Call for help from Fr Vincenzo (updated with english trans.)

An urgent email from Fr Vincenzo (Musky, Cairo). English translation in red.

Il Cairo, 26 dicembre 2008
Caro Lionel, Dear Lionel

Non so quando potrò inviarti questo messaggio. Da quasi due settimane il cavo internet per l’Egitto è rotto da qualche parte tra l’Italia e l’Egitto. Dicono che sia stata attivata una deviazione attraverso un altro cavo, ma funziona molto lentamente. Da diversi giorni non riesco a collegarmi.
I don't know when I could send you this message. For almost 2 weeks the Internet cable of Egypt was broken somewhere between Italy and Egypt. They say they used another cable as a diversion but it is very slow. For several days I could not connect to the Internet.

Durante il Capitolo conventuale abbiamo cercato di decidere che aiuto chiedere. Le necessità della gente sono un mare aperto. Ho visitato alcune case. Ti assicuro che la situazione va al di là di ogni immaginazione. A Natale ho visto sul TG2 un filmato della “Protezione animali” sulla cura degli animali abbandonati. Se alcune persone qui potessero ricevere la cura che ricevono i cani in Italia, sarebbero fortunate.
During our House Chapter we tried to decide what help we could ask. The needs of the people are an open sea - I visited several cases. I assure you the situation is beyond any imagination. On Christmas I saw a film on TG2 (Italian channel) that dealt with care for abandoned animals. If some humans could receive the care the dogs have in Italy, they would be very fortunate.

Purtroppo giorno 24 mattina il nostro sacrestano mentre puliva la chiesa è stato chiamato dalla famiglia. Il muro di casa cominciava a crollare su una casa sottostante. Abbiamo incaricato qualcuno di valutare danni. La spesa va dai 4.000 agli 8.000 US$. Il signor Kamal lavora qualche ora da noi e a fine mese mette insieme un centinaio di US$.
Unfortunately on Dec. 24th our sacristan received a call from his family while he was cleaning the church. The wall of his house began to collapse over another house below his. We got someone to evaluate the damage cost. It's between US$4,000 to US$8,000. Mr Kamal works several hours a day at our place and at the end of the month, earns about US$100.

Stiamo cercando un modo di aiutarlo con qualche fondo del convento e della beneficenza, usando in parte quanto hai già inviato. Siamo indecisi se chiedere l’aiuto di qualche famiglia che frequenta la nostra chiesa. Il problema è che quelli che frequentano il nostro convento sono quasi tutti poveri. Chi può dare qualche aiuto darà solo un centinaio di dollari. Un’altra difficoltà viene dalla mentalità della gente, in parte dalla loro povertà e in parte dalla loro gelosia che subito comincia mormorare perché aiutiamo una famiglia e non un’altra.
We're looking for a way to help him either from our monastery or from benefactors, using in part what you have already sent to us. We are undecided in asking for help from some families who come to our church. The problem is those who come to our church are almost all poor themselves. Whoever can help, can only afford about US$100. Another difficulty is the mentality of these people, in part because of their poverty and in part because of jealousy and gossip about why we help one family and not another.

Ogni anno ricevevamo da una famiglia locale trasferitasi in Canada qualcosa come 3.000 US$. Ora ci hanno scritto che trovano difficoltà a inviare i soldi a motivo delle leggi canadesi.
Di attività di beneficenza qui ne abbiamo diverse: adozioni a distanza, aiuti scolastici, aiuti per il vitto e spesso anche l’alloggio, aiuti per le medicine e l’assistenza medica, per la colonia estiva, tre o quattro escursioni durante l’anno per far uscire i ragazzi dalla cerchia ristretta del Musky e altro.
Every year we receive something like US$3,000 from a local family that has migrated to Canada. Now they write to say they have difficulty in sending money to us because of Canadian law. Our charitable work here includes: adoption of children (sponsorship), schooling assistance, help for food and often also lodging, medical help, 3 or 4 excursions a year for the children around Musky and its surrounding.

Caro Lionel,
che cosa posso dirti? Vorremmo aiutare qualche famiglia ad affittare qualche appartamento di due stanze, ma è praticamente impossibile per le nostre possibilità. Se verrai al Cairo ti farò visitare qualche casa. La foto della casa del signor Kamal è un lusso. Lui ha almeno un po’ di spazio in cui muoversi,.
Dear Lionel, what can I tell you? We would like to help seevral families to pay the rent of 2 room apartments , but it is practically impossible and beyond us. If you come to Cairo, I will show you some of these houses. The photo of Mr Kamal's house is a "luxury". At least he ahs a little space to move about.

Se può essere utile ti invio il conto della banca che noi usiamo esclusivamente per la beneficenza
If it is useful, I'm giving you our bank account that we use exclusively for charitable donations:

Br.No. 140
BANQUE MISR OVERSEAS BR.
153 MOHAMED FARID ST., CAIRO – EGYPT
SWIFT : BMISEGCX140
TEL : 7961111 – 7962222
FAX : 7960800 – 7960833



Kanisat al-Latin al-Franciscan bil-Musky

Customer ID : 16375255
National ID : 510615

Egyptian Pound Account No.: 14000100143172
American Dollar Account No.: 14012000053205
Euro Account No.: 14013000010656

Termino salutandoti caramente e auguro a te e ai tuoi amici che ci sostengono un sereno Anno Nuovo e benedizione da S. Francesco.
I end by warmly greeting you and wishing you and your friends that help us a serene New Year and the blessing of St. Francis.

Vincenzo

New Year wish for peace

2008 has rushed out so quickly. It was a year that I lost many good friends: our chinese Carmelite Sister Josephine Loh in Nazareth, Daniel Cavero, David Jeaffreson, Fr Michele Piccirillo, and a few days ago George our former doorman just to name a few. It was a difficult year of trials and struggles that is climaxing in this war in Gaza. But our Christian faith tells us that out of this darkness comes light; that God will always triumph. May 2009 be peace-full.

Tonight we'll sing Vespers and the Te Deum during Adoration. Then we'll have dinner. It'll be a simple way to end the year and we dedicate the New Year to the Virgin Mary whose feast we celebrate tomorrow as the Mother of God.

To all my benefactors, collaborators, friends and family, I assure you of my prayers and thanks for your kindness to me and to the poor whom I try to serve here in the Holyland.

I cannot wish you a Happy New Year while I see so much suffering around me. I wish you a peace-filled and hope-filled New Year.

end of another day

The Old City remains tense and soldiers are still stationed at every major crossroad and gate. I can smell burning tires and there's a helicopter flying overhead. I had to go to Bethpage on the Mt of Olives and deliver a box of sweets to the orphanage run by the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul. It's a huge box that needed 2 people to carry, so our handyman Jadallah drove me there and helped me carry it into the convent. The sweets are a gift to the 28 orphans from the Faith Tours group of pilgrims. Along the way we saw burnt garbage and tires in the middle of roads, stones and rocks strewn across to block vehicles.

At lunch, a chinese priest friend from Canada came to visit and he stayed for lunch - he studied at our school 17 yrs ago so the professor know him. After lunch I had to go to the Jewish suburb of Talpiot to do some errands for the dean and superior. Again Jadallah drove me there. It was a nice break as the huge shopping malls have a sense of normality and apparent calm; until you walk out and see soldiers everywhere again. We got some of the things we needed, and we couldn't get some others. Then we drove home. The soldiers at St Stephen's Gate is turning back everyone from entering the Old City, even those who walk, but we could make it through as we have the sign of the Franciscan Custody on our car and I look typically like a foreigner. They didn't even check the inside of our car.

Anyway I'm exhausted and need to rest.

Meanwhile Israel is rejecting a truce and will go ahead to destroy Hamas in Gaza. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/399313/1/.html and more casulaties today in bilateral firing of rockets. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230456524549&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and Egypt is seen to be in collusion with Israel in this atatck. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230456532029&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Violence spreads

Rioting and demonstrations are now in East Jerusalem and the surrounding suburbs, including the Old City where I live. There's talk of a 3rd Intifida by Palestinians and "all out war" by Israelis. See:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230456521714&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7803598.stm

There is fear that Lebanon might start attacking Israel from the north as Israeali troops are now all deployed in the south. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230456521637&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Caught inbetween

It was a frightening moment when I was caught up in a large, passionate demonstration by Hamas here inside the Old City yesterday evening. Our community had gone up to St Saviour's monastery for our annual exchange of greetings with the Custos. It was a much appreciated hour when the Custos updated us on things about the Custody of the Holyland, answered our questions, joked, ate panettone and drink cocoa (It's pretty cold outside and raining and very dark at 5pm). When our hour was up, the community went back home to the Flagellation Monastery but I stayed behind as the Custos wanted to speak with me. We chatted for some 25 mins., caught up alot on the past few months and then at 6.30pm I decided to leve for home (on foot of course).

I took the narrow streets in the Christian Quarter which I felt were safer than the main streets that are filled with armed soldiers; and I wore my habit to play safe. But as I reached the crossroads toward Damascus Gate, I could hear shouting and chanting "Allahu Akbar" in unison. It got louder and more aggressive. I realised I was stnding in the way of a huge anti-Israel rally on my left and a huge contingent of Israeli soldiers on my right - all it takes is one bullet and all hell will break lose. There was no place for me to go as both ends of the road were blocked by the two groups. It was a panic situation being caught between two opposing groups. And only after having a bottle thrown at my head only a few hours earlier ... i felt it was time to get out quick.

Only hope was to return back to the alley - which fortunately the Missionaries of Charity's convent is situated. I rang the bell and two sisters pulled me in and locked the door immediately. They told me to stay over night at their convent if the demonstration got ugly or went on late into the night. I also quickly changed my clothes to civilian as the anti-Christian feelings of the Muslim extremist might get me killed out in the streets now. The sisters were adoring the Blessed Sacrament (Holy Hour) so I joined them, give them Benediction and after an hour decided to try and go home. Jesus' presence was very reassuring.

Two sisters insisted on accompanying me back home (if we could) as it would be safer - both Jews and Muslims respect Mother Teresa very much and will not harm the sisters, so Sr Capilla and Sr Sophia were actually protecting me. The street was alot quieter now, but still with many soldiers and pockets of arab youths taunting and shouting slogans. We hurried down to the 3rd Station of the Cross then turned up the road to my place which is the 2nd Station.

It was one scary moment facing a wall of angry arabs punching the air with their fists, shouting slogans and taunting the armed Israeli soldiers. And Israel hs now officially used the word "war" : http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/29/gaza.israel.strikes/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Attacked

Just ten minutes before lunch, I went out to the small back garden with our janitor Jadallah to clean out the place when a glass bottle was flung from the 4th floor of our neighbouring building which smashed into the wall to my left, leaving splinters of glass on my face. Luckily I was wearing a woollen hat pulled low and thick winter clothing so the glass did not cut the rest of my body; just scratching my face. I will definitely say here that it was from the muslim house next to our garden - and Jadalleh was beside me as witness. The exploding glass as loud enough for our workers in the kitchen to hear and came out to see what happened. Our 4 arab workers, Jadalleh, Edward, Majed and Khalil rushed out to the back door to catch the culprit but no one was around and the house was closed shut. As you can see, the violence has reached our own doorsteps.

And just a few minutes ago, our doorman Majed informed me that Isareli soldiers have closed our gates; hence pilgrims cannot come into our church and we cannot go out. I don't know what's happening but it sounds like the army is conducting a search or attack in our quarter of the Old City and doesn't want any escape routes to be open. Believe me, it doesn't sound like fun living here right now.

Earlier this morning I was out in the car with our Dean to do some errands, and we saw empty streets in East Jerusalem, streets with burnt tires and garbage in the middle as protest to stop traffic, dumpsters on fire, and soldiers just about every 10 metres, soldiers everywhere.

Where are we all heading?

Thanks

Thanks to May Yu for her support to Musky and the Holyland.

More news on the war

An eye-witness report on the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7801973.stm

Egypt accuses Hamas of preventing injured civilians from receiving treatment: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7801881.stm

BBC video-news of the 2nd day of destruction: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7801788.stm

Landtroops are now deployed to support the air-attack. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111723191&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Today helicopters were flying overhead us here in Jerusalem. Troops are on alert in the streets. Most arab shops are closed and the streets are quiet.

270 killed, 700 injured

The bloodiest day in Gaza's history - says BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7801662.stm Overnight bombing destroys mosque and TV station in Gaza. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111723191&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Hamas admits being caught off-guard by the Israeli offensive and accuses Egypt of colluding with Israel in this attack. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111722466&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Most Palestinian shops around the country will be closed today. Soldiers we expect will be patrolling all the streets. Most of us have decided to stay at home and avoid trouble outside.

From Fr. Vincenzo (updated with english)

Here's Fr Vincenzo's Christmas Greetings and thanks to you all. English translation in red.

The Franciscan Centre of Christian Oriental Studies
12, Shareh el-Bendaqah – POB 381
11511 Atabah - Musky, Cairo
EGYPT
Il Cairo, 19 dicembre 2008

Caro P. Lionel, Dear Fr, Lionel

Siamo oramai nel pieno del mistero del Natale.
We are by now reaching the fullness of the mystery of Christmas.

Qui al Cairo i cristiani copti ortodossi sono una minoranza, ma hanno una certa consistenza. I cristiani cattolici sono un numero tanto piccolo che la loro festa di Natale celebrata il 25 dicembre quasi non si nota, se non fosse per i canali satellitari che ci collegano con l’Occidente.
Here in Cairo, the Coptic Orthodox christians are a minority, but they are still quite sizeable. The Catholic Christians are very much fewer and their Christmas celebrated on Decv. 25th is almost ignored if not for the satelite channels that link to the West.

Tuttavia benché in modo non appariscente, anche noi festeggiamo il Natale, forse con meno distrazioni. Abbiamo fatto il presepe che molti vengono ad ammirare. Siccome per questa festa auguriamo a tutti gioia e pace cerchiamo di fare in modo che chi non ne ha i mezzi possa avere un momento di sollievo.
Despite it's insignificance [here in Cairo], we nevertheless celebrate Christmas, perhaps with less distraction. We made a Nativity scene that many come to admire. Since during this feast we wish all joy and peace, we try provide a moment of relief to those who have no means.

L’ambiente è povero. A Natale abbiamo avuto più tempo per concentrarci sulle realtà spirituali, ma non ci siamo chiusi nei nostri pensieri quasi che gli altri non ci fossero. Anzi ora senza le distrazioni delle grandi feste abbiamo più tempo di pensare a chi ci sta intorno. Guardando le loro necessità, abbiamo imparato dall’esperienza delle loro difficoltà spirituali, economiche, affettive, a mettere da parte i nostri bisogni veri o spesso irreali per essere di sostegno agli altri.
The surrounding is poor. For Christmas we had lots of time to concentrate to spiritual realities, but we are not engrossed in our own thoughts so as if others do not exist. In fact now without the distraction of grand feasts, there is more time to think of those around us. Seeing their needs, we learn from experience their spiritual difficulties, economic and emotional, to set aside our own real and unreal needs in order to sustain others.

Abbiamo voluto aiutare questa gente in difficoltà. Non c’è stato bisogno di chiederci cosa potevamo fare per loro. Essi stessi ci hanno esposto i loro casi. Non c’è stato bisogno nemmeno di chiederci con quali mezzi aiutarli. Prima di domandarcelo qualcuno si è presentato alla nostra porta e ci ha offerto i mezzi materiali per donare l’aiuto richiesto.
We wanted to help these people in difficulty. There was no need to ask ourselves what we could do for them. They themselves bring their problems to us. There was even less need to ask ourselves by what means we could help them. Even before asking, people show up at our door to offer material means to help others in need.

Tra gli altri abbiamo ricevuto la visita di Sr. Claire e della Signora Halena che ci hanno portato la tua offerta, frutto della raccolta di tuoi amici. Ora possiamo assicurare le adozioni a distanza per tutto l’anno. Possiamo pagare le rette scolastiche ai più bisognosi. Pensiamo di comprare latte in polvere per chi il latte, quello vero non se lo può permettere. Abbiamo potuto offrire una somma a una signora e al suo bambino per affittare una piccola stanza e comprare un letto, abbiamo offerto un po’ di vivande ai più poveri.
Among those were Sr. Clare and Ms. Halena who paid us a visit and they brought your offering - the fruit of the collection made by your friends. Now we can be sure of the sponsorship of children for one year. We can pay the school fees for the most needy. We are thinking of buying powdered milk for those who truly need it but cannot afford. We managed to give some money to a woman with a baby to rent a small room and buy a bed. We gave a little provision to the most poor.

Potrei continuare a fare la lista. La faremo se serve. Ciò che mi preme al di là di tutte queste parole è rivolgere una parola di ringraziamento anche ai tuoi benefattori che ci hanno permesso di fare tutto questo e altro.
I could continue with the list. We will do it if it is useful. What urges me to go beyond all these words is to say a word of thanks especially to your benefactors who gave us the means to do all this and even more.

A loro vada soprattutto la riconoscenza del Signore e la gioia di sentirsi dire: “Avevo fame, avevo sete, ero nudo, ma grazie a voi per un momento non lo sono stato.
To them above all is the Lord's acknowledgement and the joy to hear the words "I was hungry, thirsty, naked but thanks to you I am no longer, for the moment".

Il Signore guidi i passi di queste persone in ciò che è necessario per la vita, ma soprattutto in ciò che è necessario per la vita dello Spirito. Il Bambino Gesù doni loro sempre la certezza di essere persone vive, ogni volta che compiono del bene in suo nome.
May the Lord guide the steps of these people in ways that are necessary to life, especially life in the Spirit. May the Child Jesus give them always the confidence of people fully alive, each time as they do good in His name.

Buon Natale! E anche gioioso Anno Nuovo
Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year

Con affetto e gratitudine a tutti.
With affection and gratitude to all
Vincenzo.

Thanks

Thanks to the Faith Tours Pilgrim group (Fr Michael D'Cruz group) from Singapore for their donation of toothbrushes and vitamin C and B tablets. Right now as the war rages, we'll not be able to send them into Gaza. But we'll try.

Only the beginning.....

BBC videos on the Israeli attack on Hamas centres in Gaza.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7801128.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7801291.stm School children fleeing in the streets

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7800985.stm Casualties

While the Airstrikes were meant to target Hamas centres, airstrikes itself are notorious for its collateral damage - many innocent civilians have paid with their lives.

150 killed

As I write now, reports are coming in that 150 persons were killed in the Israeli airstrike on Gaza. These include many police and chiefs of security. The airstrike as I far as I know, is still continuing. Panic throughout Gaza, innocent people trying to hide or run across to Egypt. It's like shooting fish in a barrel - there's nowhere for those people to run or hide. See http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111714969&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/27/gaza.israel.strikes/index.html and video http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7800985.stm

Arab shops here in the Old City and East Jerusalem have begun closing down - either out of fear, or mourning or protest. Jewish shops are closed anyway because it's the Sabbath. The city is very tense and everyone is apprehensive - what will happen next? A Hamas counter-attack? Suicide bombers in the City? More knivings and shootings on both sides?

Our otherwise festive lunch today was darkened by conversation about this situation. We fear that things will get out of control and an all-out war has begun. More violence, more suffering, more hatred. We must be careful when going out - if at all necessary. I shall not be going to the Holy Sepulchre tomorrow morning at 4am as usual for obvious reasons. I shall celebrate Mass here in our Flagellation chapel instead at 6.30am. Pray for peace, pray for no more casualties. pray that people come to their senses. How we need the Prince of Peace now.... the irony is He was born right here in this very land where the war is being fought.

And so it begins ....

Israel has begun striking Gaza with missiles. It is pretty controlled though and hopefully the other side has learnt a lesson and stop launching rockets into Israel, provoking Israel to close its borders and the inhabitants of Gaza are cut short of fuel, food and medicine. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7800985.stm and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111714969&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

St John's Feastday

Feast of St John the Evangelist - the one who wrote the Gospel. To celebrate this feast, why not read the entire Gospel of John today in one sitting? It'll take you an hour - no more - to read the entire Gospel. try it!

If you want more news about Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, see the following:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111693575&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.custodia.org/spip.php?article4604&lang=en
http://www.custodia.org/spip.php?article4609&lang=en
http://www.custodia.org/spip.php?article4615&lang=en
Fantastic photos and videos.

Aleem Maqbool has arrived in Bethlehem on foot from Nazareth and a donkey (actually 5 as he had to change them at each security check point that won't allow him to bring a donkey across). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7795809.stm

Sadly as 2008 ends, we lost Harold Pinter the writer and Eartha Kitt the actress/singer. And oh, Thiago came back yesterday from Brasil. I was sleeping yesterday afternoon (pretty rare - had to rest because of midnight Mass and then the 6.30am Mass following it ... too tired) when my phone woke me up. Thiago called to say Merry Christmas and he's back and hopes to meet up with me soon. And yesterday my superior and I tried to call William in Rome but we couldn't get through with the call. Anyway I'm adding a photo of William as he served his first Papal Mass at St Peter's Basilica. He was very excited and called me to tell me about it.... washing the hands of the Pope etc...

The weather continues to be very cold and overcast but the rain has stopped. I've started cleaning up the "Sisters'" garden which is behind their dining room. It's a terrible mess and I don't know where to start. Our tabby cat and 8 large tortoises live there as well. In a corner is the compost heap but people just throw things for the compost everywhere in the garden. Let's see if I can work a miracle in digging and clearer it out.

War in Gaza is looming even closer - like anyday now. Egypt is closing its borders for fear of a refugee influx. Gaza continues to fire 25 missiles into Israel. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111710874&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Israel meanwhile has opened the border crossing to Gaza today for medicine, food, oil and heating material. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7799915.stm

St Stephan aday

St Stephan's Day - almost immediately after the Christmas cheer we turn our eyes to the first martyr of the Church. The Cross is never far from the crib. Solemn Mass tomorrow will be celebrated in commemoration of St Stephan in the Basilica of Gethsemani which is near where he was stoned to death. The Dominicans whose Basilica holds the tomb of St Stephan will also have solemn Mass there.

It's my usual tradition to read TS Elliot's "Murder in a cathedral" these few days of the Christmas Octave. It's a poetic chronicle of the last days (Dec. 2 - 29) of St Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury (Catholic back in 1170) who was murdered in the cathedral by King HenryII. Fantastic poetry and spirituality. Get a copy and read it!

Yesterday I had another surprise visit - Susanah and her friend. She used to come for Wednesday evening classes and is now transferred to Washington.

Here is an Israeli appraisal of Christmas - a goodwill gesture no doubt but it's not going to stop their kids from spitting at us. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1230111687735&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

And the threat of war is looming ever so close. This is a short summary of the past week's leadup: Hamas in Gaza has continuously been firing rockets into Israel, provoking Israel to fire back in a very controlled manner. Hamas then taunts Israel for not daring to make a full front attack. Egypt puts pressure on Gaza to stop the violence and Israel to hold back. Israel undertakes defense drill in surrounding cities of Gaza. Gaza rockets continue to be fired into Israel. Israel suggests possibility of full attack. Plans a nationwide defense drill. More rhetoric yesterday and today of Israeli military reaction to continuous rocket attack.

Christmas 2008

What a lovely Christmas surprise - the two nieces of Venerable Fr. Allegra came to visit me. They were on a pilgrimage here i the Holyland but insisted on breaking away from the group to come visit me and the school where Fr Allegra taught in 1965 and 1974. It was good to see them again: Giovanna and Gabriella. And they were so very pleased as well. What a lovely start to a bitterly cold and wet Christmas.

Sr Maria and I walked in the drizzle to grand Court Hotel to meet the Singapore pilgrim group that was to bring us to Shepherds' Field for the Vigil Mass. The traffic was tolerably peaked as countless pilgrims were heading the same direction. Despite the cold and rain, many pilgrims walked to Bethlehem from Jerusalem or at the checkpoint of the infamous wall that cuts Bethlehem from the rest of Jerusalem. We celebrated Mass inside the Chapel of the Shepherds. Then we returned to back to the hotel after midnight as the rain began to pour. The group was nice enough to make a detour and dropped me and Sr. Maria off at Damascus Gate, saving us a half kilometer walk in the rain. Sr Maria is spending the night at our school's student pantry as its too dangerous for her to walk home alone to the Mt. of Olives after midnight. Our superior and dean were very kind to allow her to stay there for the night, and expressed concern for her. I'm so fortunate to be living with such kind and caring friars. What a lovely reminder of the inn that took in Mary and Joseph at the original Christmas!

The rains are continuing as I write - 1am or so now. Fr Tomislav, our Ancient Near East languages professor told me to sleep in and he'll take my place at presiding the 6.30am Mass. That's very nice of him. I am very exhausted after a day's work and the night's liturgy.

Remember - it is Christ whom we're celebrating at Christmas - not consumerism, materialism and especially greed.

Merry Christmas

A Happy and Holy Christmas to everyone!

And a timely reminder that descendents of the first Christians here in the Holyland are facing challenges that you cannot dream of. Pray for them! http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/Page/VideoPlayer&cid=1194419829128&videoId=1229868830030

One Christmas night ....

Francis of Assisi set out again on the roads of Umbria. Again he went up the rugged path along the woodlands of Fonte Colombo and joyously greeted the little church so dear to him.

The days that followed were among the happiest of his life. Christmas was drawing near. Pleasant weather had returned, and in the cloister formed by the wooded hills, a clear light shone in the joyful, immaculate mornings.

Toward evening, the long slow notes of cornemuses rose from the valley, playing ancient pastorals. Tenderly they dwelled on the miraculous dream of the return of the Son of God to earth as a baby, little and poor, clasped to the breast of the Virgin. Francis wanted everyone to share in the joy of this "feast of feasts." He wanted the poor and the hungry to sit at the tables of the rich and oxen and asses, the humble beasts who had warmed the cold body of the baby Jesus with their breath, to be given more than the usual amount of grain and hay.

"If I could speak to the emperor," he said, "I would ask that a general law be made requiring all who can to scatter corn and other grains along the roads so that the birds might have an abundance of food on such a great and solemn day, especially our sisters the larks."

A few days before Christmas, Francis sent for a noble of Greccio, a castello nearby, a man Giovanni for whom Francis had a very. special love because of his goodness. To him Francis disclosed the plans he had made. It would be, he said, so good, so edifying, to call to mind the birth of the Christ Child on the night of Christmas, to have "set before our bodily eyes in some way the inconveniences of his infant needs, how he lay in manger, how, with an ox and an ass standing by, he lay upon the hay where he had been placed."

His poetic gifts enabled him to give vivid life to the scene. Giovanni was enthralled. Brothers from nearby Franciscan places were invited. Many torches and candles were needed to make a great light in that night that has lighted up all the days and years with its gleaming star." Men and women worked unceasingly to prepare them. All had been made ready in the forest by Christmas Eve, the Vigil of Christmas: the manger, the hay, the ox and ass. Francis inspected it and was pleased. At last he had found a way to make a living presentation of the concept in which he passionately believed, in a drama that could not fail to stir even the most stolid. The lowly manger would show forth God - small, poor, humble. Greccio would become a new Bethlehem.

Night fell and obscured the dark beech trees, the steep cliffs, the hermitage, the valley. A profound waiting silence lay over the great stage. Then it began to snow, and there was nothing but an immense whiteness in the calm and peaceful night. It seemed that unseen bells were ringing out the ancient invocation: "Peace on earth to men of good will"

In the great, white quiet, every petty, malicious, and unworthy feeling died away. As the hours passed, far-away lights appeared in the valley and began to move up to the hermitage. Again, as once before, shepherds were walking in the night to "come and adore Him."

In reading over the description written by Thomas of Celano, who certainly got his information from someone who was there, we ourselves can see the marvelous scenes. A thousand torches blaze up in the darkness, joyous moving lights, like the enchanted lights in a festival of fantasy in legends arising from the deeps of a magic forest. And still it is snowing. A whirlwind of flakes dances in the flickering flames of the torches. Great crackling bonfires add their light and voice to the jubilation of flames that shine out on the harsh and lonely mountain.

The night, writes Thomas, is "lighted up like the day." A great throng crowds about the manger, where the ox and the ass bring the ancient miracle to life again. The people, writes Thomas, are "filled with new joy over the mystery." From the group of kneeling friars arises the mighty chorus: "Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound..." The song rises to the tops of the white oaks on which reflections of the red fires dance; it expands into the invisible sky. It travels to the distant mountains. Everything proclaims solemnity, beauty, and joy: the priest with the gold chasuble who celebrates the Mass, the altar shining with lights, the brothers in their pure white surplices, the forest ringing with the joyous hymn, the rocks that "make answer to their jubilation." A single harmony unites all things and all creatures - perhaps even the angels who sang on the night that Christ was born are singing again, too, beyond the intense light.

Francis vested as a deacon, sings the beautiful lesson: "She gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger..." His voice rings out like heavenly music that none of those present could ever forget: "a strong voice, a sweet voice, a clear voice, a sonorous voice." The nobleman Giovanni is so overwhelmed by it that as Francis reads, he sees the baby Jesus "lying in the manger lifeless, and ... the holy man of God go up to it and rouse the child as from a deep sleep."

"This vision was not unfitting," writes the friar, "for the Child Jesus had been forgotten in the hearts of many; but, by the working of his grace, he was brought to life again through His servant Saint Francis and stamped upon their fervent memory.

Then Francis preaches to the people, and "he spoke charming words concerning the nativity of the poor King and the little town 6f Bethlehem." Speaking the word "Bethlehem" (Betlemme) says Thomas, his voice seems to resemble the sound of a lamb. And the light that shines in the darkness is truly the light of the dawn, the beginning of a new day for all who were there - that light that touches the faces, envelops the motionless plants, reaches into the snow-covered valley and up to the icy heights that still echo with the sound of silvery voices: Rejoice! Rejoice!

(excerpt from The Holyland)

Gaza gets food

As a goodwill response to many international communitys' (like yours) and our Patriarch's Christmas call to end the Gaza blockade, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has allowed food and other humanitarian supplies into Gaza yesterday. Unfortunately the militant Hamas inside Gaza are not co-operating by continuing to fire rockets into Israel. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1229868827245&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Today at 1.30pm the Patriarch will start his procession into Bethlehem from the Tomb of Rachel (wife of Jacob in the Old Testament - remember she died just outside of Bethlehem while giving birth to Benjamin?). Christians will be lined up all along the route to welcome him into the Basilica of the Nativity. Solemn Vespers will begin immediately once he enters the Basilica; then the daily procession to the Grotto of the Nativity takes place at 4pm; at 11.10pm solemn chanting of the Office of Readings and of course Mass begins at midnight (that's why it's called Midnight Mass!!!!)

You can read more on the Patriarch's Christmas appeal and photos at http://www.custodia.org/spip.php?article4598&lang=en And the Christmas message of our Franciscan Custos is viewable in video at http://www.custodia.org/spip.php?article4375&lang=en but it's not the Custos speaking though - someone else is reading it!

Cold wet Christmas

Our Patriarch Fouard Twal visited Gaza yesterday and showed his solidarity with the small Christian community suffering inside there. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1229868832169&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull The Gazan christians have no more food rations, heating, electricity ..... and that's how they're celebrating Christmas. How are you celebrating yours?

Meanwhile gale force winds are blowing through, and very very cold too. We're expecting it torain tonight - heavily.... and possibly with hail as well.

O Emmanuel

The temperature has dropped dramatically. There is a very cold dry wind that cuts to the bone - pretty strong too. And the sky is overcast. But it hasn't rained though. The forecast is rain for Midnight Mass and throughout Christmas till the weekend.... like every other year. We need the rain, so no complaints.

I've covered the bird cage with plastic on both sides so the canaries will not be the recipients of the cold wind. And the cat in the small garden was very hungry as well - I gave her the food reserved for her from her very own fridge (how about that!). The big tortoises are all dug deep into soil and hibernating. The baby tourtoises are enjoying the warmth in my room - though today only 2 woke up to eat.

Yesterday we feted Bro Rosario on his 50th birthday. He was my classmate 15 years back but now he's the secretary of the school and vice-superior of the monastery and professor of Greek. He's a great guy.

And the past few days we've been having fantastic food - not exotic expensive stuff but simple things that were superbly done by our cook Khalil. Yesterday for Rosario's birthday we had artichoke - huge heads with their hearts dug out and spices stuffed inside. You eat the starchy bottom part of each petal until you reach near the heart where it's alot softer and digestible. great stuff! Everyone enjoyed it. And we also had knaffe for dessert - white cheese baked in honey - fantastic! I had an extra helping .... which is a no-no since my suger level is high. But it's Rosario's birthday, and Christmas and I didn't have knaffe for a long time, so ..... excuses, excuses, excuses. And the day before we had baked fresh fish (we usually get frozen fillet) which was sumptious - they were stuffed with pesto. We're very lucky here to have great cooks who can turn simple food into a delightful gastronomic experience!

Hanukkah is into its 2nd day and the military presence is not letting up. Pretty tense even here in the Old City. And the rhetoric on war is being flung back and forth - Israeli cities near Gaza are undergoing emergency drills. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1229868820800&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1229868822058&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Meanwhile our intrepid trekker Aleem Maqbool blogs his journey through the Occupied West bank cities of El Bireh (ancient Christian site), Ramalla and Bir Zeit where he stays with the Kassis family - they're relations of our own janitor Mr Kassis whom many of you helped financially. Thanks again to you all.

Tonight our final "O" antiphon is "O Emmanuel":
O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver,
the hope of the nations and their Saviour:
Come to save us, O Lord our God.

It is based on the Emmanuel prophecy of Isaiah in 7:14 and reminds us God is always with us ("Emmanuel") day after day - He never leaves us. If you go through the first alphabet of all the "O" antiphons that we have sung this week, they spell "sarcore"; reverse the order to "erocras" and put a space in between them - "ero cras" they mean in latin "Tomorrow I will come!"

Thanks

Many thanks to Madeleine Wu for her help to the Centre; and Auntie Yvonne, Angela, Paula, Paulette and Irene for their support to the poor in the Holyland.

O King of the nations

Wow another Internet cable cut in the Mediterranean Sea - it's affecting us here in Israel as well. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7792688.stm

So Israel is ready to go to war with Gaza. Doesn't sound like a nice way to end the year, nor begin 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7794577.stm Gaza has been firing rockets into Israel practically every other day.

Yesterday evening at 4.30pm I helped to "create" the crib in the chapel. It took 2 hours - and Sr Veronica and Jean Paul also helped. Don't know how the others will like it.

And yesterday 4 other fathers returned to Italy for the Christmas holidays. The house is beginning to be very quiet. And now I take care of the baby tortoises as well. Interesting to see them coming out of hibernation to eat each morning when I put them in the sun or turn on the lights. This is probably ruining their winter hibernation - waking up everyday.

Today's antiphon is "O King of the nations"
O King of the nations, and their desire,
the cornerstone making both one:
Come and save the human race,
which you fashioned from clay.

This antiphon is inspired by Isaiah 9:6 and many such prophecies about the kingship of God over the non-Jewish peoples. That is hope for us, he is not just our king but above all, he is the king of our desires.

O Morning Star

So tensions between Gaza and Israel are escalating with both sides firing rockets and missiles at each other.http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728263534&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Monday is Hanukkah, the feast of re-dedicating the Temple that was defiled by the Syrian king. Kids dress in costume and go around collecting sweets. The Scroll of Esther is read on that day. And the Jews bake lots of nice buns and cookies as treats ... that I love. If you want to know, go search "Hanukkah" on google or yahoo. Those of you enlisted with "Under the Figtree" get to read the explanation of the feast and its readings. And by the way, if anyone is no longer interested in "Under the Figtree", please inform me to remove you from the list as we have many other people waiting to join.

Today's antiphon is "O Morning Star"
O Morning Star,
splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness:
Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

The antiphon can refer to Isaiah 9:2 and Numbers 24:17, reminding us that many of us have preferred the false light that leads nowhere: fictions of illusory hope. The true light is the Messiah but how many of us can withstand it's clarity and brightness, having lived in darkness for so long?

Another day closer to Christmas - another song for you: this time it's Josh Groban singing the classic "O Holy Night". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQWXfHzOKUU You might remember Josh making his TV debut in the Ally McBeal show (pretty lame plot just to create an occassion for him to sing). And I always thought he was Jewish, so it was pretty surprising that he would sing a Christmas carol. Did some research and voila - his father was Jewish but converted to Anglicanism. Anyway it's nice to hear a classic Christmas hymn than listen to all those commercial songs that has nothing to do with Christ or the Mass.

O Key of David

There's this guy Aleem Maqbool who's walking from Nazareth to Bethlehem (about 120 km). He keeps a blog with BBC and you can follow his trekking as he follows the footsteps of Joseph and Mary to the place where Christ was born. Check it out! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7789479.stm

Today's antiphon is "O Key of David":
O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;
you open and no one can shut;
you shut and no one can open:
Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,
those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

The antiphon combines the thought of Isaiah 22:22 and 42:7 to remind us all history, all events are in the hands of God; and what God desires most is to release us from imprisonment. Imprisonment from what? greed? money? selfishness? pride?

Another Christmas present today from me to you - a beautiful song to teach us what Christmas is all about - "Christmas shoes" - which began as an internet story that spread and touched many people, developing later into a song, then written as a novel, then made into a film and play. Listen to it:
http://www.minibite.com/christmas/christmas/shoes.htm
The film plot interweaves two different stories:
The 1st story involves Maggie Andrews, a young music teacher who is terminally ill (the result of heart failure), and her son Nathan (who tries to get a pair of Christmas shoes for her before she dies, and who collects empty cans to raise the money).
The 2nd story involves Robert Layton, a lawyer whose marriage to his wife Kate is failing (the matter comes to a head during Christmas, when Kate takes over for Maggie for the school choir and declines a job in Robert's firm); when Robert's mother passes away, he begins to reconsider how his life is going.
Robert's and Nathan's paths cross on Christmas Eve at a local shoe store. Nathan learns that he is five dollars short of the money needed to buy his mother the shoes. Nathan begins crying, where upon Robert gives Nathan the money needed to complete the purchase. Nathan is thus able to buy the shoes for his mother and give them to her before she dies.
The story to many people teaches the meaning of Christmas that it is not just about the presents; its about other people and caring about them, sharing the love God has for us.

O Root of Jesse

Hamas has not extended the Gaza ceasefire, and all Israel is prepared for more violence. Not that the ceasefire was a success anyway .... Gaza had been firing rockets into Israel the past month. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728241255&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Next week is the Jewish feast of Hanukkah, so let's hope it'll pass peacefully. Same goes for Christmas.

The mock exercise by the Israeli Defense Force went wrong and some soldiers got hurt. It's the biggest exercise - looks like they're ready for bigtime war here. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728251259&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Today's antiphon is "O Root of Jesse"
O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;
before whom kings will shut their mouths,
whom the nations will implore:
Come to deliver us, and do not now delay.

This antiphon summarises the prophecies of Isaiah 11,1,10 and 52:15. It reminds us that the promised Messiah from the House of Jesse will come to rule over all; not through power and destruction but through the Passion on the Cross. In Advent we await His rule .... are you ready to accept his dominion over your life?

Now - my Christmas present to you - a lovely song "Mary did you know?" sung by Donny Osmond. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii9JvTyeL1Y&feature=related

And the lyrics:
That your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new;
the child that you delivered will soon deliver you?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God!
Oh Mary did you know? Oh Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is Heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping child you're holding is the great "I Am"!

O Adonai

The weather is warming up to 12 degrees and a little higher from today onwards. But as almost every year, Christmas gets cold and wet. Bethlehem is alot higher than Jerusalem (800m above sea level) so it's colder there.

The aftermath of the tour accident that left 24 dead is having contradictory claims - the govt. says it'll not affect tourism but hospitality agents say it'll be a negative dent - at least for the Eilat region and Russian toursists. Short distance travel in the Jerusalem area and Galilee should not be affected, I believe. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728238973&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull So the Christmas pilgrims will still come.

And news is floating around that the Pope will come on pilgrimage to the Holyland next year. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728243504&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Meanwhile Gaza has run out of flour again and the UN is not supplying because the Israeli border is closed and the Gaza militants are increasing their rocket attacks into Israel. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728244676&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728241255&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull It will be a dismal Christmas for the Christians in Gaza.

Thanks to C. Cavero for her offering.

Today the antiphon is "O Adonai":
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come to redeem us with an outstretched arm.

This antiphon recalls the events before (God appearing to Moses) and after (Moses meets God on Sinai) the Exodus. The main theme is God's saving action (the outstretched arm) in Israel's history and we beseech God to continue this saving act in our own time. Do you need to be saved?

O Wisdom

Last evening we began the series of talks for the novena for Christmas (though it actually starts today). Because the Church was being repaired, we had Vespers in one of the School's classrooms, which was warmer.

The other students have helped set up Christmas decorations around the house - a little tacky I would say with all the tinsel. I prefer the minimalist approach, much like the German style which is more dignified and less glitzy.

The tour bus crash in Israel yesterday is talked about everywhere. Apparently the drivers were racing each other to the border from the airport. Well things get ugly like this when tours are cheap because drivers are not paid a wage, they survive only on the commissions on purchases made by the tourists. So they're in a hurry to drive as many groups as possible in order to make them do more shopping and so they can earn more. There should be a law on minimum wage for the drivers, if only for the safety of the tourists. And I'm sure tourists will happily pay a little more for their own safety, as well as for justice to the drivers. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728219835&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728224448&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Today's antiphon for the Gospel acclamation and Vespers is
"O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,
reaching from one end to the other mightily,
and sweetly ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.."

The Wisdom here of course refers to Jesus. Probably inspired by Sirach 24:3 and Wisdom 8:1 and all the relevant passages (read it up on your own!) this antiphon (what is that? check it up!) reminds us that nothing happens by chance but everything works together with a purpose that God alone knows. We must submit to this divine will (the way of prudence) so that we work in this flow and not against it.

10 days to Christmas

Tomorrow we begin the 1st Day of the Novena of Christmas. We will have a homily preached every evening during Vespers. However the chapel of the Flagellation is very dusty as the plaster on the walls are being redone these few days. And its very cold too. Hope it doesn't trigger an asthma attack as we have to sit there for 45 minutes.

We will begin the series of "O" antiphons during Vespers for the novena. Tell you more tomorrow.

A terrible accident in the Negev desert today - many tourists dead. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728219835&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull also BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7785889.stm That's why I always advice tourists to use reliable tour agencies - you get what you pay: cheap tour? haphazard organisation and dangerous drivers as a result.

And how about this poor Istanbul boy who played one too much and got locked up in a vault. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7785378.stm Kids - use your brains when you play.

But of course the most watched video since yesterday - shoe in Bush's face. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7782422.stm

Cemetary

The skies continue to be overcast and cold. The canaries are well-covered with their cage from the cold and are eating extra to keep warm. Shops have their heaters on; and people are well wrapped up as they go about in the streets.

My BP is on the rise these two days. Headaches were the first sign. Measured the BP on my handy little machine: it was 132 / 89 this afternoon. Hope this is just a temporary fluctuation.

The economic crisis is hitting hard even in the soup kitchens here in Israel. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7763172.stm On every TV evangelist channel, pastors are on fulldrive in picking Bible passages on charity giving, God's blessings to the giver, etc... and of course while "studying' the Bible, the address and contact to give donations flash across the screen. Mind you, even Mother Angelica's EWTN is hit bad.

And more Catholic-bashing at http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728159593&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and Messianic Jews are stopped at the airport http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728195370&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

An interesting article on Princess Alice (Prince Philip's mother) and her grave in Jerusalem. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7783339.stm You would be surprised how many such interesting graves there are here ..... Schindler for example is buried in our cemetary near the Last Supper room; a bishop of China is buried in the garden of Gethsemani; well, the biggest name of all - Jesus Christ's tomb is still around ....... duuuh. As a matter of fact, a visit to Jerusalem is like visiting one huge cemetary where the famous and fame-less mingle in the earth. They didn't get buried here at the end of their lives - they were buried here to begin eternal life. I'm booking front-seat.

Thanks

Thanks to Kyla Wong, Dominic Tam and Dorothy Ma for their help to the poor in the Holyland. Also to Gigi Tse and Auntie Yvonne for helping the Centre.

Drizzle

The rains have returned - well, a drizzle actually. We need it as it looks more likely than ever than we'll have drought next year. And the temperature dropped. Luckily the central heating system of our house is now turned on from 5pm - 7pm. The stone streets here in the Old City are very slippery and everyone is walking carefully. Even the tourist groups have dropped in numbers.

My asthma has gotten worse but the rashes on my lower legs have dried and left terrible scars all over. Am thinking of going back to prednisone to contain the asthma ... but I hate the after-effects.

In the morning, I decided to do some cleaning in preparation for Christmas - my room that is! Took me a whole 3 hours to get it done. Then in the afternoon the sky was dark with clouds and a slight drizzle was still blanketting the region. Ephrem (the Gabonese student) and I decided to go out for a walk - I needed to go to the pharmacy to get some medicine. He wanted to buy books. Ended up I bought more books than him. And we walked a good 5 kms in total! Unbelievable! Came back absolutely tired - lugging a knapsack full of books.

Most of the students will be going home for Christmas (the Italians that is) and the community is dwindling in size. Only a handful will be back here. I'll be going to Shepherds' Field for Midnight mass instead of the basilica of the Nativity (which will be crowded - entry by tickets only) and will be praying for all of you there.

Meantime as I mentioned earlier, bought 100 toothbrushes, 100 toothpaste and 100 dettol soap for the Christians in Gaza. Please keep the donations coming - we need to get vitamins and other medicine as well.

The Prophet

As Advent advances to the 3rd week, we read the earnestness of the prophet Isaiah in announcing the great promises of renewal, rejuvenation and rejoicing. It's a message that's sorely needed here in the Holyland - the economic crisis is biting; the cost of living is rising like crazy and many families are not able to meet their daily needs. Just to give you an idea, from my experience - a shwarma (roast-spitted lamb in pitta bread) used to cost 8 shekels, then rose to 12 shekels and now 15 shekels; the famous 3 shekel bun I used to get for Sunday breakfasts is now 7 shekels (US$2!!!). Life is tottering to a halt; anger at this downturn is rising everywhere (I think this is an important element in the chaos in Greece now) and it's going to blowup like a volcano soon. Just wait and see.

Meantime I'll locking myself in my room like a Carthusian and just concentrating on my work. For relaxation I listen to Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet narrated by someone - very nicely done with music. Gibran's work is so well known (hope you know of it) yet reading after rereading brings fresh inspirations. Maybe you should get this book as a Christmas present for someone this year.

And talking about presents, for those of you who have or are thinking of sending things to me, just to let you know that the Post Office / Customs has confiscated many parcels for me, as I never received them. And Lew's ham was forbidden to enter Israel! sigh ..... Merry Christmas.

Finally

Yes Finally .... a newspaper has covered the story of the persecution of the Christians inside Gaza - an Israeli newspaper. Read it, share it with friends, and realise how terrible the situation is. You must do your part to help. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728163698&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Carthusians - the silent life

Fr Vincenzo leaves tomorrow for Musky (Egypt). He's been so busy making his visiting rounds he hasn't time to write you a note as he promised. But I'm going to chase him for it - and the photos as well. Anyway it was good he was here for the past 2 weeks. We had several opportunities to chat and share ideas. Now that he's leaving, I'll probably lock myself in my room and not come out till I finish my research. Sounds like a Carthusian monk - which is my new interest right now.

Haven't heard of the Carthusians? They're hermit monks who live in their own cells (actually a 2 storey building with a garden) and come out only to pray 3 times a day. Other times for prayer, meals etc.. is done inside their own cells. And they speak only a couple of hours a week when they go out for a walk on Fridays. Other than that they're silent for the rest of their lives. You should see the following clips on the Carthusians on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc_mb7wu_a0&feature=PlayList&p=A689DE210BCA0169&index=0 This is only part 1. There 4 parts in all. Also you can visit their website (the Italian carthusians that is) at http://www.certosini.org/ then click "immagini" for photos of life inside the Charterhouse.

The mother house is the Great Chartreuse (that's where you get the name Carthusian and Charterhouse) in France and there's a clip on them as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgNj2Sf_mgo This one's on a clip on a blind monk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG662-kKnnc&feature=related belonging to the Great Chartreuse. You can actually buy the DVD which is beautifully shot - all in silence.

This is totally another world! Far out! Wanna join? They also have a female branch of the Order.

Rain

As Greece totters toward anarchy, we watch and wonder how things could have deteriorated so rapidly. Appears there's not likely to be tour groups there in the next few months. And mingle that with the anti-chinese feelings shown in the last Chinese official visit to Athens.

There's an interesting article in the Jerusalem Post which though is pro-settler, has condemned the rise of the lawless extreme rightist youths whose violence has undermined the settler movement from within. The Hebron incident that has blown out into other parts of Israel shows the movement is imploding. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702464902&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Meanwhile it's raining this evening - after almost 7 weeks within rain. It's terribly cold and I was returning from Terra Santa College where I was working the whole day. The guys at Cancao Nova drove me back to Damascus Gate as I had nothing to protect myself from the rain and cold (I only had a sweater - no raincoat, winter jacket or scarf or hat); and Fr Arlon lent me his leather jacket. However he forgot to take his mobile phone which he left in the pocket. I'll have to return it to him tomorrow morning. After 8 and a half hours of non-stop work, I'm thoroughly exhausted and want to sleep now - without dinner. And I was told that Thiago (remember him? He's back in Brasil for his holidays) is being sent back to Jerusalem - terrible I thought! The poor guy should be preparing for marriage in Brasil; instead he'll have to hold it off for another year! Poor chap. Marcio (his work colleague and mine) and I feel bad for Thiago. We'll pray for him and his girlfriend.

Immaculate Conception

Today is the feast of the Sacrifice for Muslims and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception for Catholics. I think the Orthodox Church is also celebrating a feast because the bells of the Holy Sepulchre were ringing this morning.

The muslims began to gather in the Al-Aksa mosque early at 4am and prayers were sung throughout the morning. Crowds and crowds of people. By 8am the prayers were finished and the muslims began to gather in certain areas of the city to kill the sheep/goats. I saw some of the sacrifice slaughter just outside St Stephan's Gate when I was going out to meet our Custody treasurer. Military presence in the Old City was stepped up even all the way to the 6th Station (which is rarely or ever under surveillance). Anyway all the muslim shops are closed today for the feast. Schools are closed till Wednesday - including Cahtolic schools since most of our students are muslim. The streets are pretty festive despite the soldiers around.

And for us, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is special because it was formally proposed and defendent by Franciscan John Duns Scotus almost 700 years ago. It was rejected by theologians and Scotus was relegated to the backwaters of history till the apparition at Lourdes when Mary told Bernadette she is the Immaculate Conception, just a few years after it was defined as a dogma in our Church. Here's a prayer:
Immaculate Virgin Mary, you were pleasing in the sight of God from the first moment of your conception in the womb of your mother, St Anne. You were chosen to be the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I believe the teaching of Holy Mother the Church, that in the first instant of your conception, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race and your beloved Son, you were preserved from all stain of original sin. I thank God for this wonderful privilege and grace He bestowed upon you as I honour your Immaculate Conception. Look graciously upon me as I implore this special favour: (Mention your request). Virgin Immaculate, Mother of God and my Mother, from your throne in heaven, turn your eyes of pity upon me. Filled with confidence in your goodness and power, I beg you to help me in this journey of life, which is so full of dangers of my soul. I entrust myself entirely to you, that I may never be the slave of the devil through sin, but may always live a humble and pure life. I consecrate myself to you forever, for my only desire is to love your Divine Son Jesus. Mary, since none of your devout servants has ever perished, may I, too, be saved. Amen.

In the meantime, the rabbis here in Israel have declared that the Jewish youths (http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702465920&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull)who attacked the Israeli soldiers, rioted and destroyed Palestinian property the past week are a "fringe element" that has rejected rabbinical authority and political authority. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702466178&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull They are very dangerous as a result and extremist rightwing groups are fanning their ardour; such as D. Weis whom some politicians are calling for her arrest. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702466172&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull In fact now the rightwingers are turning on their own Israeli govt. as the culprits. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702464908&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

No time

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has issued a brave report on the escalating violation of human rights in Israel. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702451486&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Well if they can extend that to anti-Christianity that is no less flagrant here.... beginning with spitting at the faces of Christians. I don't see them having the courage to spit at a muslim, for example.

Yesterday was a quiet day. Managed to do a few verses of my research analysis. And it was very cold. At 5pm I decided I needed to get out and take a walk. It was pretty dark by then, so I thought Ephrem might want to come along as well, which he did. We walked up the Way of the Cross to the 7th Station and then further up to the new supermarket Tannour to get some buns for Sunday breakfast. We also got some detergent. Then we walked back to the house. It was good to get some fresh air.

These few days my asthma has come back with a vengeance - quite severe wheezing. And I must be deaf as well because this week I simply can't hear the bell ringing for Vespers. And both my knees and calves have broken out in rashes.

Today the new students go on excursion to Galilee (6 days) so classes are suspended this week. That's good because now I can use the library freely, and go to make my monthly checkup at Nazareth's hospital (which I missed for the past month). So much to do, so little time to do it.

No incidents

The muslim feast of the Sacrifice is reaching it's climax. Damascus Gate is filled with people - merchants selling toys, sweets etc..., others going to the mosques. I went to meet the Custos of Singapore, Fr Michael D'Cruz who arrived with a group. We had dinner at the Legacy and chatted on many things. Security was very tight all around the Old City. Only arab men above 45 yrs were allowed to enter the City. Luckily there was no incident.

This morning Michael came to the Flagellation for Mass with his group. I served as altar boy (!) and gave a short talk after Mass to the people. Among the group was the head altarboy of my parish back in Singapore. He knows my nephew Justin who's a junior altarboy there. Couldn't convince the guy to stay back in Jerusalem and be a franciscan.

This morning the muslims were bring goats back to their homes to prepare for the sacrifice that they will celebrate tomorrow. They believe Abraham had tried to offer Ishmail (not Isaac) as a sacrifice but instead God directed Abraham to sacrifice a ram in the boy's place. Hope the celebration will pass without incident.

Thanks to Fr Massimo Luca for his contribution to Gaza to buy water-purification pills. And Angelina Khoo for her offering also.

Thanks

Thanks to the Thursday evening class for their generous donation:
Portia Pang, Susannah Chua, Patrick Leung, Garley Wong, Louisa & Brian Tam, Ellen & Johnny Tong, Susan AuYeung, Sam & Nina Ip, Julia Lai, Lau Fai Fung, Paul Chan, Stella Lo, Iris Lee, Ma Fung Ming, Ho Hei Ming, Ma Kim Yee, May Yu, Luk Shuk Ying (Mrs Ng Chun Hon), Grace Ma, Agnes Leung & Sister Regina Tao.

Your gift will help make Christmas a healthier one for the many children in the various regions here. They are not asking for computer games or nice clothes. All they want is a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a Dettol soap to keep them clean and germ-free. And it cost only US$3.

Judea a military zone

Judea is now declared a military zone as fear of widespread violence wraps the region. This is the result of Israeli soldiers forcefully removing Jewish settlers in Palestinian land near Hebron this morning. In retaliation to this forced removal, the settler supporters have attacked Palestinian property, burning and rioting. This is not good news as the muslims are converging into Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Sacrifice. A potential powder keg. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702434796&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Jerusalem is in Judea, so I don't know how this declaration of military zone is going to affect us. One thing for sure - stay at home is safest.

enough is enough

So I was coming home, walking up the Way of the Cross. Stopped by to speak with Hasan, the shop keeper near our place. Broad daylight - 4pm. As I got out onto the streets, someone from the 2nd floor spat on my head. An arab family lives up there. Enough is enough.

I got home and told our arab porter Mahjed. He was furious and went out into the streets looking for the culprit. Hasan came out as well and went up to the house above but the people there denied having spat at me.

It is becoming quite a tradition here - spitting at Christians. And I am fed up with it. Jerusalem is no longer the place it used to be. The hatred and aggression has spread its roots to every conceivable facet of life. It is now a battleground of beasts.

Christmas generosity

One would have thought after living here for so many years, I would not be shocked by anything in the Old City. But shocked I was when I visited some of the "houses" (really apartments) in the Old City. Small cubicles where a family is crammed - one room that serves as bedroom, dining room, kitchen... everything, a small toilet in a corner, walls cracked and leaking, roofs leaking, damp and fungus growing on the walls. It's like the walled city of Kowloon City minus the cages. So that's how some families are living in here. Appalling. There's so much need to repair these cubicles - about 92 of them at the moment so that some appearance of normalcy is in place.

The Franciscan Sisters in charge of Caritas Baby Hospital just (literally 35 seconds ago) called to say thank you for your help. They received your donations and it will go a long way to keep the babies healthy and warm.

The Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa) in Nablus (biblical Shechem) and Gaza also wrote to say thanks for your kind donations. Right now I'm buying toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap for them to distribute as basic hygiene is a major problem in those poor places. Because of lack of hygiene, the kids get sick and need the doctor and they can't pay for it, so the vicious cycle continues. By providing basic hygiene, we hope to break this cycle. The warm packs are coming very handy for all of them who have no heating this cold winter. What we now need is water purification pills. if we can't get them, then I'll resort to using ketapang leaves for them.

The Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul (orphanage in Bethpage) also thank you all - especially the St Vincent de Paul society of St Andrew's parish - for your support to helping the 28 orphans have proper schooling, food and clothes.

And of course Fr Vincenzo thanks you all for helping the poor families in Musky (Cairo). Right now with your help, you're sponsoring 6 children for food and schooling. We hope to sponsor more children in the coming months. By providing food and education, they can better their lives and future, thus breaking away from the cycle of poverty that has gripped their families for generations. Christmas is coming and Fr Vincenzo and his community will do a big cookout with meat to feed these children in our parish hall.

And finally Mr Kassis thanks you all for your generous help to his family. He is still in need of help though, so if you're thinking of doing something meaningful this Christmas, spare a thought for these poor families and send your donations in.

And we all here in the Holyland especially your beneficiaries will pray for you and your family, that God will reward your generosity with His blessings for the new year. I will go to Bethlehem on Dec 24th to celebrate the Vigil Mass at Shepherds' Field for you all.

spiralling towards what?

Jewish aggression is on the rise as a reaction probably to the Mumbai massacre. Now they've stabbed an arab this morning in Jerusalem. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702408649&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull This follows the spitting incident at the friars (which has nothing to do with Mumbai) and other incidents mentioned in the news. What will be next?

No doubt an arab retaliation is in place ... and the spiral of violence will spin its way throughout this winter. Makes you think twice about going out.

Of instant noodles and the like

A group of East Malaysians are here making a pilgrimage - from Sabah and Sawarak. It was good to meet them as I know some of them in my previous talks in Sabah of the last few years. They came to my place to make the Way of the Cross and called on me. But not having much time, I decided to go meet them in their hotel last night - the Grand Court, which luckily is close by my place. We chatted and I landed up with packs of Instant Noodles that they didn't use and were not considering in bringing back home. And .... there was a pack of "bak gua" or "chu yuk kon" (can't give you the english equivalent because it's not kosher!!!!) which tasted soooo good.

Meantime am still working on my text for analysis ... the last few verses. But it's not really over because I'll still have to go over it and add more observations. Then I have about another 250 pages to go.

The nights have been frightfully chilly. Everyone has mentioned how cold the nights have become. I've finally taken out the down-blanket as the "hot air fan" is no longer enough to keep my room warm. Maybe a hot bowl of Tom Yam instant noodles will warm me up.

News update

For those of you interested in the situation in Israel in the past 24 hours:

There was a terror alert in Tel Aviv this morning. I heard there were roadblocks everywhere and most parts of the city were affected. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702392775&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

The 6 Israelis killed in Mumbai were brought home to rest this morning. But one victim's family has refused a State funeral because of their beliefs - as haridim Jews, they reject Zionism and the State of Israel. Nevertheless we pray for the repose of their souls. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702398037&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

This morning 1,500 Israeli rightwingers rampaged into Hebron to storm Israeli police for evacuating a Jewish settlement - which turned out to be a rumour. They clashed with local Hebron Palestinians. Also in Samaria rightwingers destroyed palestinian property. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702390742&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

And finally a tongue in cheek look at breaking the Kosher law: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702389284&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull