School

School was officially inaugurated yesterday morning with a solemn Mass at St. Saviour's church. The church was packed with students, teachers and workers of our institutes as well as the Salesian Theological Seminary which is academically linked to us. The Salesians provided a great choir for Mass - lively, modern and in english! After Mass, the students gathered to vote for a representative to the schools' united Council. I think Nicola Agnoli (diocesan) was re-elected .... wasn't quite sure who got the most votes.

Fr Paul Sun and Sr. Maria Jiang were also present. They registered for courses and will begin classes tomorrow morning. They promise to pray for all their benefactors everyday during their stay here in the Holyland. I'll get them to write something to you tomorrow.

The Custos, who presided at Mass, gave the sermon, reminding all the students that despite all the difficulties of living in the Holyland and the pressure of studies, we must learn to integrate everything in our lives in order to serve others.

As for the rest of us doctoral students, school never really stopped because we worked all through the summer while others took their vacation. The professors are tightening the screws on me and I can feel the pressure of datelines already.