New riots

New riots in the Old City and city gates. Not a nice sight. We already heard shouting and protests as early as 6.30am when we were celebrating Mass (actually there were only 3 of us for Mass). http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1118913.html and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1254673319539&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8289555.stm

The streets have a heavy military presence. I see the soldiers have changed to an all black uniform to distinguish them from the rioters and save themselves from friendly fire. Most locals are staying away from the streets. Jews are apcked in the thousands today to receive the ancient priestly blessing from the priestly descendents. But by now they'd all go home and stay away from the streets. It's the muslims who'll be protesting because they cannot enter their mosque to pray - in fact most cannot even enter the Old City.

At 9.30am our faculties celebrated the inaugural Mass for the school year. Our theological and post-graduate students and professors were joined by the Salesian semianrians and professors as well as the White Fathers' seminarians and professors, and lots of lay students as well. The church was packed. The Salesians presided at the Mass. Let's pray that the students will receive a proper formation this year, acquire Wisdom and live the Gospel.