Wow did you know there're 18 cases of swine flu in Israel? But groups are still coming and people are continuing life as usual. The cases are all people coming from the States and they're quarantined so people don't feel afraid of contracting the flu. And there's only 1 case in Greece!
Swine flu may be sweeping through Israel quietly and not ruffling any feathers, but the recent week's calls by some Israeli MPs certainly are: eg. to ban Nakba Day (Palestinian commemoration of the Jewish occupation of the West Bank 40 years ago) and making it a crime to celebrate it; to enforce everyone wanting citizenship, to swear allegiance to the State of Israel.... and this is just the beginning. Eventually more pro-Zionist and racist laws will be proposed until all we non-Jews will be suffocated out of existance here. Local arabs are vowing retaliaiton today. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1243346507109&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Even some Zionists are alarmed at these extreme nationalist moves http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1243346506198&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Some Israeli prominent people are calling it racist, anti-democratic and against human rights.
But it looks like the MPs are playing on fear of arabs to get the bills passed. There's a nationwide emergency drill today in case of a missile attack from Iran, and reports of fighting in the West Bank; all drumming up fear so that people will support the bill. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1243346506725&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1243346507791&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Anyway by now you know Susan Boyle came in second - not that it matters much since she clearly has had offers to cut albums and do performances, so she'll still be making it big, bigger than Diversity the dance troupe that won. Dance troupes don't last long because the kids will grow up and live their own lives. But if you haven't caught Julian Smith the saxophonist who came in 3rd, go watch youtube the 1st audition and the semi-finals. Fantastic performance although I thought it was a little deja vu aka Kenny Gee. But he had a soul and that came though clearly in his performance, so good for him. As a professional music teacher, I'm sure he'll also cut some albums, do some performances and of course good advertisement for more students.
And this morning i went to the Holy Sepulchre at 4.30am to celebrate Mass. Got home at 6.15 am and cooked bacon and eggs - YES - bought the bacon last week at a non-kosher shop. But I had to go to the school's students' kitchen (next building 3 floors down) to fry the stuff. Brought it back to the monastery refectory and the few guys who got up early for breakfast whacked it all up! Even the superior and the dean got some. Obviously they loved it and made nice comments. After all it's the FIRST time in the history of this house (which is over 100 yrs old) that bacon-and-eggs was served at all! Mind you it's not likely to happen again. I just thought we needed a break from the breakfast that we've been having year in year out. Good to know I brought some smiles aorund the house. Looks like this morning I beat Diversity, Boyle and Smith all at once!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Pentecost vigil
Saturday. It's the eve of our Pentecost, and the student councillors of our faculty have organised a vigil Mass at the Franciscan Last Supper Room. Most of the students and professors are there now for the Mass. Other are joining the annual Marian procession that closes the month of Mary. It's a very popular thing - lots of locals attending. They have a great devotion to Mary, even if they don't go to Mass regularly. The procession begins at St Saviour Monastery and winds its way around the Christian Quarter. The scouts will be out in full force and the youths will do the usual race around the City Walls at the end of the procession.
I'm locking myself in my room - missed lunch and will miss dinner - because I really want to get my paper done by tonight. You must have heard this a million times now .... buthaving to read tonnes of German exegesis is really not easy. And especially today when I had a bad attack of asthma at 2am and have been awake since. I feel very tired and can't concentrate. But I must trudge on.
Tomorrow early morning I'll go to the Holy Sepulchre to say Mass for all of you - the Solemnity of Pentecost. Maybe the Holy SPirit will finish my paper for me.
I'm locking myself in my room - missed lunch and will miss dinner - because I really want to get my paper done by tonight. You must have heard this a million times now .... buthaving to read tonnes of German exegesis is really not easy. And especially today when I had a bad attack of asthma at 2am and have been awake since. I feel very tired and can't concentrate. But I must trudge on.
Tomorrow early morning I'll go to the Holy Sepulchre to say Mass for all of you - the Solemnity of Pentecost. Maybe the Holy SPirit will finish my paper for me.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Pentecost - the jewish feast
Today is Shavuot - the jewish Pentecost. Actually it began yesterday evening at sunset. Synagogues and other places were opened the whole night for Bible studies, since Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mt Sinai fifty days (pentecost) after their exodus from Egypt. Hundreds of Jews come and go to the Wailing Wall to pray but especially to read the Torah and listen to rabbinic explanations. I wish Christians could learn from this wonderful example and celebrate at least one day during the year the study of the Bible....like a marathon 24 hour bible study. Wanna try?
Meantime the exams have started here in school - students pacing up and down the hall waiting for their turn at the oral exams (it's mainly oral exams here for us). Got a few moments to speak with some of the 1st year students whom I've never spoken to (imagine 1 whole year!!!) and got to know them. One of the them is Johnny, a priest from Portugal who belongs to the Congregation of Silent Workers. Found out it's a congregation for handicap people, even those who'll eventually be bedridden like muscular dystrophy. They offer their whole lives and sufferings for the sake of the world and pray always while working as much as possible before they become disabled totally. It's a very unique congregation and deserves alot of support. I'll do a documentary on them later this year and you can watch it on Eternal Light Webcast. (Haven't heard of it yet? http://elwebcast.blogspot.com )
Meantime am writing like crazy my paper because I want to consign it to the Secretary tomorrow. Still lots of reading to do and summarising .... in german!!!!! Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!
Meantime the exams have started here in school - students pacing up and down the hall waiting for their turn at the oral exams (it's mainly oral exams here for us). Got a few moments to speak with some of the 1st year students whom I've never spoken to (imagine 1 whole year!!!) and got to know them. One of the them is Johnny, a priest from Portugal who belongs to the Congregation of Silent Workers. Found out it's a congregation for handicap people, even those who'll eventually be bedridden like muscular dystrophy. They offer their whole lives and sufferings for the sake of the world and pray always while working as much as possible before they become disabled totally. It's a very unique congregation and deserves alot of support. I'll do a documentary on them later this year and you can watch it on Eternal Light Webcast. (Haven't heard of it yet? http://elwebcast.blogspot.com )
Meantime am writing like crazy my paper because I want to consign it to the Secretary tomorrow. Still lots of reading to do and summarising .... in german!!!!! Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Shavuot
Tonight begins the Jewish feast of Shavuot - Pentecost - which this year is 2 days ahead of our Christian Pentecost. This agricultural feast also commemorates the giving of the Torah to the israelites on Mt. Sinai.
Have been busy finishing the last part of my paper. I want to hand it in before Monday so I can be free to do other things during the summer. But fat hopes. There's still lots of reading and writing to do .... but hopefully I get a breather during the summer, even if it's just a few days. The last lessons for this semester are being taught this week, and some exams have already begun. Everyone is ready for summer holidays. Another school year will soon be over.
The 4 baby canaries are doing fine and I think my another week, they should be able to be transferred to the large cage. Their mums have already started their second clutch, so the babies have been booted out of the nests. The cats are waiting gleefully to eat them.
The mornings here are beautiful - it's cool and breezy, and the birds are chirping as early as 4am when the sun rises. I'm usually up by then, and I love to watch the sun come out over the Mt. of Olives. The muezzin begins singing at 3.45am from the mosque opposite our place.
Have been busy finishing the last part of my paper. I want to hand it in before Monday so I can be free to do other things during the summer. But fat hopes. There's still lots of reading and writing to do .... but hopefully I get a breather during the summer, even if it's just a few days. The last lessons for this semester are being taught this week, and some exams have already begun. Everyone is ready for summer holidays. Another school year will soon be over.
The 4 baby canaries are doing fine and I think my another week, they should be able to be transferred to the large cage. Their mums have already started their second clutch, so the babies have been booted out of the nests. The cats are waiting gleefully to eat them.
The mornings here are beautiful - it's cool and breezy, and the birds are chirping as early as 4am when the sun rises. I'm usually up by then, and I love to watch the sun come out over the Mt. of Olives. The muezzin begins singing at 3.45am from the mosque opposite our place.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Elizabeth McNamer
By the way, Elizabeth McNamer is here in Israel digging at Bethsaida now. She'll be popping by Jerusalem where she'll help shoot a second series of reflections on the Book of Proverbs at our studios. If you want to watch her first series, go to Eternal Light Webcast http://elwebcast.blogspot.com where the first 6 reflections will be posted in the next 3 months.
The threat of war is looming over us - there's tension with Lebanon (arrest of Israeli spies; call to bump off Nasrallah etc...) and there's talk of a pre-emptive strike on Iran before it completes its nuclear plans. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1088065.html And next week there'll be a nationwide exercise on war evacuation and safety. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1243257906474&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Can't say its fun living here at the moment.
Yesterday I was a total wreck - didn't sleep for over 24 hours. Fr Paul Sun the chinese priest whom many of you sponsored, was leaving in the evening so the whole of Sunday I was with him, trying to tie up the loose ends and get things done. We celebrated Sunday Mass on Mt Calvary at 4.30am then went back to my monastery for breakfast, cleaned up the birdcages, then went off to the New City to buy necessities. Got back at 11.30am to do a little cleaning up of my room while Fr Paul went back to his hostel in Betphage on the Mt of Olives. Had lunch at home - it's getting pretty quiet as exams are on and next week begins summer holidays - many people have already left for their vacation. Did some work after lunch and then had an early dinner and left with Fr Paul for the airport at 8pm. Got home at 2am after sending him off - cool, dark, silent streets at that time of the morning. I was flat tired but - no sleep - becauseI had VC lessons at 4am. Then after that, went straight for mass at 6am, cleaned out the birdcages at 7am, had to go to St Saviour's monastery at 9am, etc..... I only got to sleep at 5pm. So totalling that up, it was over 36 hours without sleep of rest. Total wreck. Anyway I'm up at 1am and doing some work on my computer to catch up with the lost days.
Can't say its fun living here at the moment.
Yesterday I was a total wreck - didn't sleep for over 24 hours. Fr Paul Sun the chinese priest whom many of you sponsored, was leaving in the evening so the whole of Sunday I was with him, trying to tie up the loose ends and get things done. We celebrated Sunday Mass on Mt Calvary at 4.30am then went back to my monastery for breakfast, cleaned up the birdcages, then went off to the New City to buy necessities. Got back at 11.30am to do a little cleaning up of my room while Fr Paul went back to his hostel in Betphage on the Mt of Olives. Had lunch at home - it's getting pretty quiet as exams are on and next week begins summer holidays - many people have already left for their vacation. Did some work after lunch and then had an early dinner and left with Fr Paul for the airport at 8pm. Got home at 2am after sending him off - cool, dark, silent streets at that time of the morning. I was flat tired but - no sleep - becauseI had VC lessons at 4am. Then after that, went straight for mass at 6am, cleaned out the birdcages at 7am, had to go to St Saviour's monastery at 9am, etc..... I only got to sleep at 5pm. So totalling that up, it was over 36 hours without sleep of rest. Total wreck. Anyway I'm up at 1am and doing some work on my computer to catch up with the lost days.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Thanks from Fr Paul Sun
Fr Paul Sun, whom many of you have sponsored to study in Jerusalem, has finished his diploma course. Tonight he flies back home to China. He is very grateful to you for your kindness and generosity. Here are his words of thanks:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Eight months have passed so quickly. In the Holyland I have studied much, seen the places where Christ walked. I thank you whole heartedly for your material and spiritual help. I will always remember you all in my prayers. Today I return to my diocese to start my new mission. Let us be united in Christ and pray for each other. Thank you very much.
Fr Paul Sun
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Eight months have passed so quickly. In the Holyland I have studied much, seen the places where Christ walked. I thank you whole heartedly for your material and spiritual help. I will always remember you all in my prayers. Today I return to my diocese to start my new mission. Let us be united in Christ and pray for each other. Thank you very much.
Fr Paul Sun
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Fight
Yesterday was another hot day. And there was a gang fight in fonrt of our monastery at about 6pm. I was working at my computer when I heard lots of shouting. It got louder and so I went out to the terrace to see what was happening on the street below. Well, lots of other fathers were already out there peering down at the action. We all thought it was another arab attack on a jew - the tussle and shouting was now away from us down near the 3rd Station of the Cross. We all went back to our rooms when things appeared settled.
Then not more than 5 minutes later, it started again. This time I was the only one who went out to see. There was this huge group of arab youths, must have been 30 or so chasing a young guy who was shouting curses. He ran down our street towards our backdoor and some of the other guys caught up with him, pushed him to the ground and beat him. Others came up and headlocked him. They dragged him to the mosque next to our school - a very small one - and almost all the other guys went in as well except for 3 guys who stood watch at the door. Don't know what happened to him. I hope they just wanted to talk some sense into him. Anyway it was an internal thing - between 2 groups, we guess.
So you think it's fun living in my area?
Then not more than 5 minutes later, it started again. This time I was the only one who went out to see. There was this huge group of arab youths, must have been 30 or so chasing a young guy who was shouting curses. He ran down our street towards our backdoor and some of the other guys caught up with him, pushed him to the ground and beat him. Others came up and headlocked him. They dragged him to the mosque next to our school - a very small one - and almost all the other guys went in as well except for 3 guys who stood watch at the door. Don't know what happened to him. I hope they just wanted to talk some sense into him. Anyway it was an internal thing - between 2 groups, we guess.
So you think it's fun living in my area?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Jerusalem Day
It was Jerusalem Day today as well. Its the day when the Israeli army stormed into Jordanian held East Jerusalem (where I live) and united the city (West Jerusalem was under the Israelis) some 40 years back. Back then the Old City was divided into two; with the first 6 stations of Way of the Cross in Jordanian Palestine and the rest of the stations in Israel. You practically had to pass two countries in order to make the Way of the Cross. Now the city is united - in the eyes of the israelis. But for the arabs it's an occupaiton of their land. So you can imagine the tension. Even as I'm writing now I can hear an uproar at Damascus gate - some 500 metres away. Don't know if it's the Israelis in triumph or the arabs protesting. But it's frightening. The street is totally deserted on our side, with soldiers patrolling. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1087232.html
Even at 3.30pm this afternoon tensions were rising along my street. Hundreds of soldiers running up and down the streets, closing off roads within the Old City, shops shutting down and people locking themselves indoors. I was in the courtyard waiting for Fr Michael - who didn't come. There were some pilgrims visiting the chapels and our superior had just come out of the chapel after Eucharistic Adoration. Suddenly a dozen or so soldiers came up to our courtyard gate and entered with their weapons. This is not allowed. So I started shouting at them to get out and Majed our doorman tried to block the way. The soldiers left their weapons at the door and came in all the same. They wanted to survey our place to see if any arabs were hiding - because the israeli demonstration will pass by our gates as it does every year - fearing that someone might attack. One group went off to the Flagellation Chapel and another to the Condemnation chapel and one even tried to enter our monastery. I shouted at him to get out (man, I could have been shot if they had guns .. now that i think about it). They have no right to enter our monastery grounds without proper documents. One soldier protested that our flower pots above the ledge along the street are a danger as someone could push them down at the Israelis when they pass by. Well I urged the superior to close our chapels quickly for the rest of the day, and luckily the superior who was next to me ordered Majed to close our gates immediately and get the soldiers out. In fact I drove everyone out - even the pilgrims. I must say I was pretty mad.
Now the Israelis are marching through the muslim quarter that they conquered 40 years ago to unite the city, shouting triumphantly and provoking the arabs who're inside their houses. As with every year these people will vandalise our property - spray painting Zionist slogans on our doors, walls and anything they can reach. And as with every year, we'll have to repaint our gates and walls tomorrow.
Even at 3.30pm this afternoon tensions were rising along my street. Hundreds of soldiers running up and down the streets, closing off roads within the Old City, shops shutting down and people locking themselves indoors. I was in the courtyard waiting for Fr Michael - who didn't come. There were some pilgrims visiting the chapels and our superior had just come out of the chapel after Eucharistic Adoration. Suddenly a dozen or so soldiers came up to our courtyard gate and entered with their weapons. This is not allowed. So I started shouting at them to get out and Majed our doorman tried to block the way. The soldiers left their weapons at the door and came in all the same. They wanted to survey our place to see if any arabs were hiding - because the israeli demonstration will pass by our gates as it does every year - fearing that someone might attack. One group went off to the Flagellation Chapel and another to the Condemnation chapel and one even tried to enter our monastery. I shouted at him to get out (man, I could have been shot if they had guns .. now that i think about it). They have no right to enter our monastery grounds without proper documents. One soldier protested that our flower pots above the ledge along the street are a danger as someone could push them down at the Israelis when they pass by. Well I urged the superior to close our chapels quickly for the rest of the day, and luckily the superior who was next to me ordered Majed to close our gates immediately and get the soldiers out. In fact I drove everyone out - even the pilgrims. I must say I was pretty mad.
Now the Israelis are marching through the muslim quarter that they conquered 40 years ago to unite the city, shouting triumphantly and provoking the arabs who're inside their houses. As with every year these people will vandalise our property - spray painting Zionist slogans on our doors, walls and anything they can reach. And as with every year, we'll have to repaint our gates and walls tomorrow.
Ascension day
Today is Ascension Day. Vigils was sung just before midnight at the Crusader Chapel of the Ascension right at the top of Mt. of Olives. Then masses were celebrated every half hour till 9am this morning. I didn't go as I had to help the hebdom with mass at our chapel this morning. Surprisingly many of our guys didn't go to the Ascension Chapel (which today is a mosque but the muslims let us celebrate mass there once a year on Ascension Day).
Have to continue with my work now.
Have to continue with my work now.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
agony over
The weather has really turned summer for sure - we had two days of 35 degrees celsius. It was so hot but luckily there was a cool breeze blowing once in a while. We expect more this weather till September so if you're coming this way - be prepared!
Last Saturday and Sunday was pure agony. Somehow I woke up with my left knee very very painful. I couldn't support myself or walk. Didn't know why. The pain kept coming even when I was lying down in bed (which was most of the weekend) and I finally put on the brace to support my knee. I was really down and several of the fathers here were worried for me as they could see my pain. Finally on Monday I couldn't take it anymore and gave the knee and lower leg a hard push - enough to get the bones back in place. Then the pain stopped immediately and I could walk.
Now without the pain i can concentrate on my work and go down to the library for books. And the canaries get something to eat. The 3 baby Red factors have feathers now and are too big for their nest. They'll soon be flying.
Tonight begins Ascension Day. The friars are up on the Mt. of Olives now singing vespers at the crusader chapel of the Ascension - now a mosque - we're allowed by the muslims to celebrate mass once a year there. Then at midnight they'll go back again to sing Vigils. When it ends at 1am, there'll be masses every half hour until 9am when our Custos arrives for the solemn Mass. We put up tents there so the friars can stay overnight to help at the services. It'll be very tiring for everyone - except me i guess. Having just recovered from my knee pain, I'm not walking up the Mt of Olives for the celebrations. I'll stay home and preside at the morning Mass at 6.30am. Almost everyone would have gone up to the Mt of Olives so the house will be pretty quiet.
Last Saturday and Sunday was pure agony. Somehow I woke up with my left knee very very painful. I couldn't support myself or walk. Didn't know why. The pain kept coming even when I was lying down in bed (which was most of the weekend) and I finally put on the brace to support my knee. I was really down and several of the fathers here were worried for me as they could see my pain. Finally on Monday I couldn't take it anymore and gave the knee and lower leg a hard push - enough to get the bones back in place. Then the pain stopped immediately and I could walk.
Now without the pain i can concentrate on my work and go down to the library for books. And the canaries get something to eat. The 3 baby Red factors have feathers now and are too big for their nest. They'll soon be flying.
Tonight begins Ascension Day. The friars are up on the Mt. of Olives now singing vespers at the crusader chapel of the Ascension - now a mosque - we're allowed by the muslims to celebrate mass once a year there. Then at midnight they'll go back again to sing Vigils. When it ends at 1am, there'll be masses every half hour until 9am when our Custos arrives for the solemn Mass. We put up tents there so the friars can stay overnight to help at the services. It'll be very tiring for everyone - except me i guess. Having just recovered from my knee pain, I'm not walking up the Mt of Olives for the celebrations. I'll stay home and preside at the morning Mass at 6.30am. Almost everyone would have gone up to the Mt of Olives so the house will be pretty quiet.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Advertisement
An advert. in the paper HaAretz welcoming the pope: all signed by American rabbis.
http://www.faithindialogue.com/update/story.cfm?chnl=19&storyid=143
http://www.faithindialogue.com/update/story.cfm?chnl=19&storyid=143
Sunday, May 17, 2009
anti-Christ
The canary babies are down to 5 as all others have died. Poor parenting. But worse, I found out there were millions of mites. They even crawl up and hands and all over my body but because they're so small I usually don't see them till it's too late. So yesterday was exterminator day - removed the babies from their nests (throw the nests away); washed all the cages, and gave the parents a bath (actually 3 times); then swapped the babies with mild soap water. Now they're alot happier and friskier (???) chirping alot and bouncing on their nests. Well you would too if thousands of mites sucking your blood were removed.
Yesterday afternoon I decided to go to the Holy Sepulchre for the daily procession. Wanted to pray there for all you guys, as the pope said to us during his visit to the Tomb. It is always so good to be back at the Sepulchre. Then I went to Rossini's for dinner with Osvalda our librarian. They served a lovely appetiser "free of charge"; and for dessert I indulged in a chocolate souffle with vanilla ice-cream - like wow! that was soooooo good it'll last me the entire month!
And the weather has changed to typical summer winds - the hamsin which is hot, dry and sometimes suffocating.
Meanwhile Israel has always defended its occupation of Palestinian land and settling Israelis there as part of "natural growth" - ie the growing Israeli population need more space to live in. Now HaAretz (newspaper) reports that it's not true because 1/3 of settlers are not from the country but immigrants. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1086050.html
And now it's anti-semitism when Israeli leftists attack the Jewish Orthodox (right) - interesting phrase used "It makes no difference whether the racist is an Arab-hating Kahanist or a Haredim-hating leftist: He is still a racist." http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085474.html
I wonder if this extends to those Israelis who spit and abuse Christians. I was spat on this morning at 5.20am when I was walking up to the Holy Sepulchre. No one else was on the road till round a side street came an Israeli with his bodyguard who promptly spat twice. And read this article on the Jerusalem Post on the widespread anti-Catholicism in Israel: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212379456&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull quote ""In the long exile, there was a genuine fear among Jews, born out of past demonizing of the Jews by the Church. In response, many Jews have demonized the Church and developed widespread conspiracy theories. We have brought with us from the exile these prejudices, and they have remained despite over 60 years of political independence. We had the opportunity to cleanse ourselves of them. Instead, the state of Israel, in agreeing to host the pope in an honorable, respectable fashion, is perceived by many Israelis as playing the duped collaborator." "
There's a word for Christian-hating people in the Bible - it's "anti-Christ". I met an anti-Christ this morning while going to the Tomb of Christ.
Yesterday afternoon I decided to go to the Holy Sepulchre for the daily procession. Wanted to pray there for all you guys, as the pope said to us during his visit to the Tomb. It is always so good to be back at the Sepulchre. Then I went to Rossini's for dinner with Osvalda our librarian. They served a lovely appetiser "free of charge"; and for dessert I indulged in a chocolate souffle with vanilla ice-cream - like wow! that was soooooo good it'll last me the entire month!
And the weather has changed to typical summer winds - the hamsin which is hot, dry and sometimes suffocating.
Meanwhile Israel has always defended its occupation of Palestinian land and settling Israelis there as part of "natural growth" - ie the growing Israeli population need more space to live in. Now HaAretz (newspaper) reports that it's not true because 1/3 of settlers are not from the country but immigrants. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1086050.html
And now it's anti-semitism when Israeli leftists attack the Jewish Orthodox (right) - interesting phrase used "It makes no difference whether the racist is an Arab-hating Kahanist or a Haredim-hating leftist: He is still a racist." http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085474.html
I wonder if this extends to those Israelis who spit and abuse Christians. I was spat on this morning at 5.20am when I was walking up to the Holy Sepulchre. No one else was on the road till round a side street came an Israeli with his bodyguard who promptly spat twice. And read this article on the Jerusalem Post on the widespread anti-Catholicism in Israel: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212379456&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull quote ""In the long exile, there was a genuine fear among Jews, born out of past demonizing of the Jews by the Church. In response, many Jews have demonized the Church and developed widespread conspiracy theories. We have brought with us from the exile these prejudices, and they have remained despite over 60 years of political independence. We had the opportunity to cleanse ourselves of them. Instead, the state of Israel, in agreeing to host the pope in an honorable, respectable fashion, is perceived by many Israelis as playing the duped collaborator." "
There's a word for Christian-hating people in the Bible - it's "anti-Christ". I met an anti-Christ this morning while going to the Tomb of Christ.
voila!
Here it is - the real purpose for inviting the pope to Israel: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212388469&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull The article says "In conjunction with the papal visit to Israel, the IDF also decided to open a site at the southern end of the Jordan River known as Qasr al-Yahud, where, according to tradition, John baptized Jesus. The site is located on the eastern side of the border fence with Jordan even though it is officially in Israeli territory, and has been closed for years. " Well that's because it's facing big competition from the baptismal site in Jordan that was blessed by the Pope last week.
Friday, May 15, 2009
bye bye
It's just after lunch now, and I could hear the papal helicopters booming 3 km away from our monastery. I wanted to go up to the terrace and see it; also brought along the dean and the ex-dean. We saw the helicopter landing and then taking off. It should head for the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv soon and the departure ceremony will soon be conducted.
Some more news about the visit. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/15/pope.visit/index.html
The pope's final words in front of the Empty Tomb was very meaningful. He wanted to tell the priests and religious living here in the Holyland that they have a mission: to look after the sacred sites of christianity, but also to pray for the whole world because we are closest to these holy places. This resounded what transpired last night after dinner along the corridor when I was with Jean Paul and Rosario (my classmate 18 yrs back and now secretary of our school). I said life can be so meaningless living here in this land of war and suffering; and Rosario said that we take our presence here in the Holyland for granted, or rather we're so used to it we fail to see how special our misison here is. When people ask where we're working, we say as a matter of fact "in Jerusalem"; but that always draw astonishment and surprise from people. They see it as something so special, so blessed, so unique to work here in the Holyland. So maybe the pope's words resonating Rosario's words was meant for me to reflect and appreciate my misison here. Anyway I did say to Rosario that if no priest can be found to replace Fr Manuel in Gaza, I'm ready to go. I'll have to study hard my arabic first though!
Some more news about the visit. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/15/pope.visit/index.html
The pope's final words in front of the Empty Tomb was very meaningful. He wanted to tell the priests and religious living here in the Holyland that they have a mission: to look after the sacred sites of christianity, but also to pray for the whole world because we are closest to these holy places. This resounded what transpired last night after dinner along the corridor when I was with Jean Paul and Rosario (my classmate 18 yrs back and now secretary of our school). I said life can be so meaningless living here in this land of war and suffering; and Rosario said that we take our presence here in the Holyland for granted, or rather we're so used to it we fail to see how special our misison here is. When people ask where we're working, we say as a matter of fact "in Jerusalem"; but that always draw astonishment and surprise from people. They see it as something so special, so blessed, so unique to work here in the Holyland. So maybe the pope's words resonating Rosario's words was meant for me to reflect and appreciate my misison here. Anyway I did say to Rosario that if no priest can be found to replace Fr Manuel in Gaza, I'm ready to go. I'll have to study hard my arabic first though!
Drawing to an end ......
So the pope's pilgrimage is ending in a couple of hours. Security in the Old City right now is so tight - literally thousands of police and soldiers are patrolling the streets here. Well it's Friday as well so the streets are also packed with muslims coming to pray in the Dome of the Rock esplanade. And Jews are beginning their Sabbath preparations. Israel is not taking any chances.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212382821&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085823.html
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212382821&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085823.html
Read this!
WOW you've just got to read this one! Eugenics and Jews - http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085596.html I doubt you'll ever read more of this in the media.
The Pope is right now in the Old City visiting the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilus II and will soon make his way to the Holy Sepulchre. I'm at home and so are the rest of the guys here. We weren't invited to join in the event - either for security reasons or more likely to make room for more local christians to attend. I'm watching it on the internet.
All streets to the Holy Sepulchre were closed so this morning several convent of nuns who usually attend morning mass at the Sepulchre had to come join our monastery mass. It was quite a crowd in our Flagellation chapel.
Well the pope hasn't left the Holyland yet - he will this afternoon - but the bashing has started. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085705.html and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212379918&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Oh the pope is now inside the Tomb - it's a fantastic symbol. 2000 yrs ago Peter came running to see the Tomb with the Beloved Disciple .... now the successor of Peter returns to see the Tomb - and guess what? after 2000 years, it's still empty!!!!! That's what the Custos of the Holyland is now singing at the door of the Tomb while the pope (exited from the Tomb just) sits opposite. "He is not here! He is resurrected!"
The Pope is right now in the Old City visiting the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilus II and will soon make his way to the Holy Sepulchre. I'm at home and so are the rest of the guys here. We weren't invited to join in the event - either for security reasons or more likely to make room for more local christians to attend. I'm watching it on the internet.
All streets to the Holy Sepulchre were closed so this morning several convent of nuns who usually attend morning mass at the Sepulchre had to come join our monastery mass. It was quite a crowd in our Flagellation chapel.
Well the pope hasn't left the Holyland yet - he will this afternoon - but the bashing has started. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085705.html and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212379918&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Oh the pope is now inside the Tomb - it's a fantastic symbol. 2000 yrs ago Peter came running to see the Tomb with the Beloved Disciple .... now the successor of Peter returns to see the Tomb - and guess what? after 2000 years, it's still empty!!!!! That's what the Custos of the Holyland is now singing at the door of the Tomb while the pope (exited from the Tomb just) sits opposite. "He is not here! He is resurrected!"
The devil you know ....
Israeli newspaper is quick to play on the dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church's response to the Holocaust against the ready apologetic Evangelicals. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212366444&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Playing on such a rift between the Catholics and the Evangelicals is of course advantageous since the Evangelicals make up 70% of the tourist traffic into Israel, are adament Zionist Christians and rake in big money into the Holyland. However patting them on the back, calling them buddies.... does not cover the fact that they are evangelicals - something that we have experience with and the Israelis don't - no solid theology and tradition, eclectic belief system ..... all it takes is a "prophet" to come and say something contrary, and you'll see the entire evangelical movement turn on its head, "moved by the Spirit" so to say. The author fo this article is an evangelical christian who's also playing on the privilege it enjoys from the present Ministry of Tourism .... but trying to drive a wedge between Jews and Catholics is not a wise thing to do, especially with a motive to advance your own privileges. Judaism and the Catholic Church have been around for the past 2000 years; Evangelical christianity is only 270 years old (not 400 as the author claims; an example of selective / manipulative use of information, trying to link it with Luther's reformation). It cannot claim to be part of the Catholic Church as the article is nuancing; yet another example of selective / manipulative use of information. And I wonder if evangelical christianity has never had a moment of anti-semitism as the author claims (actually he was nuancing the entire Protestant history) .... well read up your history, folks.
Just read this critique by a post-evangelical christian on the CS Monitor "Evangelicalism doesn't need a bailout. Much of it needs a funeral. " http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0310/p09s01-coop.html And watch the key phrase "the money will dry out" - evangelicalism is pumping "billions of dollars ... on youth ministers, Christian music, publishing, and media has produced a culture of young Christians who know next to nothing about their own faith except how they feel about it. ... young people have deep beliefs about the culture war, but do not know why they should obey scripture, the essentials of theology, or the experience of spiritual discipline and community. Coming generations of Christians are going to be monumentally ignorant and unprepared for culture-wide pressures." When the money goes, so will tourism.
Israel has no experience with the new evangelical movement as it has with the Catholic Church for 2000 years - albeit stormy at times. She can be all supportive of the movement for the moment for all the advantages it brings before it fizzles out, but she ought to know history better than any other country on earth. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. Remember, you never know where the Spirit blows.
Just read this critique by a post-evangelical christian on the CS Monitor "Evangelicalism doesn't need a bailout. Much of it needs a funeral. " http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0310/p09s01-coop.html And watch the key phrase "the money will dry out" - evangelicalism is pumping "billions of dollars ... on youth ministers, Christian music, publishing, and media has produced a culture of young Christians who know next to nothing about their own faith except how they feel about it. ... young people have deep beliefs about the culture war, but do not know why they should obey scripture, the essentials of theology, or the experience of spiritual discipline and community. Coming generations of Christians are going to be monumentally ignorant and unprepared for culture-wide pressures." When the money goes, so will tourism.
Israel has no experience with the new evangelical movement as it has with the Catholic Church for 2000 years - albeit stormy at times. She can be all supportive of the movement for the moment for all the advantages it brings before it fizzles out, but she ought to know history better than any other country on earth. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. Remember, you never know where the Spirit blows.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
News
The Mass at Nazareth was simply incredible - the mountain side was filled with people. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212372695&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8050604.stm
Meanwhile the meeting between the PM and the pope went off better than expected - both sides were pleased. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212378085&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085607.html and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8050334.stm
Anyway I missed vespers because I went up to our terrace to see the papal helicopter arrive. There were three - presumably the other two carried the pope's entourage. They had just arrived in Jerusalem Mt. Scopus after the full-day visit to Nazareth. I saw the helicopters land and after a few minutes, the motorcade passed over the new road leading toward the Mt. of Olives - police cars flashing their lights and sounding their sirens while all the traffic stopped.
Tomorrow morning the pope will visit the Greek Patriarch and then make a solemn entrance into the Holy Sepulchre where the franciscans will welcome him and accompany him into the basilica where the pope will preach in front of the Empty Tomb and then pray up on Mt. Calvary which is also inside the basilica. Parts of the Old City will be closed off from tonight. So no wandering in the night or mornings for the locals. it's like a curfew.
Meanwhile the meeting between the PM and the pope went off better than expected - both sides were pleased. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212378085&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085607.html and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8050334.stm
Anyway I missed vespers because I went up to our terrace to see the papal helicopter arrive. There were three - presumably the other two carried the pope's entourage. They had just arrived in Jerusalem Mt. Scopus after the full-day visit to Nazareth. I saw the helicopters land and after a few minutes, the motorcade passed over the new road leading toward the Mt. of Olives - police cars flashing their lights and sounding their sirens while all the traffic stopped.
Tomorrow morning the pope will visit the Greek Patriarch and then make a solemn entrance into the Holy Sepulchre where the franciscans will welcome him and accompany him into the basilica where the pope will preach in front of the Empty Tomb and then pray up on Mt. Calvary which is also inside the basilica. Parts of the Old City will be closed off from tonight. So no wandering in the night or mornings for the locals. it's like a curfew.
sense and sensibility
An American Rabbi defends the pope. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085164.html
And one sensible article on the role of religion in the Middle East. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085539.html
And one sensible article on the role of religion in the Middle East. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085539.html
Papal Mass in Nazareth
The pope is now celebrating Mass on the Mt. of Precipice in Nazareth. What a fantastic crowd! It's the largest so far to gather for the pope's visit! We think it's over 40,000 people! http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242212372695&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull From the TV we saw our Missionaries of Charity, and all the Carmelite nuns from Nazareth! We friars from Judea are not joining the celebrations in Galilee but are preparing for tomorrow when the pope visits the Holy Sepulchre and pays a courtesy visit to the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilus II. Security will be super tight in the Old City.
More news on the Nazareth visit:
http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085505.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8049377.stm
More news on the Nazareth visit:
http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1085505.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8049377.stm
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
local christians
The truth of local Christians' plight; no one dares to speak outright because of the extremist backlash, so the basic reaction is silence, a denial, a smile. You'll never know when you'll come home alive for speaking out against the persecution. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242029511696&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
A tragic example of the plight of local Christians: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8047401.stm
A tragic example of the plight of local Christians: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8047401.stm
Mass yesterday and today
Yesterday's papal Mass at the Kidron valley (lying between the Old City and the Mt. of Olives) was something ...... of a letdown. Security was super tight. Though the mass began at 4.30pm, we had to leave at 12.30pm to line up under the scorching sun, x-rayed and frisked, then a very long wait under the sun again till the Mass began. There was a tension in the air. The pope had just been criticised for his yad Vashem speech and the sheikh had hijacked the conference that made the pope walk out. Thousands of Jewish protesters had gathered near the pope's residence on the Mt of Olives ..... rumour has it that they had planned to harm the pope. Also in the Old City, small muslim children were taught in school to throw stones at the pope and spit at him. I learn this from the little children themselves when I spoke to them yesterday. So there was a terrible tension in the air when the pope arrived for Mass.
The crowd was noticeably very small - mainly foreign pilgrims and religious nuns. Even the number of priests were very limited. There was no enthusiasm, no chanting "Benedetto", no dancing and singing spontaneously ..... it was pretty subdued. Soldiers lined both sides of the vally, and I noticed a soldier with boniculars on the western slope with a machinegun aimed at the altar. I told some of the other priests and no one believed it till they squinted and saw it themselves. We notified our heads who also didn't believe it till they saw it themselves. That's security - anyone unauthorised who dares to near the altar or the pope will get shot on the spot.
The liturgy was quite interesting - especially the singing of the 2nd reading in Byzantine tone, and there was an unscheduled intercessory prayer in Armenian. Other than that, all we could remember was the scorching sun - everyone was burnt red and we all had headaches last night.
During communion I remembered you all - everyone I could visualise - and all your intentions at the papal altar.
I left for Bethlehem at 8pm after the Mass ended. Stayed overnight but got up real early to go to Manger Square in front of the Basilica of the Nativity for the 2nd papal Mass this morning. Reached the Square at 6.45am but found it quite empty - with only several priests from the Ecole Biblique. I wondered where the rest of the Jerusalem friars were. Much later at about 8am they arrived. They said there was miscommunicaiton between the Israeli and Palestinian sides so their 2 busloads of friars were stuck at the checkpoint. Lucky me .... my choice to come early saved me from that aweful experience of standing at the security checkpoint, no knowing what would happen.
Now here the Mass was packed packed packed!!!! And we had Catholics from Gaza and other refugee camps like Jenin, Zebibde and even Taybe and other West Bank districts closed by Israeli security. And many women wore traditional bedoiun costumes. It was like a carneval - the combined choir was leading in songs and chanting "Benedetto! benvenuto!" (Benedict! Welcome!) It was a stark contrast from yesterday's sombre (one nun said it was like a funeral) mood. Here in Bethlehem, people were standing on chairs, singing, waving flags, interrupting the homily with shouts and claps.
The liturgy was an eclectic mix - we had another lovely 2nd reading sung in Byzantine tone (that's the Greek rite) and we had the Alleluia and gospel reading sung in Syriac tone (Syriac is a close relative of Aramaic spoken by Christ). It was very unique and beautiful - and reminded everyone our aramaic/syriac/greek roots of our Church.
There was a scorching sun - Mass began at 10.30am - and ended at 12pm. We were burnt to a crisp. It was unbelievably hot and because there were no clouds, the sunrays beat directly down and peel off the skin from your flesh. During communion I prayed for everyone one of you like I did yesterday. It was a quite moment but very intense.
After Mass the pope went to greet the Christians from Gaza - everything broke lose - a security nightmare. All the refugees rushed to plead with the pope for help and the security had to surround the pope to protect him and whisk him off quickly. Palestinian security was pretty tough as well. Snipers on every rooftop in Manger Square. Anyway the pope had a special reception for these Gazans in our franciscan monastery.
As soon as the pope was gone - other people rushed up to the altar, stripping every flower from the stage to bring home as souvenirs. Others rushed to have their photos taken at the pope's throne. Total chaos. But that's the Middle East for you. You cannot deny the joy and enthusiasm that was so much lacking in yesterday's Mass.
Tomorrow the pope will celebrate Mass at the Mt of Precipice in Nazareth up in the north. I'm not going because it's an event for the friars of the north - they couldn't come down south for these two days' events. Hope they'll enjoy themselves!
The crowd was noticeably very small - mainly foreign pilgrims and religious nuns. Even the number of priests were very limited. There was no enthusiasm, no chanting "Benedetto", no dancing and singing spontaneously ..... it was pretty subdued. Soldiers lined both sides of the vally, and I noticed a soldier with boniculars on the western slope with a machinegun aimed at the altar. I told some of the other priests and no one believed it till they squinted and saw it themselves. We notified our heads who also didn't believe it till they saw it themselves. That's security - anyone unauthorised who dares to near the altar or the pope will get shot on the spot.
The liturgy was quite interesting - especially the singing of the 2nd reading in Byzantine tone, and there was an unscheduled intercessory prayer in Armenian. Other than that, all we could remember was the scorching sun - everyone was burnt red and we all had headaches last night.
During communion I remembered you all - everyone I could visualise - and all your intentions at the papal altar.
I left for Bethlehem at 8pm after the Mass ended. Stayed overnight but got up real early to go to Manger Square in front of the Basilica of the Nativity for the 2nd papal Mass this morning. Reached the Square at 6.45am but found it quite empty - with only several priests from the Ecole Biblique. I wondered where the rest of the Jerusalem friars were. Much later at about 8am they arrived. They said there was miscommunicaiton between the Israeli and Palestinian sides so their 2 busloads of friars were stuck at the checkpoint. Lucky me .... my choice to come early saved me from that aweful experience of standing at the security checkpoint, no knowing what would happen.
Now here the Mass was packed packed packed!!!! And we had Catholics from Gaza and other refugee camps like Jenin, Zebibde and even Taybe and other West Bank districts closed by Israeli security. And many women wore traditional bedoiun costumes. It was like a carneval - the combined choir was leading in songs and chanting "Benedetto! benvenuto!" (Benedict! Welcome!) It was a stark contrast from yesterday's sombre (one nun said it was like a funeral) mood. Here in Bethlehem, people were standing on chairs, singing, waving flags, interrupting the homily with shouts and claps.
The liturgy was an eclectic mix - we had another lovely 2nd reading sung in Byzantine tone (that's the Greek rite) and we had the Alleluia and gospel reading sung in Syriac tone (Syriac is a close relative of Aramaic spoken by Christ). It was very unique and beautiful - and reminded everyone our aramaic/syriac/greek roots of our Church.
There was a scorching sun - Mass began at 10.30am - and ended at 12pm. We were burnt to a crisp. It was unbelievably hot and because there were no clouds, the sunrays beat directly down and peel off the skin from your flesh. During communion I prayed for everyone one of you like I did yesterday. It was a quite moment but very intense.
After Mass the pope went to greet the Christians from Gaza - everything broke lose - a security nightmare. All the refugees rushed to plead with the pope for help and the security had to surround the pope to protect him and whisk him off quickly. Palestinian security was pretty tough as well. Snipers on every rooftop in Manger Square. Anyway the pope had a special reception for these Gazans in our franciscan monastery.
As soon as the pope was gone - other people rushed up to the altar, stripping every flower from the stage to bring home as souvenirs. Others rushed to have their photos taken at the pope's throne. Total chaos. But that's the Middle East for you. You cannot deny the joy and enthusiasm that was so much lacking in yesterday's Mass.
Tomorrow the pope will celebrate Mass at the Mt of Precipice in Nazareth up in the north. I'm not going because it's an event for the friars of the north - they couldn't come down south for these two days' events. Hope they'll enjoy themselves!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Update
The embarressment caused by the sheikh who's unscheduled tirade at the conference last night has been condemned by the Vatican and Israel. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1084738.html
And the Israeli paper Haaretz carries a scathing appraisal of the pope's speech at the Holocaust memorial. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1084827.html Even the Jerusalem Post stepped up it's attack on the Vatican http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242029498309&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
This morning I went out to do an errand - buy some stoles specially made for the papal Mass (made in Thailand by the way). It's pretty cheap - 100 shekels (23 US$) each and several of the guys here wanted it. But I had to walk up to the Notre Dame Centre in the New City (where the sheikh's tirade took place) but all the offices were closed. In fact most parts of the Christian Quarter if the Old City was closed. There were actually 4 barracades at the New Gate! Tonnes of soldiers everywhere. The latin patriarchate which is directly inside the New Gate is totally closed off because the pope will be there to pray the regina coeli and have lunch there.
There're also lots of soldiers on our street; and on the rooftops especially at the Omarriya School directly opposite our monastery because it looks into the Dome of the Rock mosque where the pope is visiting this morning.
This evening I'll be travelling to Bethlehem and staying overnight so that I can join the papal Mass there in the morning. That means no Wed. lunch talk and Wed. evening class. Instead I'll be in Bethlehem praying for you all.
And the Israeli paper Haaretz carries a scathing appraisal of the pope's speech at the Holocaust memorial. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1084827.html Even the Jerusalem Post stepped up it's attack on the Vatican http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242029498309&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
This morning I went out to do an errand - buy some stoles specially made for the papal Mass (made in Thailand by the way). It's pretty cheap - 100 shekels (23 US$) each and several of the guys here wanted it. But I had to walk up to the Notre Dame Centre in the New City (where the sheikh's tirade took place) but all the offices were closed. In fact most parts of the Christian Quarter if the Old City was closed. There were actually 4 barracades at the New Gate! Tonnes of soldiers everywhere. The latin patriarchate which is directly inside the New Gate is totally closed off because the pope will be there to pray the regina coeli and have lunch there.
There're also lots of soldiers on our street; and on the rooftops especially at the Omarriya School directly opposite our monastery because it looks into the Dome of the Rock mosque where the pope is visiting this morning.
This evening I'll be travelling to Bethlehem and staying overnight so that I can join the papal Mass there in the morning. That means no Wed. lunch talk and Wed. evening class. Instead I'll be in Bethlehem praying for you all.
consternation
The pope's arrival started well with the President's sincere and warm welcome. But the pope's sincere gesture to visit the Holocaust museum was criticised as lacking - they did not hear what they wanted to hear. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242029498309&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Then later at the inter-religious dialogue, an uninvited speaker - a muslim cleric - took the podium and began a diatribe that caused visible consternation. The pope and his entourage walked out and the event ended in shambles. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242029499952&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Then later at the inter-religious dialogue, an uninvited speaker - a muslim cleric - took the podium and began a diatribe that caused visible consternation. The pope and his entourage walked out and the event ended in shambles. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1242029499952&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Monday, May 11, 2009
Arrival
The pope's arrival at Ben Gurion airport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8043113.stm
I hear that parts of the Old City will be shut down .... probably including our area. We'll have to stay indoors I guess.
I hear that parts of the Old City will be shut down .... probably including our area. We'll have to stay indoors I guess.
New Sponsorship: Fadi & Maivel Milad 'Adel
Because baby Abdel Masih Romani is now sponsored by M. Yu, your generous contributions are now channeled to two new needy children: Fadi and Maivel Milad 'Adel.
Name: Fadi Milad 'Adel
DoB: 3 January2004
Class: Kindergarten
Name: Maivel Milad 'Adel
DoB: 28 January 2008
Sponsors: Benefactors from Hong Kong / Singapore
History: The parents of Fadi and Maivel were originally from al-Birba (Minya, Upper Egypt). 6 years ago they moved to Cairo. Mr Milad holds a diploma in agriculture but cannot find work both in his hometown and in Cairo. He now works as a porter for a woodwork shop. Physically he is not capable of this work as he suffers from a hernia that has not healed after 2 operations. Left with no other choice, he has to continue this heavy work as he has no other means to sustain his family. The St Vincent de Paul Society of the Holy Family Parish gives him 30 Egyptian Pounds (5 US$) every month as aid. The mother Elena suffers from backpain after her second childbirth. The couple has two sons: Fadi who is 5 yrs old and Maivel who is 1 yr and 3 months. Mrs Milad needs to see the doctor for her back problem as well as tonsillitis. But she cannot do so because they have no financial means. They live in an apartment of 3 rooms that belongs to the boss Mr Milad works for. Despite being a miserable place, it is still a luxury that many can never have.
Thank you for your generosity that ensures Fadi and Maivel have proper food and care.
Name: Fadi Milad 'Adel
DoB: 3 January2004
Class: Kindergarten
Name: Maivel Milad 'Adel
DoB: 28 January 2008
Sponsors: Benefactors from Hong Kong / Singapore
History: The parents of Fadi and Maivel were originally from al-Birba (Minya, Upper Egypt). 6 years ago they moved to Cairo. Mr Milad holds a diploma in agriculture but cannot find work both in his hometown and in Cairo. He now works as a porter for a woodwork shop. Physically he is not capable of this work as he suffers from a hernia that has not healed after 2 operations. Left with no other choice, he has to continue this heavy work as he has no other means to sustain his family. The St Vincent de Paul Society of the Holy Family Parish gives him 30 Egyptian Pounds (5 US$) every month as aid. The mother Elena suffers from backpain after her second childbirth. The couple has two sons: Fadi who is 5 yrs old and Maivel who is 1 yr and 3 months. Mrs Milad needs to see the doctor for her back problem as well as tonsillitis. But she cannot do so because they have no financial means. They live in an apartment of 3 rooms that belongs to the boss Mr Milad works for. Despite being a miserable place, it is still a luxury that many can never have.
Thank you for your generosity that ensures Fadi and Maivel have proper food and care.
great expectations
The pope will arrive in Tel Aviv at about noon today. Israeli airspace will be closed and security is super tight. The police have begun a helicopter/air surveillance over Jerusalem - one is flying above the Kidron Valley now where Mass will be celebrated tomorrow. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773223829&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull I hear the police will close off the Old City and a sort of curfew imposed after sunset for the next few days for the pope's security. It's certainly no joke here where anti-Catholic sentiments have been running high for the past few months.
If you miseed this segment on the news, then read this about the plight of christians in the Holyland:
"However, even Rossing, a modern Orthodox Jew who heads the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, says the popular image of Palestinian Christians being ground down by Muslim power is greatly exaggerated. The Palestinian Authority, which is floated financially by the West, has a strong interest in treating Christian residents fairly, he says. Shaking hands with one priest after another in the Old City, he says that while he is not in contact with Christians in Gaza, he is with a countless number in Jerusalem and the West Bank, adding, "I haven't heard from them that their situation has deteriorated."
And to put it in a wider perspective, he says, Christians living in the State of Israel aren't entirely safe, either. In recent years, there have been two full-scale mob attacks by Druse against Christian communities in Galilee. Christians in Jerusalem's Old City have been harassed and spat upon by haredi yeshiva boys. Christian graves on the Mount of Olives have been vandalized, with the evidence showing plainly that it was the work of Jews, Rossing says." (from the Jerusalem Post)
Meanwhile the tone is being set for his arrival by the Israeli media http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773222952&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and the chief rabbi of Haifa http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773224180&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
But not all are so welcoming. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773219075&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
I'll be concelebrating in the Kidron Valley tomorrow afternoon - and I'll be bringing all your intentions to be offered at the papal Mass. Also on Wednesday morning I'll go to Bethlehem and concelebrate the papal Mass there and will remember you all and your intentions at the Mass. So no class on Wednesday evening via VC. I can't be in 2 places at one time!
By the way on Saturday last, Mr P my parrot fish died; and also an entire nest of 4 baby canaries. The mother didn't know how to feed them so they starved to death. She's too young and doesn't have the experience of brooding. And the cat came back last night and caused another egg to be broken. And it tore up the garbage bag and littered the courtyard with rubbish - Sr. Vincenta was mad and wants us to deal with this stray cat definitively.
If you miseed this segment on the news, then read this about the plight of christians in the Holyland:
"However, even Rossing, a modern Orthodox Jew who heads the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, says the popular image of Palestinian Christians being ground down by Muslim power is greatly exaggerated. The Palestinian Authority, which is floated financially by the West, has a strong interest in treating Christian residents fairly, he says. Shaking hands with one priest after another in the Old City, he says that while he is not in contact with Christians in Gaza, he is with a countless number in Jerusalem and the West Bank, adding, "I haven't heard from them that their situation has deteriorated."
And to put it in a wider perspective, he says, Christians living in the State of Israel aren't entirely safe, either. In recent years, there have been two full-scale mob attacks by Druse against Christian communities in Galilee. Christians in Jerusalem's Old City have been harassed and spat upon by haredi yeshiva boys. Christian graves on the Mount of Olives have been vandalized, with the evidence showing plainly that it was the work of Jews, Rossing says." (from the Jerusalem Post)
Meanwhile the tone is being set for his arrival by the Israeli media http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773222952&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and the chief rabbi of Haifa http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773224180&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
But not all are so welcoming. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773219075&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
I'll be concelebrating in the Kidron Valley tomorrow afternoon - and I'll be bringing all your intentions to be offered at the papal Mass. Also on Wednesday morning I'll go to Bethlehem and concelebrate the papal Mass there and will remember you all and your intentions at the Mass. So no class on Wednesday evening via VC. I can't be in 2 places at one time!
By the way on Saturday last, Mr P my parrot fish died; and also an entire nest of 4 baby canaries. The mother didn't know how to feed them so they starved to death. She's too young and doesn't have the experience of brooding. And the cat came back last night and caused another egg to be broken. And it tore up the garbage bag and littered the courtyard with rubbish - Sr. Vincenta was mad and wants us to deal with this stray cat definitively.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
more protests
More protests and boycotts of the pope's visit to the Holyland. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773220492&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
protest
Israelis are urged to protest the pope's visit to the holocaust museum. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241773219075&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Money again
The Israeli Tourism Minister is not hiding anything when several times now he publicly stated the financial gain of the pope's visit. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1241719494461&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Well if he's going to visit your country and convince you to come to Israel (and help Israel's economy) then you as a Catholic should make some demands - after all he wants Cahtolic money. Make him reinstate our (catholic religious) rights to guide pilgrimage groups because recently our rights have been curbed (we cannot guide groups in Masada where there is a Byzantine church and in Qumran and Caesarea Maritima the ancient diocese of the Holyland), our licenses are under Israeli review etc... Why can't catholic groups have a catholic priest as a guide? A guide from a different faith will not be able to bring out the spiritual riches that a catholic religious can - and catholic groups should ask for nothing less. If we bring Cahtolic money to Israel, we should be able to call the shots and have catholic guides.
Well if he's going to visit your country and convince you to come to Israel (and help Israel's economy) then you as a Catholic should make some demands - after all he wants Cahtolic money. Make him reinstate our (catholic religious) rights to guide pilgrimage groups because recently our rights have been curbed (we cannot guide groups in Masada where there is a Byzantine church and in Qumran and Caesarea Maritima the ancient diocese of the Holyland), our licenses are under Israeli review etc... Why can't catholic groups have a catholic priest as a guide? A guide from a different faith will not be able to bring out the spiritual riches that a catholic religious can - and catholic groups should ask for nothing less. If we bring Cahtolic money to Israel, we should be able to call the shots and have catholic guides.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Persecuted Christians
Here's an article on the plight of local Christians here. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710889374&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Live broadcast
You can watch live broadcasts of the pope's visit at http://www.saltandlighttv.org by clicking the left hand corner "watch live".
News on baby Abdel Massih
Baby Abdel Massih Sayyed has been sponsored by May Yu so your contributions will be channeled to another child in need in Musky.
Pope arrives
So the Pope arrives in Amman today. Lots of bustling activity everywhere for security reasons. See http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5it_V9-E_PP4CcQDTSu25qKMMzOZQD980RUPG1 Although there is no report of any terrorist attack, Israel is always on the lookout and ready for the unexpected. It's not the most prettiest of trips for the pope as every party here has its own agenda to push across. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1037281.html
Anyway in Amman he will visit our memorial Basilica of Moses on Mt Nebo where the Bible says Moses died. Fr Carmelo our archaelogist will be there to guide the pope. I think he's nervous. Before he left for Amman, we had dinner at Zahara's - a nice Ottoman house building with garden that used to serve real good arabic cuisine ..... but now reduced to serving italian pizza. I'm sure he'll do a good job. He knows his stuff.
Back here though the security is very high and I doubt we'll be able to join the pope in his visits except for the 2 public masses. I think I'll get a better view watching the TV. That's what some others are also saying. Also I think parts of the visit will be shown on Eternal Light Webcast so stay tuned to the channel.
Update on the canaries - we have 7 or 8 babies now. Can't be sure because one of the nests is too deep to have a good look. The Red Factor babies are pretty big now and have started growing feathers. In the big cage where 6 females are staying with one white male, they have made two nests with eggs. Unfortunately yesterday the cats came and tried to get the nesting mums so 3 eggs fell and broke. Everyone was angry at the cats but they don't belong to us and sneak into our courtyard everyday to steal food or kill the canaries.
My asthma is not quite over although my prednisolone regime is finished. The Doc here told me not to restart the regime as it's too much on my body - we're searching for other ways to solve this problem. But it is definitely better than last week.
And to those who asked what I eat for dinner - it's the same routine. Begin with fresh veggies : 1 stick of cucumber, 1 stick of carrot, some olives, several cherry tomatoes if available, maybe one leaf of lettuce; then I chop up one small onion in my broth; then it's usually some cheese or something but I usually don't eat those unless I'm really hungry - doc says I have to stay off yellow cheese. I might sometimes eat a piece of bread just to fill up the tummy. That's my dinner routine. nothing changes unless I go out for dinner and eat some REAL food!!!
Anyway in Amman he will visit our memorial Basilica of Moses on Mt Nebo where the Bible says Moses died. Fr Carmelo our archaelogist will be there to guide the pope. I think he's nervous. Before he left for Amman, we had dinner at Zahara's - a nice Ottoman house building with garden that used to serve real good arabic cuisine ..... but now reduced to serving italian pizza. I'm sure he'll do a good job. He knows his stuff.
Back here though the security is very high and I doubt we'll be able to join the pope in his visits except for the 2 public masses. I think I'll get a better view watching the TV. That's what some others are also saying. Also I think parts of the visit will be shown on Eternal Light Webcast so stay tuned to the channel.
Update on the canaries - we have 7 or 8 babies now. Can't be sure because one of the nests is too deep to have a good look. The Red Factor babies are pretty big now and have started growing feathers. In the big cage where 6 females are staying with one white male, they have made two nests with eggs. Unfortunately yesterday the cats came and tried to get the nesting mums so 3 eggs fell and broke. Everyone was angry at the cats but they don't belong to us and sneak into our courtyard everyday to steal food or kill the canaries.
My asthma is not quite over although my prednisolone regime is finished. The Doc here told me not to restart the regime as it's too much on my body - we're searching for other ways to solve this problem. But it is definitely better than last week.
And to those who asked what I eat for dinner - it's the same routine. Begin with fresh veggies : 1 stick of cucumber, 1 stick of carrot, some olives, several cherry tomatoes if available, maybe one leaf of lettuce; then I chop up one small onion in my broth; then it's usually some cheese or something but I usually don't eat those unless I'm really hungry - doc says I have to stay off yellow cheese. I might sometimes eat a piece of bread just to fill up the tummy. That's my dinner routine. nothing changes unless I go out for dinner and eat some REAL food!!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Money speaks
We're expecting some 10,000 pilgrims this week to follow the pope in his pilgrimage to the Holyland. But as the reports states clearly - it's meant to support Israel's economy. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710873750&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sponsorship
Name: Jacqueline NATHAN ABDUL-HANNA
DoB: 5 May1993
Class: Secondary One (2008-2009)
Sponsor: Benefactors from Hong Kong / Singapore
History: Jacqueline's father has no specific work. He is unemployed and tries wherever possible to do anything that is available. At the moment he occasionally works at the Franciscan monastery at Musky. Jacqueline has 3 elder sisters who study at university. Their educational expenses are partly paid for by their uncle. But transport and other school needs are paid by their father, who is ever trying to make ends meet.
DoB: 5 May1993
Class: Secondary One (2008-2009)
Sponsor: Benefactors from Hong Kong / Singapore
History: Jacqueline's father has no specific work. He is unemployed and tries wherever possible to do anything that is available. At the moment he occasionally works at the Franciscan monastery at Musky. Jacqueline has 3 elder sisters who study at university. Their educational expenses are partly paid for by their uncle. But transport and other school needs are paid by their father, who is ever trying to make ends meet.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Money matters
So the Tourist and Interior ministries of Israel see money as the main issue not to hand over churches in the Holyland to the Vatican. "If we were sure that this present to the Christian world would bring millions of Christian pilgrims here, then we would have a good reason to think about it," Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov was quoted as saying. read all about it: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710858577&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And reactions on both Israeli and Palestinian sides to the Pope's visit are mixed. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710855476&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And reactions on both Israeli and Palestinian sides to the Pope's visit are mixed. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710855476&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Sunday, May 3, 2009
MacCheat
So strange things do happen - this time Canada says it's a man who gave the flu to the swine!!! The guy got the flu from Mexico and passed it to his pigs when he got home. No joke!!!! http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/03/swine.flu.canada/index.html Watch out! What next?
And by the way, the Israeli Big Mac IS unlike any other Big Mac - it's a cheat! There was no centre loaf; the beef patty was from the normal MacBurger; the lettuce was very tired looking and worse than the lettuce I feed my canaries; no onions or pickles or cheese when I asked for it. Hey anyone of you guys who know MacDonald's management - make a complaint for me. They're cheats in Jerusalem!
And by the way, the Israeli Big Mac IS unlike any other Big Mac - it's a cheat! There was no centre loaf; the beef patty was from the normal MacBurger; the lettuce was very tired looking and worse than the lettuce I feed my canaries; no onions or pickles or cheese when I asked for it. Hey anyone of you guys who know MacDonald's management - make a complaint for me. They're cheats in Jerusalem!
Kosher Big Mac
Studied the whole day yesterday - way after midnight as well. Only got 4 hours sleep. Which is just as well since it kept the asthma at bay.
3 baby canaries were born from the Red Factor pair. Let's hope the other pairs' eggs will also hatch soon. Everyone here is very excited and happy about it. Though they complain sometimes about the birds, the friars here actually love them - if they don't have to clean the cages and feed them, that is! Anyway with the fledglings out, that means extra feeding of eggs. I have to buy the eggs myself, boil them and feed the parent birds so they can in turn feed the fledglings.
This week is my turn to be hebdomedarius. (remember that word? it's latinised greek for "week" and is taken to mean the priest in charge of the liturgy for the week). I have Fr Lino and Fr Daniel to help out as well. Don't know what we'll arrange this week - maybe sing some hymns for Mass and vespers - usual thingy.
This weekend Sr Veronica has gone to the north (Galilee) so Sr Vicenta is left alone to cook in the kitchen, watch the 2 chapels for Masses, prayers etc.... water the 3 gardens ..... I could see she couldn't handle it from the 2nd hour. So despite my asthma and aching ankle, I helped out. Like I also help out the rest of today and last night - doing all the washing of plates, sweeping the courtyard, basic cooking etc..... Now I'm even more exhausted than ever. I need a weekend from this weekend!
I managed to grab an hour and a half to get out to the New City after Mass ended at 9am. Had to rush off to buy more canary things. Had to pass by MacDonald's as usual, where the birdshop is just right at the corner. Today I decided to do the unthinkable - get myself a Big Mac. How about that? 18 years passing by MacDonald's and I never batted an eyelid to the burger. But today I decided I wanted to do something different. Boy, the Big Mac is expensive - like 20 shekels or HK$80. But it's once in a lifetime so ..... and by the way, it's not like the Big Mac in other countries. This is Israel - we have kosher Big Macs I guess. Duuuuuuhhhh
ok even if it's Sunday, it's back to studies. Today being Good Shepherd Sunday - let's pray that we be good sheep.
3 baby canaries were born from the Red Factor pair. Let's hope the other pairs' eggs will also hatch soon. Everyone here is very excited and happy about it. Though they complain sometimes about the birds, the friars here actually love them - if they don't have to clean the cages and feed them, that is! Anyway with the fledglings out, that means extra feeding of eggs. I have to buy the eggs myself, boil them and feed the parent birds so they can in turn feed the fledglings.
This week is my turn to be hebdomedarius. (remember that word? it's latinised greek for "week" and is taken to mean the priest in charge of the liturgy for the week). I have Fr Lino and Fr Daniel to help out as well. Don't know what we'll arrange this week - maybe sing some hymns for Mass and vespers - usual thingy.
This weekend Sr Veronica has gone to the north (Galilee) so Sr Vicenta is left alone to cook in the kitchen, watch the 2 chapels for Masses, prayers etc.... water the 3 gardens ..... I could see she couldn't handle it from the 2nd hour. So despite my asthma and aching ankle, I helped out. Like I also help out the rest of today and last night - doing all the washing of plates, sweeping the courtyard, basic cooking etc..... Now I'm even more exhausted than ever. I need a weekend from this weekend!
I managed to grab an hour and a half to get out to the New City after Mass ended at 9am. Had to rush off to buy more canary things. Had to pass by MacDonald's as usual, where the birdshop is just right at the corner. Today I decided to do the unthinkable - get myself a Big Mac. How about that? 18 years passing by MacDonald's and I never batted an eyelid to the burger. But today I decided I wanted to do something different. Boy, the Big Mac is expensive - like 20 shekels or HK$80. But it's once in a lifetime so ..... and by the way, it's not like the Big Mac in other countries. This is Israel - we have kosher Big Macs I guess. Duuuuuuhhhh
ok even if it's Sunday, it's back to studies. Today being Good Shepherd Sunday - let's pray that we be good sheep.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Today
Today's Jpost article focussesd on Messianic Zionists - Jews who believe in Jesus and are Zionist at the same time. Sounds pretty complicated http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710831191&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And more houses are being demolished by the State in East Jerusalem - terrible to see families helplessly watching bulldozers knock down eveything. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8028564.stm
So HK has its first case of H1N1. It was good to see on BBC news how prepared it tackled it's first case - impressive and definitely a model for other countries to follow. No chances taken. It's shameful how relaxed and naive some other places are when confronting this virus - some of the guys here from Europe say it's a culture of feeling embaressed and ridicule if one wears a mask; but i said that it was the same in HK before SARS and H5N1. All it takes is a little education and some public example by leaders to show that it's nothing wrong in taking precautions. Anyway way to go HK! Show the world how it's done!
Yesterday was the Feast of St Joseph the Labourer. We prayed for all workers. May St Joseph give us all an example of the dignity of work.
And more houses are being demolished by the State in East Jerusalem - terrible to see families helplessly watching bulldozers knock down eveything. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8028564.stm
So HK has its first case of H1N1. It was good to see on BBC news how prepared it tackled it's first case - impressive and definitely a model for other countries to follow. No chances taken. It's shameful how relaxed and naive some other places are when confronting this virus - some of the guys here from Europe say it's a culture of feeling embaressed and ridicule if one wears a mask; but i said that it was the same in HK before SARS and H5N1. All it takes is a little education and some public example by leaders to show that it's nothing wrong in taking precautions. Anyway way to go HK! Show the world how it's done!
Yesterday was the Feast of St Joseph the Labourer. We prayed for all workers. May St Joseph give us all an example of the dignity of work.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Yesterday
Another article on the pope's visit to the Holyland - this time more optimistic. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710831760&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Yesterday I was so into my writing my paper that mistook the time for dinner. When I got downstairs to the refectory, it was already all dark and dinner finished an hour before. Thank goodness for the stuff you guys sent up - could eat something in my room to fill the stomach.
Yesterday morning I got more medicine for Gaza as the sisters there called for help. There's not enough stock at the pharmacy so today I'll have to go back and get the rest of the stuff.
Also went to visit our doctor. The worst of my flu is over - it's the asthma that's worrying. I got a new batch of prednisolone as the ones I was taking dates 2007! Also I'll have to go back to the hospital to check many other things but the doc told me to wait till I'm over with the course of pred. before I travel up to Nazareth. Presuming it will be next week - I think it's going to be difficult because the pope will be in the Holyland and Nazareth will be packed with people. Let's see how it'll work out.
And it's good to know the PM Netanyahu is taking seriously the level 5 alert of H1N1. That's the official name of the virus since yesterday - no more "swine" or "Mexico". http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710828696&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Another intersting news - world's oldest benedictine monk dies. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/04/30/oldest.monk.obit/index.html
SO much for now - have to continue with my work.
Yesterday I was so into my writing my paper that mistook the time for dinner. When I got downstairs to the refectory, it was already all dark and dinner finished an hour before. Thank goodness for the stuff you guys sent up - could eat something in my room to fill the stomach.
Yesterday morning I got more medicine for Gaza as the sisters there called for help. There's not enough stock at the pharmacy so today I'll have to go back and get the rest of the stuff.
Also went to visit our doctor. The worst of my flu is over - it's the asthma that's worrying. I got a new batch of prednisolone as the ones I was taking dates 2007! Also I'll have to go back to the hospital to check many other things but the doc told me to wait till I'm over with the course of pred. before I travel up to Nazareth. Presuming it will be next week - I think it's going to be difficult because the pope will be in the Holyland and Nazareth will be packed with people. Let's see how it'll work out.
And it's good to know the PM Netanyahu is taking seriously the level 5 alert of H1N1. That's the official name of the virus since yesterday - no more "swine" or "Mexico". http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1239710828696&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Another intersting news - world's oldest benedictine monk dies. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/04/30/oldest.monk.obit/index.html
SO much for now - have to continue with my work.
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