Congratulations Massimo & Stefania

Was out at the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Mass this morning at 4.30am. Had some special intentions to pray. It was cool and breezy. Lots of clouds today so it remained cool the rest of the day. Perfect weather for a wedding.

And what a wedding! Massimo and Stefania finally tied the knot ... here in Jerusalem! They're italians who live in HK but wanted to marry here in the Holyland. Their families also came over from Italy for the simple but beautiful event. Yours truly was instrumental in arranging everything for them here ... from documentation to finding a choir. And what a choir! I got the franciscan Magnificat choir to sing and they were fabulous - the rendition of Ave Maria by soloist was unforgettable! And of course the location of St Anne's Church was perfect - acoustically and photogenically. This 12th century Crusader Church next door to my monastery lies on the spot where Christ healed a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda. And the bride was beautiful in a two piece white and silver cheongsam-inspired gown with elaborate frog buttons. The groom was in a chinese suit of ivory serge with frog buttons. Other guests dressed in similar theme. I arranged for Fr Bissoli to preside at the Mass as he's Veronese, close to the region where Massimo and Stefania come from. Mass lasted from 12pm to 1.30pm. Then we went to lunch at 2pm.

Lunch was at Nafoura Restaurent, up on the western hill of the Old City next to the Latin Patriarch's Palace. Lovely food of arabic salads, chicken, lamb, rice and kebabs on a open grill; followed by arabic sweets and fruit. Lots of wine but I prefer the house lemonade which is pretty famous for those in the know. And the happy couple gave me a 10 kg basket of italian goodies - salamis, cheeses and lots of different jams, spreads and sauces. I had to carry this home (1 km) and it was pretty tough as my ankle was already hurting. Now both arms are hurting! They're lovely gifts and Massimo/Stefania are so kind ... but those food are off my strict diet (otherwise I'll die: that's what the docs tell me) so I'll share them with the poor of Mother Theresa's sisters.

The bride and groom's parents were very happy and appreciative of my arrangements for the wedding. Everything went smoothly. Massimo and Stefania promised that when they have a baby, they'll bring it here to Jerusalem for it's baptism - and this time I must preside!