Hmmmm some strings can be pulled here and there. But you know the local logic - immediately can mean anything.
It was 11am by then, so i thought maybe I'd stop by the Holy Sepulchre and celebrate Mass there since I remembered this week some of the students who come for German Mass were hebdoms so they can't make it this evening. But what a terrible shock when I reached our sacristy in the Basilica. The sewage was overflowing into the sacristy ; waterlogged and stinking to high heaven. The friars were trying their best to keep the sewage at bay, but when you have hundreds of pilgrims walking in and out, OBLIVIOUS to the inch high muck, it is almost an impossible task. Got round to help them. Finally managed to celebrate Mass in the Crusader Chapel at 12pm and the friars invited me for lunch. It was very nice - 20 minutes in all, perfect timing for me. After lunch I came home immediately - but I promised the friars I'll be back tomorrow to help them keep the sewage back while they say their prayers - tomorrow is a big feastday of All Franciscans Saints. They'll be too busy with the liturgy to clean the unstoppable mess. You see, because of the rains, the sewage pipes are stuck with rubbish. The Holy Sepulchre is below street level so all the muck flows into our sewage system (not just us but the Greeks, Armenians, Copts all have this problem). Call the plumber you say? But everyone here knows too well the local logic - as one friar said during lunch "It could take a day, it could months" (The last time this happened in winter last year, it took 3 months for the plumbers to come and deal with the problem! No kidding! And sewage was pouring out for 3 whole months on our church floor; AND the tourists were equally oblivious to the muck.) We just have to learn to live with it. But what is it with tourists? They don't seem to be aware of their surroundings!
Oh I also had a call from the carpenter. He's too busy to make my table and bed. The earliest will be in 2008. Welcome to Jerusalem!
After that I went to see my former superior who's now the treasurer of the Custody - well actually he wanted to see me. This is Fr Dobromir, a Pole, who served as superior after Fr Vincenzo completed his term. We had coffee and chatted and he promised to get my internet line fixed so that the video-conferencing can go ahead. In fact he called Shukri the guy in charge immediately to his office and told him to get it fixed immediately. Hmmmm some strings can be pulled here and there. But you know the local logic - immediately can mean anything.
It was 11am by then, so i thought maybe I'd stop by the Holy Sepulchre and celebrate Mass there since I remembered this week some of the students who come for German Mass were hebdoms so they can't make it this evening. But what a terrible shock when I reached our sacristy in the Basilica. The sewage was overflowing into the sacristy ; waterlogged and stinking to high heaven. The friars were trying their best to keep the sewage at bay, but when you have hundreds of pilgrims walking in and out, OBLIVIOUS to the inch high muck, it is almost an impossible task. Got round to help them. Finally managed to celebrate Mass in the Crusader Chapel at 12pm and the friars invited me for lunch. It was very nice - 20 minutes in all, perfect timing for me. After lunch I came home immediately - but I promised the friars I'll be back tomorrow to help them keep the sewage back while they say their prayers - tomorrow is a big feastday of All Franciscans Saints. They'll be too busy with the liturgy to clean the unstoppable mess. You see, because of the rains, the sewage pipes are stuck with rubbish. The Holy Sepulchre is below street level so all the muck flows into our sewage system (not just us but the Greeks, Armenians, Copts all have this problem). Call the plumber you say? But everyone here knows too well the local logic - as one friar said during lunch "It could take a day, it could months" (The last time this happened in winter last year, it took 3 months for the plumbers to come and deal with the problem! No kidding! And sewage was pouring out for 3 whole months on our church floor; AND the tourists were equally oblivious to the muck.) We just have to learn to live with it. But what is it with tourists? They don't seem to be aware of their surroundings!
Oh I also had a call from the carpenter. He's too busy to make my table and bed. The earliest will be in 2008. Welcome to Jerusalem!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Full moon
There were two horrible traffic accidents along the highway to the airport yesterday. It caused a dreadful traffic jam that got us convinced the Caveros will miss the plane. Well actually the traffic congestion began right at the doorstep of King David hotel - there was a huge demonstration against Annapolis (don't know what that is? read the news!!!!!) and caused a traffic jam in the city. And to leave the hotel only 3 hours before departure in such a situation, is extremely unwise as we who live here know that anything can happen along the way to cause a delay, and airport security requires alot of time. So we slowly crawled out of Jerusalem (the driver refused to listen to my advice of taking a circuituous route round Emek Refaim to avoid the traffic, and chose to turn back towards the Old City and we were stuck in the 1st traffic jam of the night.) When we reached the highway not more than 4 kms outside Jerusalem, we came to the 2nd traffic jam. caused by a horrific traffic accident, the jam was literally well over a km long. Police, ambulances and fire-engines were trying to squeeze between the chain of cars to reach the accident but I think people would have died by then because they simply couldn't get to the site. Anyway this time the driver was a little smarter; he chose to take a detour across the Bet Shemesh forest. When we got out of the forest (long long journey in the dark), we reached Latroun and left the accident behind us. but surprise! a 2nd accident just took place - a public bus, a mini-van and a private car. Totalled. Flat, squashed, in fact one of the vehicles flew over the road barrier and crossed to the opposite traffic. Horrendous. Now if the ambulances couldn't reach the 1st accident, they certainly can't reach the 2nd unless they got help from Tel Aviv which is way off. So simply put, a 50 minute journey became a 2 and a half hour journey.
We were extremely late for security but after alot of persuading the security girls, we managed to get the Caveros to pass security without any delays. They checked-in and I had to leave immediately back for Jerusalem. The horrible driver refused to drive me back to Jerusalem because he didn't want to get caught in the traffic again. So I had to find my own way home. And I forgot to wear my coat, thinking if the driver was going to drive me back to Jerusalem, I'd be warm inside the car. Now I had to walk up and down the road looking for a taxi, freezing in a shirt. After 20 minutes, managed to find a sharut for Jerusalem. It seats 10 people and will not leave until it's full, so you can wait in the sharut sometimes up to an hour before it's full and starts moving. I just wanted to stay inside and keep warm. There were 2 more empty seats to fill and the driver refused to leave. An old french lady became irate and started screaming and shouting at the driver to start moving, and the driver was yelling back that he's not going to lose 2 passengers' fares because of her impatience. The whole sharut got into a shouting match (I kept quiet though: there was enough "hot air" to keep me warm then) and finally one more passenger was found. Everyone agreed to pay extra for the empty seat so that the sharut could start moving - and I warned the driver about the traffic jam. At least this one was smart, and took a longer route across Modiin (remember the Maccabbees?) free from the traffic jam to reach Jerusalem. Lucky me I was the 3rd person to get off, usually I'm the last as the jewish drivers avoid entering the palestinian area where I live. Well this driver did leave me half a km. away from Damascus gate (that was as close as he wanted to go near the arab area!) and I walked back cold, cold, cold! But the moon was stupendous - as I was walking down the stairs of Damascus Gate, I saw alot of young arabs staring at the sky and no one was talking. I thought this was very weird, so I looked up, and saw this magnificent sight. A full moon surrounded by fragments of cloud, very regularly patterned like a computer generated screensaver. From the full moon irradiated a circle of white light, then yellow, then orange, then red, then blue, then gray. It was incredible. My whole walk back to my monastery was filled with people just looking at this unique sight. It was lovely, until I entered the monastery compound and locked the gate behind me. The moon was still shining directly above the Flagellation Chapel, and as I was musing the few seconds there, I thought "werewolf night". That scared me silly - well you have to know that the compound was in absolute darkness, and the courtyard is filled with sarcophagi (stone coffins), tombstones and funerary statues from the Roman period. And behind the door of the museum on my right is a mummy still in its coffin. Scared myself silly, rushed to the door and couldn't fit the key into the keyhole - panicked! Finally got it through, shut the door and ran up to my room - 4 floors and with a swollen ankle!
We were extremely late for security but after alot of persuading the security girls, we managed to get the Caveros to pass security without any delays. They checked-in and I had to leave immediately back for Jerusalem. The horrible driver refused to drive me back to Jerusalem because he didn't want to get caught in the traffic again. So I had to find my own way home. And I forgot to wear my coat, thinking if the driver was going to drive me back to Jerusalem, I'd be warm inside the car. Now I had to walk up and down the road looking for a taxi, freezing in a shirt. After 20 minutes, managed to find a sharut for Jerusalem. It seats 10 people and will not leave until it's full, so you can wait in the sharut sometimes up to an hour before it's full and starts moving. I just wanted to stay inside and keep warm. There were 2 more empty seats to fill and the driver refused to leave. An old french lady became irate and started screaming and shouting at the driver to start moving, and the driver was yelling back that he's not going to lose 2 passengers' fares because of her impatience. The whole sharut got into a shouting match (I kept quiet though: there was enough "hot air" to keep me warm then) and finally one more passenger was found. Everyone agreed to pay extra for the empty seat so that the sharut could start moving - and I warned the driver about the traffic jam. At least this one was smart, and took a longer route across Modiin (remember the Maccabbees?) free from the traffic jam to reach Jerusalem. Lucky me I was the 3rd person to get off, usually I'm the last as the jewish drivers avoid entering the palestinian area where I live. Well this driver did leave me half a km. away from Damascus gate (that was as close as he wanted to go near the arab area!) and I walked back cold, cold, cold! But the moon was stupendous - as I was walking down the stairs of Damascus Gate, I saw alot of young arabs staring at the sky and no one was talking. I thought this was very weird, so I looked up, and saw this magnificent sight. A full moon surrounded by fragments of cloud, very regularly patterned like a computer generated screensaver. From the full moon irradiated a circle of white light, then yellow, then orange, then red, then blue, then gray. It was incredible. My whole walk back to my monastery was filled with people just looking at this unique sight. It was lovely, until I entered the monastery compound and locked the gate behind me. The moon was still shining directly above the Flagellation Chapel, and as I was musing the few seconds there, I thought "werewolf night". That scared me silly - well you have to know that the compound was in absolute darkness, and the courtyard is filled with sarcophagi (stone coffins), tombstones and funerary statues from the Roman period. And behind the door of the museum on my right is a mummy still in its coffin. Scared myself silly, rushed to the door and couldn't fit the key into the keyhole - panicked! Finally got it through, shut the door and ran up to my room - 4 floors and with a swollen ankle!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday today
Yesterday was quite a marathon; shuttling between several churches because several groups are now in Jerusalem. The Caveros attended evening Mass at Notre Dame Centre. The chapel is very nice - I've been there only once before way back in the 1990s. The stone architecture typical of Jerusalem fits very well with the wooden furniture - somehow it matched, unlike some churches here in Jerusalem. Fr Kelly presided at the Mass; he's a Legionary of Christ. His congregation is now incharge of the Centre, which doubles as a hotel as well as a cultural centre.
We then had dinner at one of the Centre's restaurants. Simple menu, not much variety but wholesome and in good portions. I had vegetarian lasagna (was thinking of Garfield) and so did Daniel. It was a nice change from all the meat dishes.
And yesterday's procession in the Holy Sepulchre was miserable - none of the friars from St. Saviour's came; only the community of the Holy Sepulchre was there (7 friars in all) ... and it was a solemnity! I had earlier decided not to join in the procession because I had to wait for the Singapore group to arrive, but seeing the poor show, I decided to join in. And the tourists were absolutely appalling - they were oblivious to the procession; talking at the top of their voices, taking photos and barging right in the middle of the procession. Well most of the blame goes to the guides, who not being christians, don't know or don't want to know the religious aspects and practices of christian communities inside the Holy Sepulchre. I think we should ban these people from entering the basilica in future if they continue to disregard our liturgies.
Today I have classes to attend. So will be busy till 4.30pm when I accompany the Caveros to the airport. I think the other 2 groups are also leaving today. But just when you think life is getting back to the normal routine, Fr Vincenzo, my former superior who's transferred to Cairo, arrived yesterday and called me during dinner last night to say he's coming over to see me. I owe him a pizza dinner so probably tomorrow evening we'll go to an italian restaurant for that. Got to grab a couple of other guys to come along so we can split the bill. Anyway I've been out this entire week from the community dinner - which is aweful. It's good to be with the rest of the guys at home, so we can chat and laugh and build community. Hopefully we'll get back to this again soon. I noticed Matthew is also out - he's got 50 parishioners from the US visiting him. Good luck to him! The rest of the guys are sick, many have stayed in bed because its pretty cold in the nights and the central heating is not yet on. One professor mentioned that its about time it was turned on, but till now no one has dared say anything. You know the local logic ...... we'll wait for something to happen.
We then had dinner at one of the Centre's restaurants. Simple menu, not much variety but wholesome and in good portions. I had vegetarian lasagna (was thinking of Garfield) and so did Daniel. It was a nice change from all the meat dishes.
And yesterday's procession in the Holy Sepulchre was miserable - none of the friars from St. Saviour's came; only the community of the Holy Sepulchre was there (7 friars in all) ... and it was a solemnity! I had earlier decided not to join in the procession because I had to wait for the Singapore group to arrive, but seeing the poor show, I decided to join in. And the tourists were absolutely appalling - they were oblivious to the procession; talking at the top of their voices, taking photos and barging right in the middle of the procession. Well most of the blame goes to the guides, who not being christians, don't know or don't want to know the religious aspects and practices of christian communities inside the Holy Sepulchre. I think we should ban these people from entering the basilica in future if they continue to disregard our liturgies.
Today I have classes to attend. So will be busy till 4.30pm when I accompany the Caveros to the airport. I think the other 2 groups are also leaving today. But just when you think life is getting back to the normal routine, Fr Vincenzo, my former superior who's transferred to Cairo, arrived yesterday and called me during dinner last night to say he's coming over to see me. I owe him a pizza dinner so probably tomorrow evening we'll go to an italian restaurant for that. Got to grab a couple of other guys to come along so we can split the bill. Anyway I've been out this entire week from the community dinner - which is aweful. It's good to be with the rest of the guys at home, so we can chat and laugh and build community. Hopefully we'll get back to this again soon. I noticed Matthew is also out - he's got 50 parishioners from the US visiting him. Good luck to him! The rest of the guys are sick, many have stayed in bed because its pretty cold in the nights and the central heating is not yet on. One professor mentioned that its about time it was turned on, but till now no one has dared say anything. You know the local logic ...... we'll wait for something to happen.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Christ the King
Mass was very solemn today - Solemnity of Christ the King; the last Sunday before Advent. In an age where we fight for democracy, this feastday sounds a little odd. But it's precisely that - the Kingdom of God is a kingdom with no democracy. God is king - full stop. He rules absolutely. I think there must be some education about kingship in our schools or at least in catechism classes where we focus on the absolute sovereignty of God; not the negative experiences of kingship in our human political world. I think that may be a reason why young people are turning away from the Church - because they extend their political ideas of democracy into the religious sphere that teaches about an absolute creator. And mind you that extends into the family as well, so kids can defy their parents because they have their rights - only to abuse them. Parental authority loses ground when God's authority is belittled. Well let's see how far your democractic views of God will go when you're breathing your last breath at your deathbed, and you are no longer in charge of your life.... just simply losing control.....into the hands of Christ the King.
Cecilia attended the Mass at the Tomb of Christ which was all sung in latin. Then she went up to Mt Calvary to pray. This was all at 5.30am. I celebrated mass in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. A Malaysian group and a Singaporean group have also arrived and they want to see me, so today I'm taking time off from the Caveros to be with the 2 groups - lots of juggling with time here.
There'll be solemn procession around the Tomb of Christ at 4pm and I guess the groups will be there for that. Fr John Liu, a franciscan from my province is leading the Singaporean group and he has Mass at 5pm so I can catch up with him at the Holy Sepulchre. But not for too long because I have to bring the Caveros for Sunday Mass at Notre Dame center at 6pm.
Anyway I remembered everyone at Mass this morning (5.30am! was trying to stay alert!). Now Cecilia knows how far and uphill it is for me to walk to the Holy Sepulchre - she'll tell you about it when she gets home. I have to walk the whole Way of the Cross in order to get there, my monastery being the 1st and 2nd Stations of the Cross. I guess its strange when you guys "make" the Way of the Cross in Church, in devotion, while for us here its an actual road that we have to traverse everyday to get anywhere, sometimes not thinking twice about the chapels along the way - except maybe the 8th where I buy bread like this morning. The road is filthy with rubbish, spit and anything you can imagine from the 1st to the 7th stations; then it gets better from there. Anyway better not spoil your appetite; but you can imagine what it's like having to live here.
I'll have to leave now to see the other groups. The ankle is really playing up and I've got it bandaged - hope it doesn't give up on me today.
Cecilia attended the Mass at the Tomb of Christ which was all sung in latin. Then she went up to Mt Calvary to pray. This was all at 5.30am. I celebrated mass in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. A Malaysian group and a Singaporean group have also arrived and they want to see me, so today I'm taking time off from the Caveros to be with the 2 groups - lots of juggling with time here.
There'll be solemn procession around the Tomb of Christ at 4pm and I guess the groups will be there for that. Fr John Liu, a franciscan from my province is leading the Singaporean group and he has Mass at 5pm so I can catch up with him at the Holy Sepulchre. But not for too long because I have to bring the Caveros for Sunday Mass at Notre Dame center at 6pm.
Anyway I remembered everyone at Mass this morning (5.30am! was trying to stay alert!). Now Cecilia knows how far and uphill it is for me to walk to the Holy Sepulchre - she'll tell you about it when she gets home. I have to walk the whole Way of the Cross in order to get there, my monastery being the 1st and 2nd Stations of the Cross. I guess its strange when you guys "make" the Way of the Cross in Church, in devotion, while for us here its an actual road that we have to traverse everyday to get anywhere, sometimes not thinking twice about the chapels along the way - except maybe the 8th where I buy bread like this morning. The road is filthy with rubbish, spit and anything you can imagine from the 1st to the 7th stations; then it gets better from there. Anyway better not spoil your appetite; but you can imagine what it's like having to live here.
I'll have to leave now to see the other groups. The ankle is really playing up and I've got it bandaged - hope it doesn't give up on me today.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Moon over Judea
I think it was about 6am when I was totally knocked out - fell asleep and woke up at 7.30am. Missed Mass, missed breakfast, missed just about everything. Went to the library to check a couple of bibliographies and before I knew it, the bell rang for lunch. I couldn't eat much - no appetite after this morning's marathon work.
Went off to King David's hotel at 1.30pm and brought the Caveros to Bethlehem. The sky was beautiful and bright and the air was chilly - which is nice when you have to walk. When we reached Manger Square,we were surprised to find so many friar seminarians. William wasn't there so I think he left for Lebanon. I asked one what's happening and he said tomorrow is the feast of St. Catherine the patron of the Basilica. So they're having solemn vespers and Office of Readings. The two kawas were there. So Daniel had a nice surprise because we stayed to hear the solemn chanting of the psalms. Its good to hear solid gregorian chanting again - and I must say Fr Armando has done a good job training these young friars. They have good voices and they did it very well today - only the organist hitched once.
And to top it off, it's Debbie's birthday (one of the 4 Cavero daughters who have never seen a turkey - yes, you've not heard the last of this yet; and neither have I forgotten "hairdryer", or "overpriced", or "black widow"). We went off to Shepherds' Field, where you guys have never visited; and we celebrated Mass in one of the grottos - in spanish! I was pretty brave to do it as no one else was around to laugh at my spanish (I'm sure Daniel did!). On the way home, the view over the Judean desert was stupendous: there was a full moon over the desert (guess who took photos? haven't heard the end of this one yet too!). If you guys haven't seen it, you must come and see it - makes sense?
Our driver was Khalid, very professional and went all out to help. Mr Afifi sent his own private car to drive us to Bethlehem today - very kind of him. Khalid was once sent to drive me from Nazareth to Jerusalem, and he surprised me by bringing me to see old Ali, my former driver, who was then quite sick. Ali has since died. Khalid hasn't forgotten that and reminded me of it - that was 3 years ago! Anyway he's a nice guy so I promised I'll send him a couple of groups.
Now I want to sleep because tomorrow morning at 4.30am I have to go out and pick Cecilia from New Gate to go to the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. Later in the evening, we'll bring Daniel for Sunday Mass at Notre Dame Centre. In between I'm going to rest my legs because my ankle is as swollen as before. So good night! Buona notte!
Went off to King David's hotel at 1.30pm and brought the Caveros to Bethlehem. The sky was beautiful and bright and the air was chilly - which is nice when you have to walk. When we reached Manger Square,we were surprised to find so many friar seminarians. William wasn't there so I think he left for Lebanon. I asked one what's happening and he said tomorrow is the feast of St. Catherine the patron of the Basilica. So they're having solemn vespers and Office of Readings. The two kawas were there. So Daniel had a nice surprise because we stayed to hear the solemn chanting of the psalms. Its good to hear solid gregorian chanting again - and I must say Fr Armando has done a good job training these young friars. They have good voices and they did it very well today - only the organist hitched once.
And to top it off, it's Debbie's birthday (one of the 4 Cavero daughters who have never seen a turkey - yes, you've not heard the last of this yet; and neither have I forgotten "hairdryer", or "overpriced", or "black widow"). We went off to Shepherds' Field, where you guys have never visited; and we celebrated Mass in one of the grottos - in spanish! I was pretty brave to do it as no one else was around to laugh at my spanish (I'm sure Daniel did!). On the way home, the view over the Judean desert was stupendous: there was a full moon over the desert (guess who took photos? haven't heard the end of this one yet too!). If you guys haven't seen it, you must come and see it - makes sense?
Our driver was Khalid, very professional and went all out to help. Mr Afifi sent his own private car to drive us to Bethlehem today - very kind of him. Khalid was once sent to drive me from Nazareth to Jerusalem, and he surprised me by bringing me to see old Ali, my former driver, who was then quite sick. Ali has since died. Khalid hasn't forgotten that and reminded me of it - that was 3 years ago! Anyway he's a nice guy so I promised I'll send him a couple of groups.
Now I want to sleep because tomorrow morning at 4.30am I have to go out and pick Cecilia from New Gate to go to the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. Later in the evening, we'll bring Daniel for Sunday Mass at Notre Dame Centre. In between I'm going to rest my legs because my ankle is as swollen as before. So good night! Buona notte!
Friday adventure
Yesterday was still cold - it fact it felt colder than before. Went off with the Caveros to see a panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives, then went down to the garden of Gethsemani. Fr Gabriel (NO not the one YOU guys are so fond of ...... OUR Fr Gabriel is very kind and gentle and accomodating. he's an italian who previously worked in the Holy Sepulchre). was kind enough to let us enter the sanctuary where the altar and stone is preserved, and we celebrated Mass there since no one booked for that hour. After Mass (and lots and lots of photos!!!!!!!) we went to St. Peter Gallicantu. It has an elevator so it was easier on Daniel. Then they went back to the hotel to rest and we met up again at 7pm for dinner.
Well it was the beginning of Sabbath, so you can imagine how crowded the hotel restaurents were. Mr & Mrs Afifi came all the way from Nazareth for dinner too. They are the owners of Nazarene Tours and Transport, the largest public transport company in Galilee. Being the Sabbath, we had to have the Sabbath menu - which was very nice. I had potato soup (the rest had consomme'), and pate' before a beef steak very nicely done. (The cooks and waiters are arabs so they know we're not jews and cooked our food differently - this is as diplomatic as I can get in this phraseology) And for dessert there was an apple pastry thingo which was on the sweet tangy side. (*Note: Charlyn, "thingo" is not real english but "tangy" is) The Afifis had to leave earlier as they have to drive home (almost 2 hrs), and I wanted to go to sleep - very tired.
And I'm awake now at 4am (slept at 12 midnight) to fix the video conferencing connection with HK. Have been awake since 2am in contact with Nathan and Teresa at our HK centre to co-ordinate our video-conferencing system. Looks like I'm not getting any sleep today! Later I'll bring the Caveros to Bethlehem and Shepherds' Field (most of you guys have never been there! envy envy). And oh, I heard some people have asked to have my room photo taken - well fat chance! Cecilia took many photos inside the churches (not the decorations but of us), but you know our churches are all very dark - and she insisted NOT to use the flash. "It looks better without the flash". And of course each time the photo came out as one black blotch, and she retried and retried taking the same photo till I finally convinced her to use the flash (like 45 minutes of hardsell convincing) - and voila! you could see everything once the flash lit up! The magic is in one tiny bulb! The spirit is willing but the "flash" is weak! Or in this case, the "flash" is willing but the spirit is weak.
The weather should be fine today but cold - so the trip to Bethlehem should be enjoyable (unless the soldiers at the check-point gives us trouble). But I'll really have to sleep early tonight as this early morning work with the video-conferencing is sapping all my energy now. Oops the muzzein is singing now. OK will go off to continue working with the internet line.
Well it was the beginning of Sabbath, so you can imagine how crowded the hotel restaurents were. Mr & Mrs Afifi came all the way from Nazareth for dinner too. They are the owners of Nazarene Tours and Transport, the largest public transport company in Galilee. Being the Sabbath, we had to have the Sabbath menu - which was very nice. I had potato soup (the rest had consomme'), and pate' before a beef steak very nicely done. (The cooks and waiters are arabs so they know we're not jews and cooked our food differently - this is as diplomatic as I can get in this phraseology) And for dessert there was an apple pastry thingo which was on the sweet tangy side. (*Note: Charlyn, "thingo" is not real english but "tangy" is) The Afifis had to leave earlier as they have to drive home (almost 2 hrs), and I wanted to go to sleep - very tired.
And I'm awake now at 4am (slept at 12 midnight) to fix the video conferencing connection with HK. Have been awake since 2am in contact with Nathan and Teresa at our HK centre to co-ordinate our video-conferencing system. Looks like I'm not getting any sleep today! Later I'll bring the Caveros to Bethlehem and Shepherds' Field (most of you guys have never been there! envy envy). And oh, I heard some people have asked to have my room photo taken - well fat chance! Cecilia took many photos inside the churches (not the decorations but of us), but you know our churches are all very dark - and she insisted NOT to use the flash. "It looks better without the flash". And of course each time the photo came out as one black blotch, and she retried and retried taking the same photo till I finally convinced her to use the flash (like 45 minutes of hardsell convincing) - and voila! you could see everything once the flash lit up! The magic is in one tiny bulb! The spirit is willing but the "flash" is weak! Or in this case, the "flash" is willing but the spirit is weak.
The weather should be fine today but cold - so the trip to Bethlehem should be enjoyable (unless the soldiers at the check-point gives us trouble). But I'll really have to sleep early tonight as this early morning work with the video-conferencing is sapping all my energy now. Oops the muzzein is singing now. OK will go off to continue working with the internet line.
Friday, November 23, 2007
St Cecilia & Thanksgiving
I set up the video-conferencing machine yesterday and technically it functions. My only problem is the internet line - it's jammed with other users from the house and there's not enough bandwidth for a proper communicaiton to take place with HK. Will try another line once Shukri our internet guy is available - but you know local time ........
Went off to see the Caveros in the afternoon; Fr Marco the mexican 2nd yr student wanted to go jogging (in the cold? and in the pollution?) so he said he'd accompany me to King David hotel. Boy, he took the longest and most complicated way to get there, and I kept telling him he needs the exercise but not me. Anyway reached the hotel almost in one piece.
Daniel is looking well. We had tea (actually I had a grapefruit juice to quench my thirst after walking 2 kms up and down so many stairs) and chatted. And Cecilia reminded us that it was her feastday yesterday - St Cecilia the patron saint of singers and choirs (She got her head chopped not quite nearly off and was still alive for a day with her head dangling from her body). So a little later we had dinner in the hotel restaurent. Being Thanksgiving day as well, we each had the thanksgiving menu. Soup (pumpkin with ginger and honey - I had to reject that as I'm allergic), then a nice salad (also with honey dressing so I got a different type of dressing with balsamic vinegar), then came the turkey which I believe is the most photographed turkey in the whole of Israel - Cecilia took shots of it from every angle, and turkey with different people (the chef, the head waiter, the waitress who was exasperated with my rejecting honey, and of course me and daniel). She said it's for her daughters to see - so I said "poor girls, they haven't seen a turkey" Anyway Daniel and I had a good laugh. So you 4 girls better take an educational tour and see a live turkey, a dead turkey, a frozen turkey and a cooked turkey. Leave the dogs aside!
Also found out that Cecilia once taught the piano, so I tried convincing her to play the organ at our HK chapel during Mass. Now its up to the rest of you guys to convince her! (OK just reread that 1st phase and thought it a little odd - "she once taught the piano", nooooo pianos do not need teaching, I mean "she once gave piano lessons". I know you kids out there are picking on my english! In greek philology, the phrase in question would have been a problem of the objective genitive and subjective genitive, but who cares?........ or better still, "piano" would be in the accusative if it needed teaching; and "piano" would be in the dative if "piano lessons" was meant. Kath Malone, pls check if this is correct!)
I'll accompany the Caveros to visit Peter Gallicantu church and Gethsemani because they're pretty flat land with no stairs to climb. And the sun is up - which is good because the stone pavements are not slippery. Downside is it's crazy day again - the roads will be jammed pack with muslim, christian and jewish people going to pray. We'll see how things go. Like I said, this is Jerusalem; you can't planned too far ahead because things happen.
Went off to see the Caveros in the afternoon; Fr Marco the mexican 2nd yr student wanted to go jogging (in the cold? and in the pollution?) so he said he'd accompany me to King David hotel. Boy, he took the longest and most complicated way to get there, and I kept telling him he needs the exercise but not me. Anyway reached the hotel almost in one piece.
Daniel is looking well. We had tea (actually I had a grapefruit juice to quench my thirst after walking 2 kms up and down so many stairs) and chatted. And Cecilia reminded us that it was her feastday yesterday - St Cecilia the patron saint of singers and choirs (She got her head chopped not quite nearly off and was still alive for a day with her head dangling from her body). So a little later we had dinner in the hotel restaurent. Being Thanksgiving day as well, we each had the thanksgiving menu. Soup (pumpkin with ginger and honey - I had to reject that as I'm allergic), then a nice salad (also with honey dressing so I got a different type of dressing with balsamic vinegar), then came the turkey which I believe is the most photographed turkey in the whole of Israel - Cecilia took shots of it from every angle, and turkey with different people (the chef, the head waiter, the waitress who was exasperated with my rejecting honey, and of course me and daniel). She said it's for her daughters to see - so I said "poor girls, they haven't seen a turkey" Anyway Daniel and I had a good laugh. So you 4 girls better take an educational tour and see a live turkey, a dead turkey, a frozen turkey and a cooked turkey. Leave the dogs aside!
Also found out that Cecilia once taught the piano, so I tried convincing her to play the organ at our HK chapel during Mass. Now its up to the rest of you guys to convince her! (OK just reread that 1st phase and thought it a little odd - "she once taught the piano", nooooo pianos do not need teaching, I mean "she once gave piano lessons". I know you kids out there are picking on my english! In greek philology, the phrase in question would have been a problem of the objective genitive and subjective genitive, but who cares?........ or better still, "piano" would be in the accusative if it needed teaching; and "piano" would be in the dative if "piano lessons" was meant. Kath Malone, pls check if this is correct!)
I'll accompany the Caveros to visit Peter Gallicantu church and Gethsemani because they're pretty flat land with no stairs to climb. And the sun is up - which is good because the stone pavements are not slippery. Downside is it's crazy day again - the roads will be jammed pack with muslim, christian and jewish people going to pray. We'll see how things go. Like I said, this is Jerusalem; you can't planned too far ahead because things happen.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
cats and dogs
The rains stopped yesterday afternoon so I could walk up to Notre Dame Centre slowly (very slippery these stone pavements) to wait for the shurut (minivan). I booked it for 3.45pm but knowing local time you need to give an hour leeway. So I went up to Notre Dame at 2.45pm. It was very cold and I still had that splitting headache. As things would have it, the driver called me to say he's going to pick me up at 3.20pm so lucky me, being already at the Notre Dame gates, I managed to catch this shurut for the airport. The shurut usually takes 10 people to and from the airport. I was the 2nd person so the driver had to drive around the whole of Jerusalem picking up other people - only 5 in all. By the time it reached the airport it was 5pm. And it started to rain - real rain, with thunder and lightening. It was the storm we were waiting for. Luckily I was nice and dry in the airport by then.
The Caveros had a bumpy ride because their plane came in at the height of the storm. But they arrived safely and happily. We drove straight to King David's hotel, by which time it was almost 8pm. I was very worried because I had to walk home in the storm without a raincoat or umbrella (1 and a half kms away). And my ankle still hurts quite badly. Luckily the driver was kind enough to send me all the way to Damascus gate, so I had a shorter distance to walk (about 15 minutes). Oh it was COLD! I think it was 4 degrees or less. And my headache stopped because the airport doctor gave me 2 paracetamols.
Today the sun is shining again and the storm has passed. Most of the students are on excursion to the Neghev desert south of Judah, towards Egypt. I'll be doing some studies in the morning and then later in the afternoon I'll go to visit the Caveros.
I was meaning to write about this but never got round to it - the muzzein who calls the muslims to prayer from the mosques. In summer the muzzein starts singing between 2am and 3am, but now that it's winter, he sings at 4am or 4.30am. It's pretty loud when the whole of Jerusalem is asleep. But they get the best singers at that time. The muzzein of the early morning has a beautiful voice and these few mornings I realised it's a new guy - very much better than the rest. It sounds mournful, and eerie as he recites verses from the Koran and then calls the muslims to wake up and pray - but it is very very beautiful. Only those of us who've lived here long enough can appreciate it. Most newcomers still find it irritating to be awaken so early in the morning. Mind you, our monastery is directly opposite the minaret where the loud speakers are attached - so when I say it's loud, believe me, it's loud. We have double windows but it doesn't stop the sound. But like I said, it's very nice to hear a good voice early in the morning. And to be fair, I'm sure the muslims find it irritating as well when all our church bells ring at once - and the bells in the Holy Sepulchre are huge. I guess that's why the friars in the Holy Sepulchre are changed frequently - otherwise they'll go deaf!
And Sr Geronima was late for Mass again ....... watch this space for the latest ........
The Caveros had a bumpy ride because their plane came in at the height of the storm. But they arrived safely and happily. We drove straight to King David's hotel, by which time it was almost 8pm. I was very worried because I had to walk home in the storm without a raincoat or umbrella (1 and a half kms away). And my ankle still hurts quite badly. Luckily the driver was kind enough to send me all the way to Damascus gate, so I had a shorter distance to walk (about 15 minutes). Oh it was COLD! I think it was 4 degrees or less. And my headache stopped because the airport doctor gave me 2 paracetamols.
Today the sun is shining again and the storm has passed. Most of the students are on excursion to the Neghev desert south of Judah, towards Egypt. I'll be doing some studies in the morning and then later in the afternoon I'll go to visit the Caveros.
I was meaning to write about this but never got round to it - the muzzein who calls the muslims to prayer from the mosques. In summer the muzzein starts singing between 2am and 3am, but now that it's winter, he sings at 4am or 4.30am. It's pretty loud when the whole of Jerusalem is asleep. But they get the best singers at that time. The muzzein of the early morning has a beautiful voice and these few mornings I realised it's a new guy - very much better than the rest. It sounds mournful, and eerie as he recites verses from the Koran and then calls the muslims to wake up and pray - but it is very very beautiful. Only those of us who've lived here long enough can appreciate it. Most newcomers still find it irritating to be awaken so early in the morning. Mind you, our monastery is directly opposite the minaret where the loud speakers are attached - so when I say it's loud, believe me, it's loud. We have double windows but it doesn't stop the sound. But like I said, it's very nice to hear a good voice early in the morning. And to be fair, I'm sure the muslims find it irritating as well when all our church bells ring at once - and the bells in the Holy Sepulchre are huge. I guess that's why the friars in the Holy Sepulchre are changed frequently - otherwise they'll go deaf!
And Sr Geronima was late for Mass again ....... watch this space for the latest ........
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
It's raining!
Yes finally the long-awaited rains came. It started at about 4pm when I was cleaning out the sacristy garden. Just a few drops. Didn't disturb my work. But after dinner, Jobi (an Indian student, 2nd year, who likes watching Jackie Chan movies) and I went out to the terrace to see if it was still raining - and it was. Not rain as you know it - it's that silent type of rain I told you, you don't feel it but the ground is all wet - nothing like a fog or mist, mind you - it's too dry for that. But it became heavier throughout the night. This morning I opened the chapel doors and monastery gate (I was the first one this morning in the chapel) and found it was still raining - not heavy; you know the kind - too little to use an umbrella but enough to get you wet. The kids at the Omariyya School opposite our monastery are very noisy this morning - all excited over the rain. In fact they're giving me a headache - have to close my windows.
I had only 40 minutes to clean the sacristy garden yesterday not because of the rain but because it was getting very dark and cold. But managed to do quite alot. Then celebrated Mass at the Condemnation Chapel at 5.30pm. Yesterday we remembered all the dead franciscans - part of All Souls day, but for our Franciscan Order. This morning was the Presentation of Mary. Not a feastday, just a memorial.
I've been following the news of the Bangladeshi typhoon. It's terrible. And I've been thinking here I am moaning about not having a table or bed and there are the Bangladeshis with no homes or food. Time to shut up and be thankful for what I have. And of course all of you should also say a little prayer for them.
One of my professors directed me to check out the library catalogue of the Ecole Biblique (Dominican Bible institute here in jerusalem) regarding books for my thesis. Thought it shouldn't be much of a problem. Turned out the librarian keeps the catalogue on a shelf 10 feet up, and its 10 volumes. And the amount of books on my subject is so large, I think I'll have to take 3 days to go through them all. But of course knowing what books are available is only one side of the story - next is I have to get permission to use the Dominican library. Hmmmm not too keen to walk out of Damascus Gate to the Ecole in the rain. Will put it off for another day.
Am going to stay high and dry today - except later this evening when I go to the airport to pick up Daniel and Cecilia. Hope they're prepared for this cold, wet weather.
I had only 40 minutes to clean the sacristy garden yesterday not because of the rain but because it was getting very dark and cold. But managed to do quite alot. Then celebrated Mass at the Condemnation Chapel at 5.30pm. Yesterday we remembered all the dead franciscans - part of All Souls day, but for our Franciscan Order. This morning was the Presentation of Mary. Not a feastday, just a memorial.
I've been following the news of the Bangladeshi typhoon. It's terrible. And I've been thinking here I am moaning about not having a table or bed and there are the Bangladeshis with no homes or food. Time to shut up and be thankful for what I have. And of course all of you should also say a little prayer for them.
One of my professors directed me to check out the library catalogue of the Ecole Biblique (Dominican Bible institute here in jerusalem) regarding books for my thesis. Thought it shouldn't be much of a problem. Turned out the librarian keeps the catalogue on a shelf 10 feet up, and its 10 volumes. And the amount of books on my subject is so large, I think I'll have to take 3 days to go through them all. But of course knowing what books are available is only one side of the story - next is I have to get permission to use the Dominican library. Hmmmm not too keen to walk out of Damascus Gate to the Ecole in the rain. Will put it off for another day.
Am going to stay high and dry today - except later this evening when I go to the airport to pick up Daniel and Cecilia. Hope they're prepared for this cold, wet weather.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
busy busy busy
Had a hectic afternoon yesterday and this morning. Yesterday I was at the Missionaries of Charity to give a bible talk from 3-4pm. They have a house near Damascus Gate, but they have no work. They only visit families and sometimes allow children to play in their little hall. Most of the time they're praying in the Holy Sepulchre nearby.
Rushed home to help Sr Veronica with the garden but she said it was too dark and there was another group coming for Mass - she has to prepare the chapel for them. So we'll do the garden today. Then I cleaned out the birdcage - cold and dark, at 5pm. Was exhausted by then. Managed to do some reading before I slept though. Was so tired I didn't know what was happening around me during dinner (which is at 8pm, pretty late considering we have lunch at 12.30pm) - total braindead. People were talking with me but I just couldn't understand. Switched off.
This morning I was running around to St. Saviour's Monastery, Telepace and the tailor. The wind was very cold and people were wearing thick woollen clothes. The rains didn't come becuase the west wind was too strong and blew all the clouds away. However everyone was saying (in this land everything goes by hearsay; unfortunately they take it as more important than the truth) it will rain by this evening or tomorrow. Some other parts of Israel had rain though, yesterday. But I doubt it'll rain today, the sky is bright and blue. And awefully dry.
I'll be doing some reading before going down to the sacristy garden to work. The sisters have Eucharistic adoration everyday from 2.45-3.45pm and recite the chaplet of mercy (remember they're St. Faustina's congregation, famous for their devotion to the Divine Mercy) so Sr. veronica will be free only after that. Sr Geronima was late for Mass yesterday morning and she knew I'd make fun of that, so everytime she saw me yesterday she started talking and talking so that I had no chance to say anything. Smart move. Penguins have brains!
Tomorrow Daniel and Cecilia Cavero are coming from Spain for a short visit. I'll go pick them up at the airport. But a Singapore group also arrived and called me because they wanted to see me one of these days. And someone else from HK has arrived and has generously agreed to carry some stuff for me, so I have to be at home waiting for him. Gosh this is a busy week - I'll have to juggle my time. But that's the good side isn't it? It means I've got my visa and I'm still around to meet them all! Jerusalem is going to be filled with familiar footsteps this week!!!!!!
Rushed home to help Sr Veronica with the garden but she said it was too dark and there was another group coming for Mass - she has to prepare the chapel for them. So we'll do the garden today. Then I cleaned out the birdcage - cold and dark, at 5pm. Was exhausted by then. Managed to do some reading before I slept though. Was so tired I didn't know what was happening around me during dinner (which is at 8pm, pretty late considering we have lunch at 12.30pm) - total braindead. People were talking with me but I just couldn't understand. Switched off.
This morning I was running around to St. Saviour's Monastery, Telepace and the tailor. The wind was very cold and people were wearing thick woollen clothes. The rains didn't come becuase the west wind was too strong and blew all the clouds away. However everyone was saying (in this land everything goes by hearsay; unfortunately they take it as more important than the truth) it will rain by this evening or tomorrow. Some other parts of Israel had rain though, yesterday. But I doubt it'll rain today, the sky is bright and blue. And awefully dry.
I'll be doing some reading before going down to the sacristy garden to work. The sisters have Eucharistic adoration everyday from 2.45-3.45pm and recite the chaplet of mercy (remember they're St. Faustina's congregation, famous for their devotion to the Divine Mercy) so Sr. veronica will be free only after that. Sr Geronima was late for Mass yesterday morning and she knew I'd make fun of that, so everytime she saw me yesterday she started talking and talking so that I had no chance to say anything. Smart move. Penguins have brains!
Tomorrow Daniel and Cecilia Cavero are coming from Spain for a short visit. I'll go pick them up at the airport. But a Singapore group also arrived and called me because they wanted to see me one of these days. And someone else from HK has arrived and has generously agreed to carry some stuff for me, so I have to be at home waiting for him. Gosh this is a busy week - I'll have to juggle my time. But that's the good side isn't it? It means I've got my visa and I'm still around to meet them all! Jerusalem is going to be filled with familiar footsteps this week!!!!!!
Monday, November 19, 2007
maybe it'll rain.
Everyone is talking about rain - apparently the local news announced that the weather will change and it will rain again. That is good. I can see from my window that the weather is changing. It's colder, the sky is dark and birds are not around - a sure sign rain is coming. Hopefully the west wind won't blow the clouds away. We need rain desparately this year.
I'll have to give a 1 hr talk to the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa) this afternoon, then help Sr. Veronica with her garden (the one behind the sacristy) after that. And I still have to clean out the birdcage because yesterday i couldn't find the old newspapers.
Today is Fr Niccacci's feastday - but we're not sure if ther'es a saint called "Alviero". Anyway there's going to be a cake!!!! Little joys in a monastery. By the way St. Elizabeth of Hungary didn't get a cake last Saturday.
Anyway I'm still working out how to get the photos from my camera into the blog site. Some gadget is missing. Got to figure out what.
OK back to studies now - unless the rains come. I want to go to the terrace and see the Mt. of Olives in the rain.
I'll have to give a 1 hr talk to the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa) this afternoon, then help Sr. Veronica with her garden (the one behind the sacristy) after that. And I still have to clean out the birdcage because yesterday i couldn't find the old newspapers.
Today is Fr Niccacci's feastday - but we're not sure if ther'es a saint called "Alviero". Anyway there's going to be a cake!!!! Little joys in a monastery. By the way St. Elizabeth of Hungary didn't get a cake last Saturday.
Anyway I'm still working out how to get the photos from my camera into the blog site. Some gadget is missing. Got to figure out what.
OK back to studies now - unless the rains come. I want to go to the terrace and see the Mt. of Olives in the rain.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
pork and shrimps!!!!
Well I just got back from a 2 hour walk - just about 4 km. Started from Salahaddin Street where I helped Fr Carmelo buy his stuff. He and I arrived in Israel together in 1992; he was then a seminarian. Now he's my professor. From East Jerusalem I crossed the no-man's land into West Jerusalem, walked up Prophets' street where the Ethiopic Orthodox Church has its cathedral and school (besides many other buildings of course), turned left a side street and reached Ben Yehuda, the pedastrian mall. I had to buy a puncher because my notes could not be put in the files without first punching a hole. Also got a couple of plastic folders.And all that walking is killing my feet.
On my way back, I stopped by 3 pet shops. Thought of Rex and Regis. Wonder how they are. Anyway next to the pet shops I found a non-kosher shop selling pork, ham, bacon and sea-food. A packet of shelled/peeled shrimps cost HK$100 - 25 to 30 shrimps, medium size. Is that expensive? Need your advice here, ok? Also a large bottle of sesame oil is HK$88 and a small soya sauce is HK$24. Instant noodles single pack (smaller than the ones we get in HK) - 5 for HK$36. A can of sugar cane drink is HK$10. Give me an idea if its expensive compared to HK, please!
OK now its back to work.
On my way back, I stopped by 3 pet shops. Thought of Rex and Regis. Wonder how they are. Anyway next to the pet shops I found a non-kosher shop selling pork, ham, bacon and sea-food. A packet of shelled/peeled shrimps cost HK$100 - 25 to 30 shrimps, medium size. Is that expensive? Need your advice here, ok? Also a large bottle of sesame oil is HK$88 and a small soya sauce is HK$24. Instant noodles single pack (smaller than the ones we get in HK) - 5 for HK$36. A can of sugar cane drink is HK$10. Give me an idea if its expensive compared to HK, please!
OK now its back to work.
Headache!
Though I said I'd give myself a day off yesterday, I didn't. Worked right through the day till I had a terrible headache at 3pm. The morning's chores went off pretty well and smoothly: I went to St. Saviour's Monastery (the head office of the Franciscans here in the Holyland; about less than a 1km up the hill in the Old City) to see the Custodial Secretary (here in the Holyland we're known as the Custodians of the Holy Places) and spoke to him about my visa, my application for faculty to hear confessions and several other issues like copyright of Internet material. He was very encouraging and asked me to start a website in chinese about news of the Holyland (actually the Secretary of the Studium Biblicum Jerusalem told me the same about our school's website - to get a chinese version done quickly). Well with all the support, I think I'll get started. Then I went off to the Franciscan Bookshop to leave some of our chinese magazines to be given free of charge to the chinese pilgrims/tourists/migrant workers to read. I forgot to go to our monastery tailor to fix a torn habit. That means having to go up the hill again on of these days. My monastery is down the hill, the slope that leds down to the Kidron Valley (see John's Gospel) and the garden of Gethsemani and the Mt. of Olives.
But I got home quite early and thought I shouldn't waste time, so I started reading and typing non-stop. By lunch I was having a headache but thought it would go away - continued working after lunch (no siesta for me!) till 3pm when my head felt like splitting. So I didn't clean the birdcage. I just found out that the superior was down in the courtyard waiting to help me! Anyway I told him this morning at breakfast that I'd do it this afternoon. I did clean my room though. It's alot easier now that I have the cupboards and shelves. The 12 luggage are stacked under the bed.
Took an early dinner - Sr. Geronima prepared rice, cheese and a tomato for me - and went off to sleep at 7pm. Sr. Pieta told me something about eating more garlic and onions but I couldn't understand - she lost her voice; not that it makes a difference since she hardly speaks anyway.
This morning I got up at 4am to go to the Holy Sepulchre - quite cold in the streets. Prayed for you all and celebrated Mass at the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. The headache is much better though not totally gone. I think I know why it came about - I forgot to drink water. Because it's so dry here we need to drink alot of water to keep ourselves hydrated; but I was so busy working I forgot to drink at all, and the dehydrated body was warning me. Anyway I drank 2 lit. of water last night before sleeping.
Today is Sunday and a couple of guys have asked me to accompany them to Salahaddin street because they want to buy "hot air fans". That'll be my good deed for the day. Then it's back to studies again.
But I got home quite early and thought I shouldn't waste time, so I started reading and typing non-stop. By lunch I was having a headache but thought it would go away - continued working after lunch (no siesta for me!) till 3pm when my head felt like splitting. So I didn't clean the birdcage. I just found out that the superior was down in the courtyard waiting to help me! Anyway I told him this morning at breakfast that I'd do it this afternoon. I did clean my room though. It's alot easier now that I have the cupboards and shelves. The 12 luggage are stacked under the bed.
Took an early dinner - Sr. Geronima prepared rice, cheese and a tomato for me - and went off to sleep at 7pm. Sr. Pieta told me something about eating more garlic and onions but I couldn't understand - she lost her voice; not that it makes a difference since she hardly speaks anyway.
This morning I got up at 4am to go to the Holy Sepulchre - quite cold in the streets. Prayed for you all and celebrated Mass at the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. The headache is much better though not totally gone. I think I know why it came about - I forgot to drink water. Because it's so dry here we need to drink alot of water to keep ourselves hydrated; but I was so busy working I forgot to drink at all, and the dehydrated body was warning me. Anyway I drank 2 lit. of water last night before sleeping.
Today is Sunday and a couple of guys have asked me to accompany them to Salahaddin street because they want to buy "hot air fans". That'll be my good deed for the day. Then it's back to studies again.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Hungry or Hungary?
Yesterday I was very busy taking notes; I decided not to go to the Way of the Cross, but again I thought if I can finish just one more passage I'd make it. After going though the text and typing it down in the computer, I thought I was already late (the Way of the Cross starts at 3pm in winter) but the clock showed that I still had 10 minutes - so hurried to change and went down. The crowd was less than last week, and the climb up to the Holy Sepulchre was still as tiring. Anyway made it there in one piece. I decided to stay on in the Sepulchre after the Way of the Cross as I wanted to celebrate Mass. But seeing the crowds in the Basilica, I thought I would have little chance of getting an altar. And there was a solemn entrance as well - meaning a group (usually with a bishop or cardinal) has requested that the franciscans make a special welcome at the entrance of the Holy Sepulchre. And it's solemn! The friars are all dressed in liturgical garb, the presider blesses the group with holy water, then invites them to kiss the Stone of the Unction while the Te Deum is sung with organ accompaniment.
Anyway it turned out that another group that booked for Mass at 5pm did not show up, and there was a small crowd of pilgrims waiting to attend Mass for the day. So the sacristan told me to preside at the Mass since all the other friars were officiating at the solemn entrance. I said the Mass in english thinking that there were english speaking people there - but it turned out to be very mixed: italians, arabs, swedish, russian ..... not a single one understood english! Well except William our Lebanese seminarian (remember him? He wasn't shaved last week! But yesterday he was - and so was I. And I had a haircut too - yes there's enough hair to cut, believe me! Now the guys at my place come up and rub my head because they say rubbing the head of a chinese brings them luck! Weird people I live with!!!!). He missed Mass yesterday morning at St. Saviour's so he wanted to join in my Mass - and served and read the readings as well. We chatted after Mass and found out he lost his dad last month: he's returning to Lebanon for 2 months next week. Hope he doesn't miss too much school though, otherwise we'll have to hold back his ordination (like in 4 years!)
Dinner was fun last night; Fr Tomislav (our professor in Ugaritic and Akkadian) told alot of jokes and we kept laughing throughout the meal. Fr Alliata (our archaeologist) was sitting next to me because a guest took his place; He asked me why I wasn't quipping back like everyone else - so I said God gave me only one mouth and for dinner time I use it to eat. He had a good laugh. After finishing my food I told him I can talk now because I've eaten my stuff - and he said "Good, say something for me to hear" and everyone kept silent to hear what I had to say. I said "I'm hungry!" and everyone laughed. It was pretty light-hearted last night, which is good for the end of the week. People are feeling more relaxed.
Today is the feast of St Elizabeth of Hungary (see the pun above?) so I expect a cake. Sr Geronima baked one yesterday because it was the feastday of Sr. Pieta. It was very nice - like an apple crumble. No leftovers!
I'll go to see the Custodial Secretary this morning to apply for my faculty to hear confessions - it's not automatic you know? When we come here in Israel we must apply to the Patriarch who grants us the right to absolve sins, otherwise it's invalid. Then later in the afternoon I'll clean the birdcage - the superior met me at breakfast and asked "Did you feed the birds?" so I caught the hint. Oh and I have to clean my room as well ..... hope my table and bed comes soon. Anyway with all this work I doubt I'll get any studies done; but it's the weekend so I'll let myself off this time! :)
Anyway it turned out that another group that booked for Mass at 5pm did not show up, and there was a small crowd of pilgrims waiting to attend Mass for the day. So the sacristan told me to preside at the Mass since all the other friars were officiating at the solemn entrance. I said the Mass in english thinking that there were english speaking people there - but it turned out to be very mixed: italians, arabs, swedish, russian ..... not a single one understood english! Well except William our Lebanese seminarian (remember him? He wasn't shaved last week! But yesterday he was - and so was I. And I had a haircut too - yes there's enough hair to cut, believe me! Now the guys at my place come up and rub my head because they say rubbing the head of a chinese brings them luck! Weird people I live with!!!!). He missed Mass yesterday morning at St. Saviour's so he wanted to join in my Mass - and served and read the readings as well. We chatted after Mass and found out he lost his dad last month: he's returning to Lebanon for 2 months next week. Hope he doesn't miss too much school though, otherwise we'll have to hold back his ordination (like in 4 years!)
Dinner was fun last night; Fr Tomislav (our professor in Ugaritic and Akkadian) told alot of jokes and we kept laughing throughout the meal. Fr Alliata (our archaeologist) was sitting next to me because a guest took his place; He asked me why I wasn't quipping back like everyone else - so I said God gave me only one mouth and for dinner time I use it to eat. He had a good laugh. After finishing my food I told him I can talk now because I've eaten my stuff - and he said "Good, say something for me to hear" and everyone kept silent to hear what I had to say. I said "I'm hungry!" and everyone laughed. It was pretty light-hearted last night, which is good for the end of the week. People are feeling more relaxed.
Today is the feast of St Elizabeth of Hungary (see the pun above?) so I expect a cake. Sr Geronima baked one yesterday because it was the feastday of Sr. Pieta. It was very nice - like an apple crumble. No leftovers!
I'll go to see the Custodial Secretary this morning to apply for my faculty to hear confessions - it's not automatic you know? When we come here in Israel we must apply to the Patriarch who grants us the right to absolve sins, otherwise it's invalid. Then later in the afternoon I'll clean the birdcage - the superior met me at breakfast and asked "Did you feed the birds?" so I caught the hint. Oh and I have to clean my room as well ..... hope my table and bed comes soon. Anyway with all this work I doubt I'll get any studies done; but it's the weekend so I'll let myself off this time! :)
Friday, November 16, 2007
It's Friday!
Another week coming to an end. It's crazy day again - the streets are packed with christian and muslim pilgrims. Simply no place to stretch your arms - not that you have to! But it goes to show how crowded the streets are.
I think it's going to be a lot more troublesome for us here today because huge machines like forklifts are loading our museum stuff for exhibition in Korea. The street is very narrow, enough for only one car to pass, and the forklifts have to transport the crates out of the Old City to St Stephan's Gate where the trucks are waiting. The crates are huge, some 6 feet or so. They're transporting statues and other stone and marble artefacts. And they're very heavy. Hope nothing gets broken - our museum is quite famous here in Israel for its collection.
Well, I got to use my "hot air fan" this morning. It was ok for me; kept the room a little warmer than usual. I don't want it hot, like Fr Niccacci does. Just comfortably warm is enough.
The philology class went on ahead, though our lecturer Fr Buscemi was a little lost as to where we stopped the last time. That's a consolation because usually I'm the one who's lost! We're into "participles" today - and it's so complicated because in Greek the participle is very versatile.
If you haven't yet known, we have classes everyday except Thursday and Sunday. Usually we clean our rooms on Saturday afternoons/evenings and then relax for the weekend (which is actually only Sunday). Its an odd system that they follow in Rome. For 1st year students they don't even have Thursdays off, because they have full-day excursions on that day.
Fr Stefano de Luca, our archaeologist in Magdala ( remember Mary Magdalene?) called to ask if I could go over and help him dig. I'd love to but because of my philology class, I can't do it. Besides my left ankle is hurting even more - maybe because I walked too much yesterday.
And I had a big surprise - Kris our altar-boy wrote me! That's nice! He said he's studying hard, which is exactly what I should be doing now!!!!! So signing off for the moment .....
I think it's going to be a lot more troublesome for us here today because huge machines like forklifts are loading our museum stuff for exhibition in Korea. The street is very narrow, enough for only one car to pass, and the forklifts have to transport the crates out of the Old City to St Stephan's Gate where the trucks are waiting. The crates are huge, some 6 feet or so. They're transporting statues and other stone and marble artefacts. And they're very heavy. Hope nothing gets broken - our museum is quite famous here in Israel for its collection.
Well, I got to use my "hot air fan" this morning. It was ok for me; kept the room a little warmer than usual. I don't want it hot, like Fr Niccacci does. Just comfortably warm is enough.
The philology class went on ahead, though our lecturer Fr Buscemi was a little lost as to where we stopped the last time. That's a consolation because usually I'm the one who's lost! We're into "participles" today - and it's so complicated because in Greek the participle is very versatile.
If you haven't yet known, we have classes everyday except Thursday and Sunday. Usually we clean our rooms on Saturday afternoons/evenings and then relax for the weekend (which is actually only Sunday). Its an odd system that they follow in Rome. For 1st year students they don't even have Thursdays off, because they have full-day excursions on that day.
Fr Stefano de Luca, our archaeologist in Magdala ( remember Mary Magdalene?) called to ask if I could go over and help him dig. I'd love to but because of my philology class, I can't do it. Besides my left ankle is hurting even more - maybe because I walked too much yesterday.
And I had a big surprise - Kris our altar-boy wrote me! That's nice! He said he's studying hard, which is exactly what I should be doing now!!!!! So signing off for the moment .....
Thursday, November 15, 2007
shopping update
Am taking a rest now after walking for an hour and a half. Matthew and I went out to look for a small heater. But we both are really getting old. Both of us are now exhausted after this walk, which was all flat land; no hills at all. He said that it's not like before when we could walk for hours (he was my classmate 2 years back during our Master's degree programme).
Well we found several small heaters for sale at the shops along Salahaddin Street. Here they're called "hot air fans", and a "heater" means a "radiator". For 100 shekels (HK$200) each, we bought one that suited our rooms. That means no more cold cold mornings (especially in the bathroom because that's where everyone is putting their "hot air fans").
We both forgot to bring our shopping lists - and we laughed alot because it goes to show how old we're getting; so we walked around to see if we could remember what else to buy. I remembered to buy a metal frame to dry my clothes after washing. it was big but light, and was on sale for 69 shekels so I quickly snapped up the last one. And I also bought washing powder of course (almost forgot that one!). And I got a small vacuum cleaner for 100 shekels too. It's pretty powerful and noisy but it'll settle the dust problem at least. Brooms are useless, believe me; and now my asthma problem can be greatly reduced. Anyway I told Matthew he could borrow all my stuff. He's a good guy, and very smart - he speaks very good german.
Now that I've come back, I checked my shopping list and found out I needed to buy a table lamp so that I can study when it gets dark (about 4pm here). The ceiling light is too high (over 16 feet up) and is not sufficient for reading.
You must be thinking why we're buying so many of these things - well, think university dorm. Although this is a monastery, we're here as foreign students and must provide most things for oueselves. The monastery is simply too big for the friars to supply everything for the students free. In fact we have to pay for our room and board; it's not much (US$15 a day plus extra for telephone calls and Internet use) and we're grateful to the Franciscan Custody for keeping it like this for us. So we supply for ourselves other smaller needs.
OK got to study now. That's what Matthew said before entering his room - "Time to start on the thesis!" Not so simple though because we need to come to an agreement with our directors about the topic and method of research. Lots of bargaining, believe me! But I'll leave that for another blog!
Well we found several small heaters for sale at the shops along Salahaddin Street. Here they're called "hot air fans", and a "heater" means a "radiator". For 100 shekels (HK$200) each, we bought one that suited our rooms. That means no more cold cold mornings (especially in the bathroom because that's where everyone is putting their "hot air fans").
We both forgot to bring our shopping lists - and we laughed alot because it goes to show how old we're getting; so we walked around to see if we could remember what else to buy. I remembered to buy a metal frame to dry my clothes after washing. it was big but light, and was on sale for 69 shekels so I quickly snapped up the last one. And I also bought washing powder of course (almost forgot that one!). And I got a small vacuum cleaner for 100 shekels too. It's pretty powerful and noisy but it'll settle the dust problem at least. Brooms are useless, believe me; and now my asthma problem can be greatly reduced. Anyway I told Matthew he could borrow all my stuff. He's a good guy, and very smart - he speaks very good german.
Now that I've come back, I checked my shopping list and found out I needed to buy a table lamp so that I can study when it gets dark (about 4pm here). The ceiling light is too high (over 16 feet up) and is not sufficient for reading.
You must be thinking why we're buying so many of these things - well, think university dorm. Although this is a monastery, we're here as foreign students and must provide most things for oueselves. The monastery is simply too big for the friars to supply everything for the students free. In fact we have to pay for our room and board; it's not much (US$15 a day plus extra for telephone calls and Internet use) and we're grateful to the Franciscan Custody for keeping it like this for us. So we supply for ourselves other smaller needs.
OK got to study now. That's what Matthew said before entering his room - "Time to start on the thesis!" Not so simple though because we need to come to an agreement with our directors about the topic and method of research. Lots of bargaining, believe me! But I'll leave that for another blog!
A new day ....
Thanks to everyone who wrote to congratulate. Believe me it's really a relief not to have to worry about how long I can stay in Israel for my studies - and you know, standing in line at the visa section of the Ministry is harrowing because you don't know the procedure, and no one is there to explain things to you. It's all trial and error.
The mornings here are cold - 8 to 10 degrees. Everyone is talking about buying heaters. We do have central heating but it's turned on only in deep winter. The cost of keeping it running is too high and the house is simply too big - so we have to save. But on the other hand, we all feel cold right now and if everyone buys a heater for themselves, then the electric bill is going up all the same. Well maybe not that expensive as the heaters we get are those small things - a foot high and 8 inches across. I'll bet you all are made in China. Anyway Matthew my classmate from India wants one badly, so later today we'll go down Salahaddin Street to look for it. Salahaddin Street like I told you before (if you can remember what I wrote in my earliest blog) was the Nathan Road of East Jerusalem before the war. The Jordanian royalty used to come here shopping - it's reputed. Now it's a dirty, crowded street but still with lots of shops. And you always have to be sharp because the shop owners always pull a fast one on foreigners.
And the dust in Jerusalem is unimaginable - it collects and collects and you have to clean your room just about everyday. I think those dust particles are actually mini-hamsters in disguise: put two together and they breed like there's no tomorrow!
The sun is up though and the forecaste is no rain for the coming week. Bad for the farmers and shepherds. Because its dry, it exacerbates the dust problem.
The Dominicans are having a feastday today - St Albert the Great. It's the inauguration day for their Ecole Biblique (famous Bible school that teaches in french). I might go over at 10am to listen to the opening conference on St Paul. Meantime I'll do some cleaning in my room and read up on a couple of books that are due back in the Library - the librarian will be very upset if I don't return them in time!
The mornings here are cold - 8 to 10 degrees. Everyone is talking about buying heaters. We do have central heating but it's turned on only in deep winter. The cost of keeping it running is too high and the house is simply too big - so we have to save. But on the other hand, we all feel cold right now and if everyone buys a heater for themselves, then the electric bill is going up all the same. Well maybe not that expensive as the heaters we get are those small things - a foot high and 8 inches across. I'll bet you all are made in China. Anyway Matthew my classmate from India wants one badly, so later today we'll go down Salahaddin Street to look for it. Salahaddin Street like I told you before (if you can remember what I wrote in my earliest blog) was the Nathan Road of East Jerusalem before the war. The Jordanian royalty used to come here shopping - it's reputed. Now it's a dirty, crowded street but still with lots of shops. And you always have to be sharp because the shop owners always pull a fast one on foreigners.
And the dust in Jerusalem is unimaginable - it collects and collects and you have to clean your room just about everyday. I think those dust particles are actually mini-hamsters in disguise: put two together and they breed like there's no tomorrow!
The sun is up though and the forecaste is no rain for the coming week. Bad for the farmers and shepherds. Because its dry, it exacerbates the dust problem.
The Dominicans are having a feastday today - St Albert the Great. It's the inauguration day for their Ecole Biblique (famous Bible school that teaches in french). I might go over at 10am to listen to the opening conference on St Paul. Meantime I'll do some cleaning in my room and read up on a couple of books that are due back in the Library - the librarian will be very upset if I don't return them in time!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Got it!!!!!!
Yeeeeaaaaaahhhhh I got my visa! I was all nervous last night, and some other students came over to encourage me and said things'll turn out ok, and they'll pray for me. Even the cook Khalil who's muslim and the shop-keepers opposite our monastery were praying for me this morning when I walked to the Ministry office. And I'm sure you guys did too. Owe everyone big time!
So they gave me a student visa valid for 1 year with multiple entries. That really sets my mind at rest and I can now concentrate on my studies without worrying. Aaaaahhhh what a relief. I walked up one and a half km and then 3 floors up to the Office, and there was a long line waiting to get in. When the doors opened at 8am everyone rushed in. I took a seat right in the front just in case if they couldn't pronounce my name right, I could at least hear a little better. Two koreans were ahead of me. Then it was my turn. The lady was nice. Asked if I was studying and if I wanted multiple entries on my visa. I said yes, paid 300 shekels and got my visa! I was so happy I couldn't stop grinning. Security guys must have thought I was nuts. Anyway they've seen me so many times there, each time rejected; this time they're pretty relieved for me too. See, God is not in a hurry, but when he works, he works!
I then decided to take a walk in Ben Yehuda - it's like Nathan Road here in Jerusalem. Open pedesdrian malls, no cars allowed, open air cafes, and shops of every kind. I haven't been here like since 1996. Some familiar shops are still around, like the ice-cream parlour at the corner, Steimatzky's bookstore and the cafes. But there're many new shops too - tattoo shops, and lots of mini-supermarkets. I was looking for a small heater but found none. Instead I found a quaint stationary shop right up (its all on a hill) at the junction fo King George Street (named after George V) and bought some stationary that I needed, like box-files, paper clips, a stapler etc. It was cheap - or better, it was honest. The prices there are not rip-offs like you'd find in some other shops. And the owner spoke very very British English, so it was fun to chat with him. And he was kind enough to arrange everything into one big bag (I bought stuff, believe me!) so that it would be easier for me to carry as I had to walk 2 kms back home.
On the way home, I saw an chinese lady walking on the opposite side of the street. You can't possibly believe how many chinese there are out here. Like every 20 people I meet, 1 is a chinese. And the lady was trying to catch my eye - and I thought "Oh No another Bible-bashing Christian" (almost all the chinese who are not working in the construction sites, are Zionist Christians). I was trying to avoid her but had to stop at the crossroads. And she caught up and it started - do you believe in Jesus? Are you saved? - and then what shocked me was how Zionist she was - she insisted that she was a Jew because only Jews can be saved; and the Messiah is Jewish, and only the Jewish State can bring about the 2nd Coming of the Messiah. Then she insisted that I too was a Jew, because God told her to come talk to me; and that I will be saved if I support the Zionist state. Well I was saved - I got my visa!!!!!!!!!!!! :) And she went on and on till I said I had an appointment - which was true - I had to meet Stefania the directress of Telepace Jerusalem. Escaped and - still very chinese, believe me, not quite a Jew yet!
Had a nice, short, business chat with Stefania and then went to the Holy Sepulchre to say Thank You to God; also borrowed the German lectionary because this evening I'm celebrating Mass in German with a couple of other students.
Then I got home and told everyone the good news. The professors were very happy and told me to put my mind in my studies NOW. So that's what I'm going to do NOW! And the rest of you kids, like Kris and the twins, you'd better study NOW as well!
So they gave me a student visa valid for 1 year with multiple entries. That really sets my mind at rest and I can now concentrate on my studies without worrying. Aaaaahhhh what a relief. I walked up one and a half km and then 3 floors up to the Office, and there was a long line waiting to get in. When the doors opened at 8am everyone rushed in. I took a seat right in the front just in case if they couldn't pronounce my name right, I could at least hear a little better. Two koreans were ahead of me. Then it was my turn. The lady was nice. Asked if I was studying and if I wanted multiple entries on my visa. I said yes, paid 300 shekels and got my visa! I was so happy I couldn't stop grinning. Security guys must have thought I was nuts. Anyway they've seen me so many times there, each time rejected; this time they're pretty relieved for me too. See, God is not in a hurry, but when he works, he works!
I then decided to take a walk in Ben Yehuda - it's like Nathan Road here in Jerusalem. Open pedesdrian malls, no cars allowed, open air cafes, and shops of every kind. I haven't been here like since 1996. Some familiar shops are still around, like the ice-cream parlour at the corner, Steimatzky's bookstore and the cafes. But there're many new shops too - tattoo shops, and lots of mini-supermarkets. I was looking for a small heater but found none. Instead I found a quaint stationary shop right up (its all on a hill) at the junction fo King George Street (named after George V) and bought some stationary that I needed, like box-files, paper clips, a stapler etc. It was cheap - or better, it was honest. The prices there are not rip-offs like you'd find in some other shops. And the owner spoke very very British English, so it was fun to chat with him. And he was kind enough to arrange everything into one big bag (I bought stuff, believe me!) so that it would be easier for me to carry as I had to walk 2 kms back home.
On the way home, I saw an chinese lady walking on the opposite side of the street. You can't possibly believe how many chinese there are out here. Like every 20 people I meet, 1 is a chinese. And the lady was trying to catch my eye - and I thought "Oh No another Bible-bashing Christian" (almost all the chinese who are not working in the construction sites, are Zionist Christians). I was trying to avoid her but had to stop at the crossroads. And she caught up and it started - do you believe in Jesus? Are you saved? - and then what shocked me was how Zionist she was - she insisted that she was a Jew because only Jews can be saved; and the Messiah is Jewish, and only the Jewish State can bring about the 2nd Coming of the Messiah. Then she insisted that I too was a Jew, because God told her to come talk to me; and that I will be saved if I support the Zionist state. Well I was saved - I got my visa!!!!!!!!!!!! :) And she went on and on till I said I had an appointment - which was true - I had to meet Stefania the directress of Telepace Jerusalem. Escaped and - still very chinese, believe me, not quite a Jew yet!
Had a nice, short, business chat with Stefania and then went to the Holy Sepulchre to say Thank You to God; also borrowed the German lectionary because this evening I'm celebrating Mass in German with a couple of other students.
Then I got home and told everyone the good news. The professors were very happy and told me to put my mind in my studies NOW. So that's what I'm going to do NOW! And the rest of you kids, like Kris and the twins, you'd better study NOW as well!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
1 day to D-Day
Fr Loffreda gave a nice sermon this morning. We're celebrating the feast of St Philip the Apostle today - here in Israel we have a different liturgical calendar from the rest of the Church. Philip of course as many of you remember, came from Bethsaida and it was he who brought Nathanel to Jesus. Two things struck me in Fr Loffreda's sermon - "come and see" is an important factor here in the Middle East: people need to see and touch, it is a world that does not have abstracts, everything must be material and tangible. This is reflected even in their language. Second "God is not in a hurry"; He does things in His own good time. Which reminds me tomorrow I must go back to the Ministry of Interior to see if I get my visa (if I ever do get it - but "God is not in a hurry", so we'll just wait and see.)
I was extremely busy yesterday transcribing the last few pages of Fr Allegra's commentary on the 1st Letter of St. Peter. It wasn't an easy job as he used an older form of italian that I'm not used to. Luckily after dinner Fr Niccacci came over to help me with some difficult words. Did some reading on my thesis as well just for a break.
The sun is up - the rains stopped yesterday and the skies cleared. The crowds returned to the streets and the noise is back to its usual "breaking the sound barrier" level. Then again we're not all used to silence. Ever experienced an "awkward silence"? Like in our refectory with some 35-40 people. The noise is usually loud, with everyone speaking at the same time. Then once in a while, there is a pause - a silence when everyone stops speaking because they're eating or there's nothing to say - and it's shocks everyone to have such silence in such a crowded room. A nervous laugh breaks the silence, someone will quip "So many people, so little sound" and things get back to "normal". I wonder why we become uneasy with silence - well certainly computers and MP3s don't help. And how can we hear God's voice amid all the din? Maybe that's why God lets the rains come, to force us back to silence and listen to him. But the rains are now few and far between - then again "God is not in a hurry".
I was extremely busy yesterday transcribing the last few pages of Fr Allegra's commentary on the 1st Letter of St. Peter. It wasn't an easy job as he used an older form of italian that I'm not used to. Luckily after dinner Fr Niccacci came over to help me with some difficult words. Did some reading on my thesis as well just for a break.
The sun is up - the rains stopped yesterday and the skies cleared. The crowds returned to the streets and the noise is back to its usual "breaking the sound barrier" level. Then again we're not all used to silence. Ever experienced an "awkward silence"? Like in our refectory with some 35-40 people. The noise is usually loud, with everyone speaking at the same time. Then once in a while, there is a pause - a silence when everyone stops speaking because they're eating or there's nothing to say - and it's shocks everyone to have such silence in such a crowded room. A nervous laugh breaks the silence, someone will quip "So many people, so little sound" and things get back to "normal". I wonder why we become uneasy with silence - well certainly computers and MP3s don't help. And how can we hear God's voice amid all the din? Maybe that's why God lets the rains come, to force us back to silence and listen to him. But the rains are now few and far between - then again "God is not in a hurry".
Monday, November 12, 2007
2 days to D-day
There is an eerie silence when it rains. The usual cacophony that marks the Old City is missing. No birds singing, streets are empty, people huddle in their homes - the silence stretches right across Jerusalem into the Kidron valley and across into the Mt. of Olives. There is almost a sense of reverence. It is as if God is walking through the streets. Now I know what the prophet Elijah must have felt when the soft cold wind blew and he realised God was walking outside the cave; he covered his face and went to meet God. It is not awesome (some awe) but aweful (full of awe). It is an experience that you can only get by staying here in the Holyland.
It's Monday morning and school starts again after the weekend break. We're into the middle of the 1st semester and things are getting serious. Homework is piling up, people are borrowing more books from the library, problems with computers begin to crop up due to overheating, back muscles are aching due to long hours sitting at the study table, etc... In 7 weeks the exams will begin. The biggest pressure comes from the language lessons - those doing syriac are having a difficult time as it is not an easy language to learn. Greek philology is not getting any easier as the more complicated grammatical phenomena is studied. I'm doing my best to follow the philology class, but also am busy reading up on alot of books to prepare for my thesis.
But we do get our breaks - some of the guys go to play football every Saturday afternoon in a field on Mt. Zion; others watch a good movie on CD during the weekends; and me? I write my blog! It's a nice diversion from all the reading and note-taking. And some soft instrumental music in the background helps to sooth the nerves. Guys who go to the Sala Caffe for tea and coffee in the late afternoon stop by my room to chat. Fr Kaswalder (a tyrolese-italian) who's our Old Testament professor and excursion guide, always stops to crack a joke - he always remembers the time when I was first here 15 years ago and talks about my classmates and the crazy times we had back then.
And so a new week starts.......
It's Monday morning and school starts again after the weekend break. We're into the middle of the 1st semester and things are getting serious. Homework is piling up, people are borrowing more books from the library, problems with computers begin to crop up due to overheating, back muscles are aching due to long hours sitting at the study table, etc... In 7 weeks the exams will begin. The biggest pressure comes from the language lessons - those doing syriac are having a difficult time as it is not an easy language to learn. Greek philology is not getting any easier as the more complicated grammatical phenomena is studied. I'm doing my best to follow the philology class, but also am busy reading up on alot of books to prepare for my thesis.
But we do get our breaks - some of the guys go to play football every Saturday afternoon in a field on Mt. Zion; others watch a good movie on CD during the weekends; and me? I write my blog! It's a nice diversion from all the reading and note-taking. And some soft instrumental music in the background helps to sooth the nerves. Guys who go to the Sala Caffe for tea and coffee in the late afternoon stop by my room to chat. Fr Kaswalder (a tyrolese-italian) who's our Old Testament professor and excursion guide, always stops to crack a joke - he always remembers the time when I was first here 15 years ago and talks about my classmates and the crazy times we had back then.
And so a new week starts.......
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Summer 2007 has gone......
The weather changed drastically at 3.30pm. It became cold I was shivering and added a sweater to keep warm, and long woollen socks. The sky grew dark so fast by 4pm it was like night. And it began to rain. A strange yet typical Jerusalem rain - heavier than a drizzle but not a shower. You don't hear it: there's no pattering on the roofs or pavements. You just see puddles collecting in the streets but you don't feel the raindrops hitting you. The smell of the ancient stones, baked for 8 months in the hot dry summer, rises to your nostrils everywhere you go, as the rain soothes these heat-trapped stones silently, like rubbing ointment over them. It's a little pungent and smells like the summer heat is giving one last punch before retiring. Summer 2007 is packing up and on its way .... another year is ending; the long cold lumbering winter is here to remind us that a little baby was born in Bethlehem, some 14 kms from where I live, in such a time like this.
3 days to D-day
After the excitement of yesterday, today is abit of an anticlimax. Was busy re-arranging all my documents in the shelves. But all this took place later at 7.30am. Firstly I got up at 4.30am to go to the Holy Sepulchre. Couldn't decide what to wear - woollen longs or jeans under the habit; finally decided on jeans because I wanted to wear shoes to keep my feet warm. It IS cold. There were 3 groups of koreans making the Way of the Cross at 5am. The souvenir shop opposite our monastery is even opened to catch the early birds. Arrived at the Holy Sepulchre and celebrated Mass at the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Then prayed Morning Prayer (called Lauds) and stayed on for another half hour to pray for all of you. The Armenian Orthodox had a feastday I think because they had a very solemn Liturgy down in the Chapel of St. Vartan (It's a crypt below the Holy Sepulchre where tradition says St Helena found the Cross). The walk home was very cold because a wind was blowing quite strongly. Rushed home as soon as I could. Bbrrrrrrr....
Bishop Twal came for lunch today. He's the coadjutor bishop of Jerusalem - meaning when the present Patriarch Michel Sabbah retires next year, Bishop Twal will take over. He gave a little speech after lunch, encouraging us to study hard and not to forget the Mother Church that is Jerusalem when we return back to our own countries.
So Christian Bale is in town - like who's Christian Bale? Sorry for my ignorance but I'm more in the field of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. So ok, I read the news headlines (that's all I can do since I don't subscribe to the online SCMP; and the HK Standard, though free, has little of these type of news) about this Batman thing going on in HK. But we don't need Batman - we've got Jesus Christ!!!! I don't see people crowding around to go to church!?!
3 more days and we'll know if I get my visa. Pray hard. I'm so nervous already. Everyone here is counting the days as well. I'm lucky I've got a bunch of friends here who share my concerns. It's nice to have some moral support especially when you're fighting a losing battle.
Bishop Twal came for lunch today. He's the coadjutor bishop of Jerusalem - meaning when the present Patriarch Michel Sabbah retires next year, Bishop Twal will take over. He gave a little speech after lunch, encouraging us to study hard and not to forget the Mother Church that is Jerusalem when we return back to our own countries.
So Christian Bale is in town - like who's Christian Bale? Sorry for my ignorance but I'm more in the field of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. So ok, I read the news headlines (that's all I can do since I don't subscribe to the online SCMP; and the HK Standard, though free, has little of these type of news) about this Batman thing going on in HK. But we don't need Batman - we've got Jesus Christ!!!! I don't see people crowding around to go to church!?!
3 more days and we'll know if I get my visa. Pray hard. I'm so nervous already. Everyone here is counting the days as well. I'm lucky I've got a bunch of friends here who share my concerns. It's nice to have some moral support especially when you're fighting a losing battle.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
This beats them all!
What a way to end my feastday - my furniture came!!!!! YES!!!! I got my shelves and cupboard! It arrived at 4pm and 2 guys assembled the lot till 6pm. Then I had to open up my 12 luggage and put the stuff to each place they belonged - books on the shelf, clothes in the cupboard, rubbish, stuff them away in any cupboard space. Fr Giovanni Loche came to help - I knew him when he was a novice in Rome and I was already ordained and studying italian. Now he's my professor! Then Jean Paul and Matteo (dinner just ended), then the dean and Fr Manns, and Fr Niccacci and Fr Loffreda. They all wowed at it. It is really very beautiful. Thanks to Nazarene Tours for arranging the carpenters to do the job - and of course to Lily my interior designer who thought of this. The whole plan creates alot of space and light; unlike those rooms with lots of bookshelves and give you claustrophobia (ever dreamed of being drowned by a tonne of books?). Even Bro Rosario came. He was my classmate 10 years back and now he's the secretary of the faculty. He really loved it and said "You've outdone everyone else" which is a BIG compliment because he is not known to compliment freely. And the cost? Well, I don't know yet. It shouldn't be more expensive than buying the furniture from shops because most if not all of the material are left-overs from a hotel renovation. And I trust Nazarene Tours.
Only things missing are my bed and table. I should get my table by next week.
I had my dinner (instant noodles) at 9.15pm and the Dean saw me. He was with Fr Manns, and both did not approve that I skipped dinner and eat only so late. Well I couldn't help it - 12 luggage you know? Anyway I'm very happy and excited. Will take photos for you to see. There's the before and after photos. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the Holy Sepulchre and pray for you all - and thanksgiving for my furniture.
Only things missing are my bed and table. I should get my table by next week.
I had my dinner (instant noodles) at 9.15pm and the Dean saw me. He was with Fr Manns, and both did not approve that I skipped dinner and eat only so late. Well I couldn't help it - 12 luggage you know? Anyway I'm very happy and excited. Will take photos for you to see. There's the before and after photos. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the Holy Sepulchre and pray for you all - and thanksgiving for my furniture.
Got my cake - and ate!
Like what the title says - got my cake, and ate it! It was a very nice cake, no cream as I had asked, very light and filled with nuts and sultanas. And the surprise - Khalil made "Upside down" for me!!!! It was fantastic - not made with chicken but vegetables. Everyone loved it. It is the first time they ever had vegetarian "Upside down" and they'll still talking about 1 hr after lunch is over. Yuuuummmiieee!!!!! That sure made up for the lack of table, cupboards and shelves. Yesterday I got a kettle! Now I can use my hot water bottle to stay warm at night! Everything seems to be on the up side (for now) except that my Internet line is not working. It may take a while so there might be no updates on the blog for a couple of days. But I'll find a way. Cheers!
Happy Feastday again!
Yes it's the memorial of St Leo the Great today - pope and theologian. He became pope in 440 and was one of the great figures of the early Church Councils regarding the debate on the divinity and humanity of Christ. He's also known to have stopped the barbarian incursion into Europe by Attila the Hun. He died in 461.
Yesterday I contacted Fr Vincenzo (in Cairo) on Skype and we chatted for a while. Osvalda, who's recovered from her eye operation, was in my room to return something to me, also chatted with him. He's coming back to Jerusalem for a short while on Nov 25th and we plan to go out for a pizza. Hope it's not going to cost me another US$100 otherwise I'll have to start begging in the streets. But it'll be nice to see him again. He's a good friend.
It finally rained yesterday evening at about 5pm. Everyone was very happy. We hope it'll continue to rain otherwise it'll be another drought year. Very bad for farmers and shepherds you can imagine. The temperature dipped to 11 degrees last night, and I kept thinking I have to get a small heater otherwise I'll freeze. But you know how things work here ....... sigh. Since the streets are wet, and therefore very slippery, I'm not going out; not even on the terrace because I'm afraid of slipping and twisting another ankle. Rain - good; walking in the rain - bad. Recite this 100 times and you'll stay in good health.
Mass this morning was nice and simple. Fr Niccacci said a prayer for me during the intercessions but I couldn't hear it clearly. Someone kept coming and taking photos because the flash kept distracting everyone, but I didn't see who it was. No doubt a pilgrim making the Way of the Cross. After Mass we went for breakfast. Everyone wished me a happy feastday and the superior said I should have presided at Mass and sang a chinese song for everyone. Next time - I said; yeah, like next year!!!! I didn't realise that it is now a tradition on our monastery for the person who's celebrating his feastday to preside at Mass.
I fed the birds after breakfast. They had fresh seeds and water, and Fr Bissoli gave me lettuce and Sr Geronima gave me eggs to feed them. I added a piece of cuttle-fish bone that my sis Catherine sent from Hong Kong. The canaries are enjoying the feastday today! Sr Geronima quipped that after lunch I must put in a piece of cake so the canaries can share in our joy. She really sounded serious! I'm getting worried - the cold is getting on her! Khalil the cook came early and wished me. He's a nice guy. He said he came early to cook something special for me. Hope it's "Upside down" - my favourite arab dish (besides Shawarma of course). Even Sr Veronica the superior of the sisters wished me a happy feastday (now that's a big deal!). So you can see I'm pretty fond of these penguins, even if I make fun of them sometimes (the stress is on "sometimes"). And I guess they're pretty fond of me - otherwise they wouldn't banter with me. But the proof is in the cake - literally. We'll see what cake they bake today for lunch! And Osvalda just knocked on my door to wish me as well.
Meantime I'm going to clean my room - it takes several hours because I have to move the 12 luggage and 2 piles of clothes from the floor. And there's no place I can sweep the dirt under, so it has to be a thorough job otherwise people who come to my room will say how untidy it is and why I get asthma every night. Well, if I had a room like theirs with tables, cupboards and shelves, my room won't be like it is, right? Aiya, sei bei nei tai!
Yesterday I contacted Fr Vincenzo (in Cairo) on Skype and we chatted for a while. Osvalda, who's recovered from her eye operation, was in my room to return something to me, also chatted with him. He's coming back to Jerusalem for a short while on Nov 25th and we plan to go out for a pizza. Hope it's not going to cost me another US$100 otherwise I'll have to start begging in the streets. But it'll be nice to see him again. He's a good friend.
It finally rained yesterday evening at about 5pm. Everyone was very happy. We hope it'll continue to rain otherwise it'll be another drought year. Very bad for farmers and shepherds you can imagine. The temperature dipped to 11 degrees last night, and I kept thinking I have to get a small heater otherwise I'll freeze. But you know how things work here ....... sigh. Since the streets are wet, and therefore very slippery, I'm not going out; not even on the terrace because I'm afraid of slipping and twisting another ankle. Rain - good; walking in the rain - bad. Recite this 100 times and you'll stay in good health.
Mass this morning was nice and simple. Fr Niccacci said a prayer for me during the intercessions but I couldn't hear it clearly. Someone kept coming and taking photos because the flash kept distracting everyone, but I didn't see who it was. No doubt a pilgrim making the Way of the Cross. After Mass we went for breakfast. Everyone wished me a happy feastday and the superior said I should have presided at Mass and sang a chinese song for everyone. Next time - I said; yeah, like next year!!!! I didn't realise that it is now a tradition on our monastery for the person who's celebrating his feastday to preside at Mass.
I fed the birds after breakfast. They had fresh seeds and water, and Fr Bissoli gave me lettuce and Sr Geronima gave me eggs to feed them. I added a piece of cuttle-fish bone that my sis Catherine sent from Hong Kong. The canaries are enjoying the feastday today! Sr Geronima quipped that after lunch I must put in a piece of cake so the canaries can share in our joy. She really sounded serious! I'm getting worried - the cold is getting on her! Khalil the cook came early and wished me. He's a nice guy. He said he came early to cook something special for me. Hope it's "Upside down" - my favourite arab dish (besides Shawarma of course). Even Sr Veronica the superior of the sisters wished me a happy feastday (now that's a big deal!). So you can see I'm pretty fond of these penguins, even if I make fun of them sometimes (the stress is on "sometimes"). And I guess they're pretty fond of me - otherwise they wouldn't banter with me. But the proof is in the cake - literally. We'll see what cake they bake today for lunch! And Osvalda just knocked on my door to wish me as well.
Meantime I'm going to clean my room - it takes several hours because I have to move the 12 luggage and 2 piles of clothes from the floor. And there's no place I can sweep the dirt under, so it has to be a thorough job otherwise people who come to my room will say how untidy it is and why I get asthma every night. Well, if I had a room like theirs with tables, cupboards and shelves, my room won't be like it is, right? Aiya, sei bei nei tai!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Yes, it's Friday
Just got back from the Way of the Cross. It was tiring - walked the whole length with an incredible crowd; easily in the hundreds. All the seminarians came as well. You could tell it was Friday - even the young seminarians were unshaven. Don't know why - must be some unspoken group phenomenon or the result of a whole week's studies that tire us out so that we become unkempt by the end of the week. Even young William, a lebanese friar seminarian, had a shadow on his face; and he's usually very well kept. Well of course it goes to say that I didn't shave as well. People must be thinking what poor friars we are - unshaved and unshod. Good idea for Christmas presents - razors!
It was quite cool when I got out for the Way of the Cross - 18 degrees or something. Regretted not wearing some longs under the habit. It sure was penitence. And all done for you guys! Spent a few minutes in front of the Tomb of Christ to pray for all of you before coming home. Rushed home because I dislike walking in the crowded suk ("market"), brushed past the Dean who grapped my sleeve and said "Slow down, no need to rush: and with your swollen foot as well". So I slowed down; much against my natural instinct to get out of the crowd.
And......there was no cake today! The superior probably thought having cake 3 days in a row would be too much of a luxury so today's feastday was cakeless. Ha! It was meatless as well - today being Friday! What a feastday....... I hope Sr. Geronima will make it up by baking an extra large one tomorrow for my feastday!
It was quite cool when I got out for the Way of the Cross - 18 degrees or something. Regretted not wearing some longs under the habit. It sure was penitence. And all done for you guys! Spent a few minutes in front of the Tomb of Christ to pray for all of you before coming home. Rushed home because I dislike walking in the crowded suk ("market"), brushed past the Dean who grapped my sleeve and said "Slow down, no need to rush: and with your swollen foot as well". So I slowed down; much against my natural instinct to get out of the crowd.
And......there was no cake today! The superior probably thought having cake 3 days in a row would be too much of a luxury so today's feastday was cakeless. Ha! It was meatless as well - today being Friday! What a feastday....... I hope Sr. Geronima will make it up by baking an extra large one tomorrow for my feastday!
Happy Feastday again!
Another feast today - the commemoration of the dedication of the Lateran basilica (St. John). Don't know what that is? It's the Pope's cathedral - him being the bishop of Rome, he has to have a cathedral for his diocese and that cathedral is St John's Basilica in the Lateran (a hill in Rome). Probably we'll have another cake today.
Yesterday evening after the blessing of dinner, the superior "reminded" everyone that there'll be an on-going formation talk at St. Saviour's monastery at 6.30pm. Everyone should go as we all need on-going formation. I was thinking "And I've got on-going deformation problems everyday...." And he "reminded" (euphemism again) everyone to participate in the Way of the Cross today (Friday) especially since it begins at our Chapel. Well I always thought it was strange that people spend so much time and money to come here and make a pilgrimage and visit the shrines and the Way of the Cross, while we who stay here don't bother to go to these places that are only 20 meters away! I guess we take it for granted that the shrines are always there so one day we will walk over and pray in it. Hmmmm actually I spoke about this to Jean Paul last week, and he agreed. Got to change our attitudes.
Today we had Philology classes again after last week's holiday. It was good to get back to the routine. I actually enjoy the lessons, just that Fr Buscemi speaks very quickly and I can't manage to catch everything he says. The class grew from one student (me) to 8 now.
The promised rain never came. It's hot again and very dry. The winds just blew the rain clouds way past us and into Jordan in the east. But the nights and mornings are chilly. It may sound nice to some of you - but it's making us sick with colds. I think at any given one time, one quarter of the community is sick. My cough is much better now but the aridity is causing nasal muscous to coagulate that blocks our breathing. Everyone is coughing or spitting it out. Not very hygenic right? That's why I asked Asli to get me some alcohol gel. Paranoia!!!!!
Did you notice the photo of Rex and Regis at the bottom of the page? I miss them.
I guess I'll study now because in the afternoon there's the Way of the Cross and the talk; which means no more time to study today.
Yesterday evening after the blessing of dinner, the superior "reminded" everyone that there'll be an on-going formation talk at St. Saviour's monastery at 6.30pm. Everyone should go as we all need on-going formation. I was thinking "And I've got on-going deformation problems everyday...." And he "reminded" (euphemism again) everyone to participate in the Way of the Cross today (Friday) especially since it begins at our Chapel. Well I always thought it was strange that people spend so much time and money to come here and make a pilgrimage and visit the shrines and the Way of the Cross, while we who stay here don't bother to go to these places that are only 20 meters away! I guess we take it for granted that the shrines are always there so one day we will walk over and pray in it. Hmmmm actually I spoke about this to Jean Paul last week, and he agreed. Got to change our attitudes.
Today we had Philology classes again after last week's holiday. It was good to get back to the routine. I actually enjoy the lessons, just that Fr Buscemi speaks very quickly and I can't manage to catch everything he says. The class grew from one student (me) to 8 now.
The promised rain never came. It's hot again and very dry. The winds just blew the rain clouds way past us and into Jordan in the east. But the nights and mornings are chilly. It may sound nice to some of you - but it's making us sick with colds. I think at any given one time, one quarter of the community is sick. My cough is much better now but the aridity is causing nasal muscous to coagulate that blocks our breathing. Everyone is coughing or spitting it out. Not very hygenic right? That's why I asked Asli to get me some alcohol gel. Paranoia!!!!!
Did you notice the photo of Rex and Regis at the bottom of the page? I miss them.
I guess I'll study now because in the afternoon there's the Way of the Cross and the talk; which means no more time to study today.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Happy Feastday!
Happy Feastday! We remember John Duns Scotus today - our 14th century theologian who was known not only for his acute analysis of dogma, but above all his support for the Church and the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. He was persecuted for both and died in exile in Cologne, Germany at the age of 42. Duns Scotus is the patron of the Studiums Biblicum Jerusalem and Hong Kong, and also our Pontifical University of St. Anthony in Rome.
Mass was very nice today - we sang several hymns and the penguins didn't show up for Mass. They probably had a Polish Mass celebrated for them somewhere. Anyway after Mass we went up to the refectory for dinner (If you haven't yet realised: my room is on the 3rd floor, the refectory is on the 2nd and the Flagellation Chapel is on the 1st - and mind you each floor is high, the roof in my room is 19 feet high - so it makes climbing up and down the stairs a terrible chore for an old man like me. Sei bei nei tai!). Fr Manns congratulated me for the feastday also of our travel agency and our bible centre. The other friars then remembered and congratulated me too. It was nice that the friars so far away here in Israel still care and think of our institutes in Hong Kong. Other friars who do not know this asked questions and wanted to know more. It was a fruitful breakfast.
At 8.15am I began my long walk up to St. Saviour's Monastery, the custodial monastery of the Holyland. The inauguration of the academic year officially begins on the feast of Duns Scotus, and everyone (teachers and students) had to come to this meeting. The Dean gave a report of the last academic year, then Fr Loffreda (our emeritus professor in archaeology) spoke of the excavation in Capharnaum. He revealed some very surprising finds that were never reported - like he found 2 pieces of Ming Dynasty pottery in Capharnaum! Now how did it get there? During lunch (he sits 2 seats away from me) he chuckled "You chinese are everywhere - even way back 500 years ago!". Another visiting professor presented his findings on the coins of Capharnaum and the new book which he wrote. Then the Custos ("custodian" or "provincial") of the Holyland gave a thank you speech. The inauguration lasted from 9am to 12pm. It was crowded with students of course, but also many visitors, like the head of the Pontifical Biblical institute in Jerusalem Fr Gilbert and heads of other theological colleges. I met an old friend there - quite a surprise - Prof. Leah di Segni, an epigraphist from the Hebrew University. She couldn't believe it was me - we last saw each other like 15 years ago. I think she could be retired now, but it wasn't the right place to talk about such things. Anyway she might invite me to join in a Jewish Passover again next year, as she used to back then. Then of course there were those young whipper-snappers (lay, religious or anything in between) who love to seen in crowds like this. I can't imagine why. They strut around in order to be noticed or they cling on the famous personages, hoping some glory can rub off onto themselves. I kept in a corner, even during the interval. The Custos came over and gruffly said "Be normal! Get up and show yourself!" You can never win, can you? What is the academic world coming to????
The walk back home was cool - like 17 degrees. I think I really have to wear my longs. Everyone else is beginning to thicken up with winter clothes. It's just that I hate to have to go through the 12 luggage to find my stuff. Maybe I'll just burn them, and warm myself in the fire.
Duns Scotus got his cake! It was great - biscuit layer with date filling. Everyone had seconds - except me. I decided to bring all the remaining cake back to my room! Unfortunately everyone else stopped me - they want the remainder for tea. Guess I'll have to come down earlier than them if I want my piece of cake! You can't imagine how the little pleasures in life that you take for granted, can be a big deal here in Israel. That's why I've been thinking - like yesterday - that you guys in Hong Kong should complain less and count your blessings. Never take things for granted. You'll never know how important things are till you don't have them anymore. That goes for people too, ok?
Mass was very nice today - we sang several hymns and the penguins didn't show up for Mass. They probably had a Polish Mass celebrated for them somewhere. Anyway after Mass we went up to the refectory for dinner (If you haven't yet realised: my room is on the 3rd floor, the refectory is on the 2nd and the Flagellation Chapel is on the 1st - and mind you each floor is high, the roof in my room is 19 feet high - so it makes climbing up and down the stairs a terrible chore for an old man like me. Sei bei nei tai!). Fr Manns congratulated me for the feastday also of our travel agency and our bible centre. The other friars then remembered and congratulated me too. It was nice that the friars so far away here in Israel still care and think of our institutes in Hong Kong. Other friars who do not know this asked questions and wanted to know more. It was a fruitful breakfast.
At 8.15am I began my long walk up to St. Saviour's Monastery, the custodial monastery of the Holyland. The inauguration of the academic year officially begins on the feast of Duns Scotus, and everyone (teachers and students) had to come to this meeting. The Dean gave a report of the last academic year, then Fr Loffreda (our emeritus professor in archaeology) spoke of the excavation in Capharnaum. He revealed some very surprising finds that were never reported - like he found 2 pieces of Ming Dynasty pottery in Capharnaum! Now how did it get there? During lunch (he sits 2 seats away from me) he chuckled "You chinese are everywhere - even way back 500 years ago!". Another visiting professor presented his findings on the coins of Capharnaum and the new book which he wrote. Then the Custos ("custodian" or "provincial") of the Holyland gave a thank you speech. The inauguration lasted from 9am to 12pm. It was crowded with students of course, but also many visitors, like the head of the Pontifical Biblical institute in Jerusalem Fr Gilbert and heads of other theological colleges. I met an old friend there - quite a surprise - Prof. Leah di Segni, an epigraphist from the Hebrew University. She couldn't believe it was me - we last saw each other like 15 years ago. I think she could be retired now, but it wasn't the right place to talk about such things. Anyway she might invite me to join in a Jewish Passover again next year, as she used to back then. Then of course there were those young whipper-snappers (lay, religious or anything in between) who love to seen in crowds like this. I can't imagine why. They strut around in order to be noticed or they cling on the famous personages, hoping some glory can rub off onto themselves. I kept in a corner, even during the interval. The Custos came over and gruffly said "Be normal! Get up and show yourself!" You can never win, can you? What is the academic world coming to????
The walk back home was cool - like 17 degrees. I think I really have to wear my longs. Everyone else is beginning to thicken up with winter clothes. It's just that I hate to have to go through the 12 luggage to find my stuff. Maybe I'll just burn them, and warm myself in the fire.
Duns Scotus got his cake! It was great - biscuit layer with date filling. Everyone had seconds - except me. I decided to bring all the remaining cake back to my room! Unfortunately everyone else stopped me - they want the remainder for tea. Guess I'll have to come down earlier than them if I want my piece of cake! You can't imagine how the little pleasures in life that you take for granted, can be a big deal here in Israel. That's why I've been thinking - like yesterday - that you guys in Hong Kong should complain less and count your blessings. Never take things for granted. You'll never know how important things are till you don't have them anymore. That goes for people too, ok?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
bake a cake!
Thanks for all the suggestions about curing my cold. They are all very practical - in Hong Kong. Here in the Old City, it's difficult to get the stuff you guys suggested. And the closest supermarket is 1km away uphill. I guess it's times like this that I miss Hong Kong - you get anything and everything at your doorstep; it's so convenient. Here things are not only few and far between, but you can't get chinese medicine anywhere! Obvious isn't it? So don't take things for granted, you guys living in Hong Kong!
Judy sent 2 pics of Rex and Regis - that made my day! I'll post it when I remember how to do it - Jackie & Gus?????
Did some studies yesterday. My moderator for the thesis - Fr Niccacci (who lives in the room next to mine: he complains I make too much noise with my music. Then for the next few days I kept it quiet and he got worried. Kept asking where I was the last few days, why so quiet. Hmmmm you just can't win, can you?) asked how was my research doing. I said that it's tough because there are limited books on the subject in our library and 3 of us (me, him and another doctoral candidate Stefano) are writing on the same biblical book, which means we 3 need to refer to these books and share them. Fr Niccacci exclaimed (he's very loud) that it's a miracle - it's a thousand to one chance that 3 people in the same institute are researching on the same stuff. But like it's a great help for me to know that - we still have to share books and knock on doors asking "Can I use that book you borrowed?".
Sr. Geronima asked me what type of cake I like. I said the kind that is edible of course (score 2:1). You see, Nov. 10th is my feastday "St. Leo" and it's our tradition to celebrate feastdays instead of birthdays. The sisters usually bake a cake and lunch is alot more festive (meaning one extra dish - no big deal). Anyway she asked again what type specifically - I said to put in the canaries (stick their heads in and burn their tails as candles) and that dreadful cat in between and the cake will be really special. Sr Pieta laughed - guiness book of records..take a note! aahh nothing like a joke to break the ice.
By the way I meant to inform you guys earlier to check out the website and web TV "smile of a child". It's pretty fun, and good christian formation for little kids. Though it's protestant, there's none of that polemic because the kiddie viewers are too young to understand all that. So it's simple christian upbringing with wholesome cartoons and song and dance and moral lessons like "don't tell lies" etc.... The webcast is free and runs 24 hrs. There's another Catholic channel called Familyland TV but it's only available on cable or satellite, I think. It's more family oriented.
The repair of our roof is finally finished - but moving the rubbish and equipment down 4 floors is driving us crazy! Tonnes of extra stone (like 20kg) are simply thrown around. The library roof is now cracked. Imagine repairing one roof and destroying another - I guess that keeps the guys busy with work security. And I think the rains are due today - saw the clouds this morning at 5am, really rainy type (something prophet Elijah would have seen. Remember that story? No? So check it out already!!!!!).
Tomorrow is the feast of Duns Scotus, the patron of the Studiums here in Jerusalem as well as Hong Kong. That means no classes - there'll be the annual report of the Dean to the faculty and students, as well as a couple of academic talks. Aahh but for us, it's another feast (just one extra dish, no big deal. Oh and also a cake! You can be sure Scotus will get a better cake than I). Next year will be Scotus' 700th anniversary of his death. The Dean unofficially suggested that I bring a group to visit the place of his birth (Duns in Scotland), his teaching posts (Oxford and Paris) and his death (Cologne). Any takers?
Judy sent 2 pics of Rex and Regis - that made my day! I'll post it when I remember how to do it - Jackie & Gus?????
Did some studies yesterday. My moderator for the thesis - Fr Niccacci (who lives in the room next to mine: he complains I make too much noise with my music. Then for the next few days I kept it quiet and he got worried. Kept asking where I was the last few days, why so quiet. Hmmmm you just can't win, can you?) asked how was my research doing. I said that it's tough because there are limited books on the subject in our library and 3 of us (me, him and another doctoral candidate Stefano) are writing on the same biblical book, which means we 3 need to refer to these books and share them. Fr Niccacci exclaimed (he's very loud) that it's a miracle - it's a thousand to one chance that 3 people in the same institute are researching on the same stuff. But like it's a great help for me to know that - we still have to share books and knock on doors asking "Can I use that book you borrowed?".
Sr. Geronima asked me what type of cake I like. I said the kind that is edible of course (score 2:1). You see, Nov. 10th is my feastday "St. Leo" and it's our tradition to celebrate feastdays instead of birthdays. The sisters usually bake a cake and lunch is alot more festive (meaning one extra dish - no big deal). Anyway she asked again what type specifically - I said to put in the canaries (stick their heads in and burn their tails as candles) and that dreadful cat in between and the cake will be really special. Sr Pieta laughed - guiness book of records..take a note! aahh nothing like a joke to break the ice.
By the way I meant to inform you guys earlier to check out the website and web TV "smile of a child". It's pretty fun, and good christian formation for little kids. Though it's protestant, there's none of that polemic because the kiddie viewers are too young to understand all that. So it's simple christian upbringing with wholesome cartoons and song and dance and moral lessons like "don't tell lies" etc.... The webcast is free and runs 24 hrs. There's another Catholic channel called Familyland TV but it's only available on cable or satellite, I think. It's more family oriented.
The repair of our roof is finally finished - but moving the rubbish and equipment down 4 floors is driving us crazy! Tonnes of extra stone (like 20kg) are simply thrown around. The library roof is now cracked. Imagine repairing one roof and destroying another - I guess that keeps the guys busy with work security. And I think the rains are due today - saw the clouds this morning at 5am, really rainy type (something prophet Elijah would have seen. Remember that story? No? So check it out already!!!!!).
Tomorrow is the feast of Duns Scotus, the patron of the Studiums here in Jerusalem as well as Hong Kong. That means no classes - there'll be the annual report of the Dean to the faculty and students, as well as a couple of academic talks. Aahh but for us, it's another feast (just one extra dish, no big deal. Oh and also a cake! You can be sure Scotus will get a better cake than I). Next year will be Scotus' 700th anniversary of his death. The Dean unofficially suggested that I bring a group to visit the place of his birth (Duns in Scotland), his teaching posts (Oxford and Paris) and his death (Cologne). Any takers?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
From the Allegra family
Here's the email from the Allegra family. It's not translated though, but I'm sure you can make out its meaning.
Rev. Padre Lionel, pace e bene! sono trascorsi poco piu di dieci giorni dallo scorso 20 ottobre e abbiamo ancora nel cuore e negli occhi emozioni e immagini che non scorderemo facilmente. Per noi visitare i luoghi in cui nostro zio ha vissuto per tanto tempo, in cui ha lavorato, sofferto, amato. E’ stata un'emozione indimenticabile e importante. Noi cosi piccoli di fronte a tanta grandezza! In quelle stanze, nella cappella, tra i libri dello studio, nell'ospedale si respira ancora la sua presenza forte e costante. Il merito di tutto questo e’ di chi come lei lavora con passione perche la sua memoria non venga cancellata, perche la sua vita, abitata con pienezza per la gloria del Signore, possa essere trasmessa alle nuove generazioni. Grazie, veramente grazie di cuore per la vostra straordinaria accoglienza e disponibilita. Grazie per averci fatto sentire a casa. Grazie per averci accolto come fossimo re della vostra casa. Dio vi ricompensi e vi benedica per il vostro infaticabile lavoro nel Suo nome. Pace e bene, padre Lionel. Speriamo di rivederci presto. Non le nascondiamo che sogniamo di ritornare ad Hong Kong un giorno ma soprattutto ci preme rinnovarvi il nostro invito. Vi aspettiamo sempre a braccia aperte in Sicilia
Gabriella Allegra e famiglia
Rev. Padre Lionel, pace e bene! sono trascorsi poco piu di dieci giorni dallo scorso 20 ottobre e abbiamo ancora nel cuore e negli occhi emozioni e immagini che non scorderemo facilmente. Per noi visitare i luoghi in cui nostro zio ha vissuto per tanto tempo, in cui ha lavorato, sofferto, amato. E’ stata un'emozione indimenticabile e importante. Noi cosi piccoli di fronte a tanta grandezza! In quelle stanze, nella cappella, tra i libri dello studio, nell'ospedale si respira ancora la sua presenza forte e costante. Il merito di tutto questo e’ di chi come lei lavora con passione perche la sua memoria non venga cancellata, perche la sua vita, abitata con pienezza per la gloria del Signore, possa essere trasmessa alle nuove generazioni. Grazie, veramente grazie di cuore per la vostra straordinaria accoglienza e disponibilita. Grazie per averci fatto sentire a casa. Grazie per averci accolto come fossimo re della vostra casa. Dio vi ricompensi e vi benedica per il vostro infaticabile lavoro nel Suo nome. Pace e bene, padre Lionel. Speriamo di rivederci presto. Non le nascondiamo che sogniamo di ritornare ad Hong Kong un giorno ma soprattutto ci preme rinnovarvi il nostro invito. Vi aspettiamo sempre a braccia aperte in Sicilia
Gabriella Allegra e famiglia
Wasn't feeling too well yesterday - think I caught a cold. Running nose. The superior told me to eat dinner early and go to sleep, so I didn't go for Vespers. Sr Geronima was in the kitchen, and prepared the usual stuff - bread and cheese. But she added 3 cloves of garlic - good to strengthen immune system she says - and I was thinking, sure...immune to her! I also asked for some mashed potatoes (leftovers from lunch) and she was delighted - because it gave her the opportunity to say "Stuff it up your nose to stop the running nose". Score "1-1".
I cleaned the canary cage earlier at 4pm. The superior thinks I caught the cold then because my feet were wet from all the splashing of water.
There was alot of movement in the corridor yesterday afternoon. Students were exchanging tables and cupboards to suit their needs. There was a table that went to 4 different rooms before it found a permanent dwelling. Think of my envy. But I'll get mine soon - soon.....soon.....soon......
I'll catch up with my studies today (couldn't do much yesterday) so I'm ending off here. By the way there's an english-speaking pilgrimage to Israel during the Chinese New Year holidays 2008 and one to Greece in early August. Book early with Katie. I'm leading the grps.
I cleaned the canary cage earlier at 4pm. The superior thinks I caught the cold then because my feet were wet from all the splashing of water.
There was alot of movement in the corridor yesterday afternoon. Students were exchanging tables and cupboards to suit their needs. There was a table that went to 4 different rooms before it found a permanent dwelling. Think of my envy. But I'll get mine soon - soon.....soon.....soon......
I'll catch up with my studies today (couldn't do much yesterday) so I'm ending off here. By the way there's an english-speaking pilgrimage to Israel during the Chinese New Year holidays 2008 and one to Greece in early August. Book early with Katie. I'm leading the grps.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Duuuuuuuh!
Well I got some responses alright! It ranged from people who thought I was upset to people who were worried that the blog was taking too much of my study time. It goes to show how important face-to-face communication is - through the Internet, one is unable to hear inflection of voice, body language and other elements of human communication. I think despite the ease that the Internet has provided in linking people together, it has impoverished us in other ways. Anyway it was good to hear from you guys - like I told many of you, it's a faceless world out there in cyber space and there is some unease as to where exactly these blogs end up. At least now I know.
Yesterday I did a marathon of work. Skipped lunch and read / wrote an important article. Feelt good when the article was completed - sense of accomplishment. Now that I got that one aside, I'll have to start on another. A professor saw me in the library and said "It's Sunday, you shouldn't be working". Like duuuh, I'm here in Israel precisely to do research and Sunday is the best time because no one else is using the library - nice and very quite.
At 3pm I got hungry so I cooked 2 packets of Instant noodles. I always get diarrhea after eating this. So this time I thought through it, and figured the cause was the following - I use unfiltered tap-water to cook it and well, I don't exactly "cook" it. You see, I don't have a pot to boil it in, so I just boil water from the kettle in the Sala Caffe and pour over the noodles and soak it till it gets soft. Probably not a good thing, right? Hmmmm so that's the price for laziness. Time for improvement - but you know local time ..........
Last night I brought Fr Massimo Carlino (the guy who sits next to me during meals in the refectory & is interested in Fr Allegra's work) and Jean Paul (he asked me several times) to the only chinese restaurent in Jerusalem. We had a simple dinner - wonton soup, rice, sweet-sour pork (not kosher!!!), toufu & mushrooms, stir-fried veggies. Simple right? The bill? US$100. I was prepared to wash dishes in the kitchen, to tell you the truth! Anyway before we left I told the Dean I was going out for dinner. He said good, I should go out once in a while. See, I'm a good boy who stays at home most of the time! (*The important thing is people notice that!!!*) The walk to the restaurent was nice. Uphill all the way, in the cool. Saw many familiar buildings lit up and recalled how the place looked like 15 years ago. Things have changed so much. The walk back was alot slower because Jean Paul was too full to walk. When we neared the monastery gate, there was a group of youths bullying another teenager. Usually I don't want to get involved - but this time I pitied the poor kid. They stopped when we approached, so I told Massimo to stay on with me for a little while in the street. The bullies didn't want to start bullying in front of me (most know me), and those few seconds gave the kid a chance to run away. Good deed for the day.
The Gospel reading today was the hot topic at breakfast. Jesus said to invite the blind, cripple, deaf etc.. to meals. Fr Buscemi was the first to make a remark in the refectory - he said this Gospel passage is fulfilled right here in the refectory: and pointed to me! Everyone laughed, and the discussion started as to how much I fulfilled this passage. Cripple - swollen left ankle; blind - poor eyesight (I really got to change my spectacles, honestly); deaf - selective of course! But everyone agreed I wasn't mute. I don't spare them my sharp tongue you know! Don't think that once I stopped teaching you guys, I don't get practice! Lots of targets here: like verbal sparring with Sr. Geronima.The score is still 1-0.
Fr Carlo the superior said after breakfast that it's time to clean the canary cage again, so I'll do it after lunch. He loves the canaries but is too old to take care of them. But right now, it's back to the library.
Yesterday I did a marathon of work. Skipped lunch and read / wrote an important article. Feelt good when the article was completed - sense of accomplishment. Now that I got that one aside, I'll have to start on another. A professor saw me in the library and said "It's Sunday, you shouldn't be working". Like duuuh, I'm here in Israel precisely to do research and Sunday is the best time because no one else is using the library - nice and very quite.
At 3pm I got hungry so I cooked 2 packets of Instant noodles. I always get diarrhea after eating this. So this time I thought through it, and figured the cause was the following - I use unfiltered tap-water to cook it and well, I don't exactly "cook" it. You see, I don't have a pot to boil it in, so I just boil water from the kettle in the Sala Caffe and pour over the noodles and soak it till it gets soft. Probably not a good thing, right? Hmmmm so that's the price for laziness. Time for improvement - but you know local time ..........
Last night I brought Fr Massimo Carlino (the guy who sits next to me during meals in the refectory & is interested in Fr Allegra's work) and Jean Paul (he asked me several times) to the only chinese restaurent in Jerusalem. We had a simple dinner - wonton soup, rice, sweet-sour pork (not kosher!!!), toufu & mushrooms, stir-fried veggies. Simple right? The bill? US$100. I was prepared to wash dishes in the kitchen, to tell you the truth! Anyway before we left I told the Dean I was going out for dinner. He said good, I should go out once in a while. See, I'm a good boy who stays at home most of the time! (*The important thing is people notice that!!!*) The walk to the restaurent was nice. Uphill all the way, in the cool. Saw many familiar buildings lit up and recalled how the place looked like 15 years ago. Things have changed so much. The walk back was alot slower because Jean Paul was too full to walk. When we neared the monastery gate, there was a group of youths bullying another teenager. Usually I don't want to get involved - but this time I pitied the poor kid. They stopped when we approached, so I told Massimo to stay on with me for a little while in the street. The bullies didn't want to start bullying in front of me (most know me), and those few seconds gave the kid a chance to run away. Good deed for the day.
The Gospel reading today was the hot topic at breakfast. Jesus said to invite the blind, cripple, deaf etc.. to meals. Fr Buscemi was the first to make a remark in the refectory - he said this Gospel passage is fulfilled right here in the refectory: and pointed to me! Everyone laughed, and the discussion started as to how much I fulfilled this passage. Cripple - swollen left ankle; blind - poor eyesight (I really got to change my spectacles, honestly); deaf - selective of course! But everyone agreed I wasn't mute. I don't spare them my sharp tongue you know! Don't think that once I stopped teaching you guys, I don't get practice! Lots of targets here: like verbal sparring with Sr. Geronima.The score is still 1-0.
Fr Carlo the superior said after breakfast that it's time to clean the canary cage again, so I'll do it after lunch. He loves the canaries but is too old to take care of them. But right now, it's back to the library.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
HK$6 for a pastry?
My cough is still bothering me - bad. It's not the hollow, whispy type of cough that I usually get. This one is like an elephant sitting on my chest. It is heavy, painful on the chest and seems to press out all the breath I have. And the throat tickles. I wonder if prednisolone helps? You doctors out there - what do you think? A course of 2mg prednisolone for 5 days, wean down to 1mg for 3 days and half mg for 4 days? ADVICE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! I have no anti-biotics here nor anti-histamines. But I hate the side-effects of prednisolone - the inevitable bout of depression and mood-swings. That'll disturb my study routine. I'm grouchy everyday anyway so people think I'm perpetually on steroids! :)
Saturday night again - that means "relax night" for us here in this monastery. After a week's study and the usual tension of living right in the middle of the Muslim Quarter, the professors and students try to relax as much as possible. For us here it means watching the television and especially a good movie either on Italian television or CD. Actually watching CDs is more usual. Students share CDs with each other during the weekend; some will join others in one room watching the same CD on computer while bigger groups get to use the TV room and CD player. I watch alone in my room because no one else watches english language CDs. Actually it was a replay of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Like I've seen it again and again and again and again ................ Well luckily Fr Vincenzo left me a boxful of CDs before he left for Egypt. I haven't had time to check it out yet - remember I have no cupboards, shelves, kettle etc... Everything is still in my luggage or boxes.
Talking about Fr. Vincenzo, I found him on Skype yesterday evening so I contacted him and chatted with him. It started out quite weird actually - he asked if I could hear the music he was playing in his room, I said no. He then asked again "Can you hear?", I said no. He continued asking this question like 10 times, each time raising his voice and I kept saying no. Finally I figured he wasn't talking about the music but his voice over Skype. So I said "If you mean if I can hear your voice - yes it's very loud! Don't shout!" and he scolded me and said "Of course I was referring to my voice; what else could I be referring to?" .... Ah well, local logic, get it? Somehow the topic of the question moved from music to voice with no "dialogue marker" or "boundary": things flow from one to another, no matter if there is a logical connection or not. Mind you Vincenzo is an Italian but he practically grew up here in the Middle East. Last night I joked that he has forgotten how to speak italian, and he said yes. In Egypt they speak arabic in the monasteries. Well I'm sure Vincenzo had a good night's sleep after speaking with us (Jean Paul was also in my room and spoke with him).
This morning I got up late! It was already 5.30am and I quickly washed and dressed and hobbled up to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It was unusually quiet. I celebrated Mass in English in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament for Bro. Gregory (an American friar working in the Basilica) and several pilgrims and one local lady - Alexandra - she's always around. Then I had a quiet time in front of the Tomb praying for all of you until the booming bells reminded me that I must move aside because the Greek Orthodox bishop is coming to say Mass. I moved to the entrance and waited for the bishop's entry. As usual it was solemn - meaning two Kawas (guys dressed in ancient Ottoman suits carrying maces to shoo off people) led the way while 6 monks accompanied the bishop into the basilica. In our Roman Church, we also have kawas but we usually refer to them as "dragomans". After the bishop entered his part of the Church, I went to kiss the Stone of the Unction for all of you. I love it at the Basilica - there are no words to describe the experience there. Some people hate the ugly mixture of architecture (if that is a word you can use for the place!); other hates the dark, cold atmosphere created by the ancient stones; and more hate the divisions among the Christian communities in there. Well I never saw it that way. The Orthodox have always been civil with me (and vice versa), especially the Copts and Armenians who are always very friendly. The cacophany of voices is not disturbing but a wonderful expression of the Coming of the Holy Spirit, when each one can praise God in his own tongue. It shows more the unity in diversity rather than division. I just love it there. I wish I didn't have to leave but I've got work to do. yes even on a Sunday! But I told Bro. Andrew, our Ghanian head Sacristan, that I'll come back this afternoon for the procession. What is that you say? Well those of you who've joined me in pilgrimage here would remember the candle-light procession in the Holy Sepulchre. If not, too bad! Come and see for yourself! :)
On the way back I passed by the 8th Station and the bakery was open. In fact it was the only shop open along the whole street. For the 1st time in 15 years, the owner called out "Good morning Father". Wow - like he really needs my business. Be careful now...... I saw some of my favourite stuff there but brought only 15 shekels with me. So I thought I'd give it a try, if the bill overshoots my spending power, I'll just tell him to keep his buns. So I chose 3 pieces of pastry - 2 apple and 1 blueberry. They're about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, with fruit in them. He charged me 3 shekels each. That's the price he usually charges me. 3 shekels is about HK$6. How do you compare that with HK pastries of the same size? Is it expensive? Well the total fell within my means, so I gave 9 shekels and he said "Thank you, Father. Have a good day Father". Hmmmmm must be a sign from God. But I have not the slightest idea what it is! He's muslim. Anyway I'm eating them right now as I write this. Yuuummie! Delicious!
When I got home, I found our horrible cat had knocked over the large rubbish bin at our entrance. The silly cat was sitting next to it, waiting to be scolded. Well he got a scolding from me - but I don't think he understood. I spoke english and he understands arabic. Anyway with alot of finger wagging, "no-no"s and a swipe of the broom, I hope he learnt his lesson. It's not the first time, mind you - its like every other day. But no one ever scolded him. He's a brash fellow. If you don't open the gates for him in the mornings so he can stray along the streets of the Way of the Cross, he'll walk right up to the altar in the middle of Mass to attract attention. Once he even plonked himself right in the middle of the altar and slept - in the middle of Mass! And no one shooed him off! He also drinks holy water from the font in front of the Flagellation Chapel. Don't tell me that's cute - I'm not partial to cats. But dogs - that's another story. I miss Rex and Regis. Hey you guys! Take some photos of my boys and send them to me!
The weather is chilly in the mornings - but I don't have to buy rugs. I found a couple of old rugs I left behind 2 years ago in a luggage Fr Vincenzo left me. I had given it to his care when I returned to Hong Kong back in 2005. Now it comes in handy! But I'll really have to get a heater - I saw Marco has one in his room, about a foot high and 8 inches wide. Just enough for the morning chill. Aaaahhh but the local logic lurks ....... (love the alliteration! Don't know what that means? Check a dictionary!)
I'll stay in today and use the library. Probably cook some instant noodles for lunch in the Students' Sala and then later in the evening join in the procession in the Holy Sepulchre. By the way I don't know if you ever read this blog? I've received like only 2 mails this week and I'd like to know if people are actually reading this. If not - I'll just close it down. You know my email address. Give me some indication.
Saturday night again - that means "relax night" for us here in this monastery. After a week's study and the usual tension of living right in the middle of the Muslim Quarter, the professors and students try to relax as much as possible. For us here it means watching the television and especially a good movie either on Italian television or CD. Actually watching CDs is more usual. Students share CDs with each other during the weekend; some will join others in one room watching the same CD on computer while bigger groups get to use the TV room and CD player. I watch alone in my room because no one else watches english language CDs. Actually it was a replay of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Like I've seen it again and again and again and again ................ Well luckily Fr Vincenzo left me a boxful of CDs before he left for Egypt. I haven't had time to check it out yet - remember I have no cupboards, shelves, kettle etc... Everything is still in my luggage or boxes.
Talking about Fr. Vincenzo, I found him on Skype yesterday evening so I contacted him and chatted with him. It started out quite weird actually - he asked if I could hear the music he was playing in his room, I said no. He then asked again "Can you hear?", I said no. He continued asking this question like 10 times, each time raising his voice and I kept saying no. Finally I figured he wasn't talking about the music but his voice over Skype. So I said "If you mean if I can hear your voice - yes it's very loud! Don't shout!" and he scolded me and said "Of course I was referring to my voice; what else could I be referring to?" .... Ah well, local logic, get it? Somehow the topic of the question moved from music to voice with no "dialogue marker" or "boundary": things flow from one to another, no matter if there is a logical connection or not. Mind you Vincenzo is an Italian but he practically grew up here in the Middle East. Last night I joked that he has forgotten how to speak italian, and he said yes. In Egypt they speak arabic in the monasteries. Well I'm sure Vincenzo had a good night's sleep after speaking with us (Jean Paul was also in my room and spoke with him).
This morning I got up late! It was already 5.30am and I quickly washed and dressed and hobbled up to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It was unusually quiet. I celebrated Mass in English in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament for Bro. Gregory (an American friar working in the Basilica) and several pilgrims and one local lady - Alexandra - she's always around. Then I had a quiet time in front of the Tomb praying for all of you until the booming bells reminded me that I must move aside because the Greek Orthodox bishop is coming to say Mass. I moved to the entrance and waited for the bishop's entry. As usual it was solemn - meaning two Kawas (guys dressed in ancient Ottoman suits carrying maces to shoo off people) led the way while 6 monks accompanied the bishop into the basilica. In our Roman Church, we also have kawas but we usually refer to them as "dragomans". After the bishop entered his part of the Church, I went to kiss the Stone of the Unction for all of you. I love it at the Basilica - there are no words to describe the experience there. Some people hate the ugly mixture of architecture (if that is a word you can use for the place!); other hates the dark, cold atmosphere created by the ancient stones; and more hate the divisions among the Christian communities in there. Well I never saw it that way. The Orthodox have always been civil with me (and vice versa), especially the Copts and Armenians who are always very friendly. The cacophany of voices is not disturbing but a wonderful expression of the Coming of the Holy Spirit, when each one can praise God in his own tongue. It shows more the unity in diversity rather than division. I just love it there. I wish I didn't have to leave but I've got work to do. yes even on a Sunday! But I told Bro. Andrew, our Ghanian head Sacristan, that I'll come back this afternoon for the procession. What is that you say? Well those of you who've joined me in pilgrimage here would remember the candle-light procession in the Holy Sepulchre. If not, too bad! Come and see for yourself! :)
On the way back I passed by the 8th Station and the bakery was open. In fact it was the only shop open along the whole street. For the 1st time in 15 years, the owner called out "Good morning Father". Wow - like he really needs my business. Be careful now...... I saw some of my favourite stuff there but brought only 15 shekels with me. So I thought I'd give it a try, if the bill overshoots my spending power, I'll just tell him to keep his buns. So I chose 3 pieces of pastry - 2 apple and 1 blueberry. They're about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, with fruit in them. He charged me 3 shekels each. That's the price he usually charges me. 3 shekels is about HK$6. How do you compare that with HK pastries of the same size? Is it expensive? Well the total fell within my means, so I gave 9 shekels and he said "Thank you, Father. Have a good day Father". Hmmmmm must be a sign from God. But I have not the slightest idea what it is! He's muslim. Anyway I'm eating them right now as I write this. Yuuummie! Delicious!
When I got home, I found our horrible cat had knocked over the large rubbish bin at our entrance. The silly cat was sitting next to it, waiting to be scolded. Well he got a scolding from me - but I don't think he understood. I spoke english and he understands arabic. Anyway with alot of finger wagging, "no-no"s and a swipe of the broom, I hope he learnt his lesson. It's not the first time, mind you - its like every other day. But no one ever scolded him. He's a brash fellow. If you don't open the gates for him in the mornings so he can stray along the streets of the Way of the Cross, he'll walk right up to the altar in the middle of Mass to attract attention. Once he even plonked himself right in the middle of the altar and slept - in the middle of Mass! And no one shooed him off! He also drinks holy water from the font in front of the Flagellation Chapel. Don't tell me that's cute - I'm not partial to cats. But dogs - that's another story. I miss Rex and Regis. Hey you guys! Take some photos of my boys and send them to me!
The weather is chilly in the mornings - but I don't have to buy rugs. I found a couple of old rugs I left behind 2 years ago in a luggage Fr Vincenzo left me. I had given it to his care when I returned to Hong Kong back in 2005. Now it comes in handy! But I'll really have to get a heater - I saw Marco has one in his room, about a foot high and 8 inches wide. Just enough for the morning chill. Aaaahhh but the local logic lurks ....... (love the alliteration! Don't know what that means? Check a dictionary!)
I'll stay in today and use the library. Probably cook some instant noodles for lunch in the Students' Sala and then later in the evening join in the procession in the Holy Sepulchre. By the way I don't know if you ever read this blog? I've received like only 2 mails this week and I'd like to know if people are actually reading this. If not - I'll just close it down. You know my email address. Give me some indication.
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