More violence

Just an hour ago there was another stabbing of an israeli police. This time it was at the Bethlehem checkpoint. There's no shortage of police there so the assailant was quickly arrested. It was a female arab, 20 yrs old.

Nablus Road pscked with stalls
during Ramadan

Yesterday at about 3pm I was waiting for a student at Damascus Gate plaza when suddenly 20 metres on my left a young arab was running like mad. Behind him were 2 security guys and 2 other policemen. He ran across the road toward the arab bus station but more police came from the other side. He was finally arrested. Not sure for what reason. But ambulances also came in, and more police cars. Traffic and train were stopped for a while.

It's so ironical that Ramadan which is the holy month for repentance, is full of such crazy violence. The older arabs all shake their heads and say it's all wrong ... these young people committing violence during Ramadan.

Surfers at Tel Aviv beach

The weather is playing up again. After a week of lovely hot weather, yesterday morning the skies were dark and it actually drizzled for quite a long while. Forecast is for more such weather today and perhaps tomorrow.  But that will not dampen the surfers at Tel Aviv ... they've been coming in droves because we've been getting really huge waves this week. Let's hope it's the only type of waves we'll be experiencing.

Earthquake

With the threat of death looming over our christian heads, everyone in the Old City is getting wary of strangers. Furtive glances, distrust of neighbours ... the death threats have caused a split in our society. The muslims are no less wary ... they know that if anything happens to christians in the Holy City of the Resurrection, repercussions will be hard... not least from Israel itself. Christians will boycott coming to the Holyland, the economy will collapse and the muslims will suffer as they depend on christian money. Nevertheless there will be some muslims who are more than happy to kill christians, but there are also those who will protect them. In the middle stands the majority of muslims who do not agree to killing christians but are afraid to openly oppose the muslim fanatics - the silent frightened majority.

Sr. Jacinta

Early this morning there was a 5.1 earthquake in the south of Israel. Harbinger of something worse to come? A physical manifestation of the deeper fear of persecution running beneath the surface of Jerusalemite society.

Sr. Jacinta, our sacristan has suddenly returned to Poland. She was diagnosed with cancer last week ... something she recovered from 5 years ago. This time is bad and she needs an operation quickly. Pray for her.

Death threat

The past 2 days have seen a lot of confusion and fear ... TV stations then newspapers a day later are reporting that leaflets are being passed around purportedly by ISIS promising to kill all christians in Jerusalem on July 17th which is the end of Ramadan and the feast of Eid el Fitr. Reactions all around range from scepticism ("This is a hoax") to conspiracy theories ("This is a zionist plot to divide muslims and christians") to fear ("Let's leave the City as soon as possible").

The purported ISIS
leaflet calling for the death
of all Jerusalem christians

Ups and downs

Coptic Orthodox
Bishop Sidrak visits
the exhibition

Today was a very tiring but satisfying day. We organised a small exhibition of some ancient books from our library in Aleppo, Syria. Most were 15th century books. It was a small statement to show how open the society in Syria was 500 years ago, with free exchange of ideas, cultures, languages and religion. Compare it now with ISIS burning books, destroying ancient artifacts and killing people who don't share their interpretation of Islam. Unfortunately thousands more books remain in Syria and it is only a matter of time before ISIS destroys them all.

Many people came in the morning, including the Coptic Orthodox bishop. Many were amazed at the diversity of books ... including a gregorian hymnal written in Aleppo itself, and an italian-arabic phrase book, spiritual writings by St Bernard and St Chrysostom, and theological works by Thomas Aquinas. The books bear testimony that the christian roots in Syria are firm and resilient, and christianity will never die in that ancient cradle of christian faith.

But meantime there were lots of police car and ambulance sirens outside in the main road ... we were wondering if there was another attack down at Damascus Gate. The tension added to the atmosphere of the exhibition.

Ethiopic monks march in solidarity
with ethiopic jews in Tel Aviv

Meanwhile Ethiopic Jews continue to demonstrate in the streets of Tel Aviv. Today the Orthodox christian monks came out as well to support their jewish co-naitonals. The court's decision to find the policeman innocent while the video showed him attacking an ethiopic soldier has caused great upset among the community.

And there's been shocking news that Druse living in Israel have attacked twice israeli ambulances carrying wounded syrian rebels. Israel is doing compassionate work, helping wounded syrians whether rebels, govt soldiers or refugees into Israel for medical attention. But the druse hate the rebels who are persecuting their fellowmen inside Syria, so they ambush these ambulances and killed the wounded syrians. Terrible.

Terrorist attack

Police cordon off Damascus Gate

Yesterday while waiting for the bus to Bethlehem at noon, a terrorist attack took place some 30 metres from me. An 18 yr old arab stabbed a border police in the neck, who managed in turn to shoot the attacker. Total chaos in front of Damascus Gate. Ambulances, soldiers, people running and shouting for help. The entire road from New Gate down to Herod's Gate was closed off as police searched for other accomplices of this attack. It was a great blow to the otherwise happy festival of Ramadan. All the arabs I spoke to said it was terrible that any muslim could do such a thing during this holy month. Now they'll have to face the repercussions. Police will certainly close the borders to Palestinians from the Territories ... no more easy entry into Israel and the Al Aqsa Mosque.

Christian protestors in Galilee

Meantime up in Galilee, thousands of christians gathered to protest the burning of the Church of the Multiplicaiotn. Though the PM and some ministers have voiced outrage, we know that nothing will be done to protect christian places from fanatical jews. It's been 4 years since the first anti-christian vandalism and till now not a single case has been solved, not a single arrest ... all the cases remain open.   This intolerable state of affairs have finally forced christians throughout the country to express their frustration. They gathered in the thousands, holding crosses and Vatican flags near the church that was burnt. At first it was a peaceful prayer service but eventually things got a lot heated up. There were no riots ... it's in the middle of nowhere ... in the fields along the Sea of Galilee so there was no damage or attacks. But people were very angry that Israeli police is not giving christians protection from fanatics. The only thing that will force Israel to pay attention is to close all the churches ... once tourists stop coming, the money also stops coming .... that's the language people here understand.

Dismal

U. of S. Africa students and profs.
briefed by Dr. Sallon at the ruins of
the byzantine church of St. Modestus

Everyone is still reeling from the arson of the historic Church of the Multiplication. 16 youths have been held for questioning (NOT arrested) and released. Believe me, there will be no case, the rabbis and rightists will force the police to brush it under the carpet and everything hushed up. It can only happen here in Israel ... and Wikileaks can do nothing to shame them into administering justice. They have always been brazenly shameless, answerable to no one internationally or nationally. Christians will continue to be persecuted here ... and the rest of the christian world will continue to keep its head in the sand, more occupied with whether to wear veils during Mass, whether to receive communion by hand, whether to kneel or stand during consecration. Pathetic spirituality of the complacent.

The single apse of the chapel
overgrown with weeds

Another attempt to save another ancient church took place last Friday. It is the Chapel of St. Modestus of Jerusalem ... which is practically in ruins. It's situated on the Mt. of Evil Counsel, the traditional place where the High Priests gathered to discuss with Judas how to capture Jesus. Anyway the 7th century ruins lie above an ancient cistern that strangely was converted into a chapel with 2 tombs. The property belonged to the Greek Orthodox Church who sold this ancient ruin to Israeli property developers who in turn aim to build apartments. The view is stupendous from this hill and an apartment here would easily fetch US$2 million. So in this case, it's money that destroys christian heritage. And it's the Greek church itself that's willingly giving up this heritage for the sake of money. Pathetic.

Anyway Dr. Sallon who lives near the ruins, and a group of concerned neighbours (jewish, christian, arabs) are trying the save the site. I managed to gather up the profs. and students of U. of S. Africa who are here to dig at Hazor, to visit the site. One of the top archaeologist Dr Shimon Gibson came to present the facts of the ruins, and I got our Media Centre to film everything. Better save the site digitalised than lose it forever to memory.

Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish burnt by arsonists

destroyed

destroyed

destroyed

destroyed

destroyed

Arsonists destroyed one of Christianity's holiest sites in the Holyland - the Church of the Multiplicaiton of Loaves and Fish which is along the Sea of Galilee. Over the modern church that was burnt lie 2 earlier churches ... from the 4th and 5th centuries. The world famous mosaic of the 5 loaves and 2 fish in a basket lie below the altar. Police suspect jewish extremists to be the culprits as a red graffiti was sprayed along the church walls saying "False idols will be smashed". The famous atrium and pond with seven fountains ("tabgha") are all gone.

You don't have to look to Syria or Iraq to see persecution of christians. It's happening right here ... in the land where Jesus died.

hebrew graffiti

Golan border closed

News flash last night that northeastern Golan was closed by the IDF and police because of the syrian war encroaching into the israeli border. This morning more news came in that the rebels were firing at Assad forces in Quneitra, practically a few km from the israeli border. It's definitely off limits to all non-military personnel now. Missile alarm sirens were going off in the Golan this morning too. Quneitra is the village where traditionally christians recall Saul (St. Paul) being blinded by a light and being converted to christianity. Syrian refugees will begin to flood the border with Israel in a bid to escape the war, and Israel has vowed not to let ISIS harm any syrian refugees at the border and will protect the syrian refugees militarily. Good show. In fact we never doubted that Israel is the only force in the world with the capability and will to end the ISIS problem.

Herod's Gate with light decorations

Back to internal affairs, Ramadan begins tomorrow and the IDF (Israel Defense Force or simply the army) is allowing 500 families from Gaza to worship at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. And extra-ordinary move. And this besides a few thousand other families from various parts of the West Bank (Palestinian Territories). Why didn't the IDF allow just as many christians from the Territories or Gaza to come out during Christmas or Easter? I guess I shouldn't be asking too many questions. Things just simply are.

And I ran out of medication. My Telfast ended a few days ago and the cortisone ended yesterday. I was feeling good without asthma attacks so I thought I could go without it .... until this morning when a major attack started. Managed to keep it under control till later when the pharmacy opened and I bought my monthly stock of medication. The cortesone alone costs US$100 and lasts for 15 days.

Ramadan in 2 days

Lights over Damascus Gate

Ramadan is in 2 days time and already we can see the preparations for this festive period. Strange as it may seem ... it's 30 days of fasting but it's festive; of course there's alot of feasting every evening after the fast. The 3 muslim gates to the Old City are decked in simple and elegant lights ... much better taste than the previous years with gaudy, outlandish lights. This year the streets in the Muslim Quarter are also strung with lights (gaudy). This is in sharp contrast with last year when there was hardly anything due to the Gaza war. The muslims in the Quarter had to show solidarity with the Gazans and so kept festivities to a minimum.

Unfortunately we're in summer mode. The sun rises at 4.15am (3.15am solar time) so the first call to prayer is at 3.15am (2.15am solar time) and the 2nd much more solemn and longer prayers at 3.45am (2.45am solar time). Fasting for the muslims this year would last some 16 hours as they start at sunrise (around 4am) till sunset (around 8.15pm). And the heat of the day is quite unbearable. We foreigners living in the muslim quarter have been advised by the police to respect the muslims .... so no eating, drinking or smoking in the streets. I wonder why they don't do the same when we have Lent.

Lunch at Legacy

Yesterday most of the students in our school had their last exam. Today they start their holidays. I brought Matthias out to lunch to celebrate the end of his 1st school year. He had a burger while I had seafood risotto. It was my first full meal in 3 days as my diaphragmatic hernia hurts too much for me to eat, and I've been running a fever and nausea all the time. It was a good meal but I got very sick after that ... 3 major diarrhea attacks and vomiting. I guess I'm no longer used to eating full meals. Just as well that Ramadan is round the corner ...

Poor eyesight

Getting my eyes checked

Had my eyes checked yesterday. I noticed I've had focussing difficulties especially reading. Doc checked and said I also have problems with long distance vision. My left eye had deteriorated alot. Could be due to diabetes or whatever reason yet to be diagnosed. Anyway I'll need new spectacles but it costs so much money. All in all the entire consultation, diagnosis and new glasses cost 5000 shekels. I don't have health insurance so it explains my problem. No company here would sell me a policy due to my health history. Disaster.

There is a headline report that alleges the Louvre museum is culpable of illegal discrimination by "refusing to allow" a group of Israeli art students to visit it; by not confirming a booking and saying that it was full on that day with other previous visitor bookings. That is tantamount to anti-semitism and liable to a court case. But it was perfectly alright for the jewish settlers to to use armed soldiers to chase  away palestinians from a palestinian pool so that they can have a swim in other people's property (see the last blogs). My mind is boggling. Maybe my eyesight is really bad and I'm not reading the headlines right.  See http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.661256 and http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/twilight-zone/.premium-1.660601?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook

St. Miriam's sanctuary

Another headline that caught my attention: "Boy riding camel killed by train"; shouldn't there be a couple of commas? http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Boy-riding-camel-killed-by-train-406033

Anyway the recently canonized carmelite saint Miriam of Jesus Crucified (Bouardy) in Bethlehem has a very nice reliquary set up in the sanctuary of the monastery chapel. You should go visit it when in Bethlehem. Her room and personal things (habit, books, even hair cut off during her profession) are all on display and you can wear her winter mantle (relic) as part of the prayer and request for intercession.

Bethlehem

Friday passed with no incident although there were more police presence then usual. The open market at Damascus Gate and Musrara were crowded with locals. Normality at last. However news of how jewish settlers employed soldiers to evacuate palestinians from an ancient rock pool because they wanted to use it as floated through the newspapers ... the pool is in Palestinian land under Palestinian governance and the act is seen as an invasion. http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/twilight-zone/.premium-1.660601?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook

Silent adoration at the
Milk Grotto

Today was tiring. I had to run off to Bethlehem to pay the school fees of several students ... but some schools/universities were closed because it was Saturday. I left the money with the Sisters of Mother Teresa, asking them to help me pay the schools when the schools open on Monday.

The sisters have a new convent just a hundred metres away from the Basilica of the Nativity. It was totally renovated ... being a very dilapidated 2 storey building. They live on the upper floor, while the lower floor is home to 8 mentally-ill patients whom the sisters care.

Managed to also visit the Milk Grotto which I have not been for quite a long time. It is an oasis of peace in the touristy bustle of the Basilica. The cloistered nuns living there hold perpetual adoration in the lower chapel. Pilgrims can join the nuns during the day to adore the Blessed Sacrament. The modern upper chapel is used by groups to celebrate Mass. The courtyard garden is meticulously kept. It was great to be there.

Festival of Lights

Dormition Abbey lighted up

The diaphragmic hernia is excruciating but I'm not taking pain-killers because I'm always on an empty stomach .... because I've severe stomach cramps and diarrhea and can't eat. Lost 2 kg in 4 days. The pain and nausea is making me sleepless ... but last night was the best in that I managed to sleep 4 straight hours.

The Muristan fountain

 It was a very busy day yesterday with lots of work and class ... I gave up in the late morning as I felt too weak and in pain to continue. Anyway by chance a doctor from the Hadassah Hospital came to do some research in our library and after talking to me, insisted that I go see the skin specialist at that hospital because the 2 lesions on my face are rather worrying. She was kind enough to make an appointment for me with the head of dermatology. Unfortunately I haven't yet have the time to go there.

Dr. John  our in-house doctor also wrote a recommendation letter for me to see a specialist in allergy. He put it nicely and urgently "It's best you see the specialist as soon as possible before it's too late ..." Again I haven't had time to go to that specialist. I had suffered a severe allergic reaction to a very small piece of Gorgonzola cheese (2cm by 3cm) that I had at midnight to stop my hunger. Within 5 minutes of eating it, my hands itched, my eyes and throat were swollen and I had difficulty in breathing. Managed to swollen an antihistamine tablet quickly and was ready to use my Epi-pen but after 40 mins the reaction subsided and I felt better.

But I managed to squeeze a couple of hours last night to go see the Festival of Lights in the Old City. It wasn't as spectacular as last year ... in fact pretty disappointing. But the walk through the various Quaretrs of the Old City, mixing the the huge crowds (at times jostling and elbowing through the very narrow streets of the Old City) was a good distraction from the pain and hunger I was feeling. Here are some pics.

Towards the Muristan

Garden of lights just below the City
Wall outside St. Saviour's Monastery

Damascus Gate coloured by kids

Feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian

Some news from yesterday's newspapers have been rocking the fragile boat that this country is in. Firstly a news breaker that during this Easter/Pesach holidays, arabs swimming in an ancient rock-cut pool (public) in Palestine (Israeli area A meaning where Israeli military keep a presence in Palestine) were forced out by soldiers and police so that Jews could use them exclusively. You won't dream of this happening in your country. If it had been the other way round, there'd be cries of anti-semitism. But back here it's normal and ok to do it to non-jews.

Second news involves China demanding that it's workers contracted to Israel may not work in the West Bank Settlements. So far China has never made any comments nor decisions regarding the occupied arab territories and settlements ... but there is a rising world-wide movement against it. China's sudden demand has shocked Israel into seeing reality on a worldwide level ... that even longtime neutral partners are showing an interest in the occupation of Palestine by the jewish settlers. A little spin and crisis-management is required on the Israeli govt's part. The dragon has awakened and a political earthquake might just be round the corner.

On the other hand I totally agree that Israel defend itself against Gaza missiles. Ecery country not only has the right but the obligation to protect its citizens.

Sr. Jacinta enjoying the geraniums

So much for the political cloud smothering us. The weather is still on a hot streak ... last night was so hot I had to finally turn on the aircon. It didn't mean that I got to sleep. Only slept 2 hours last night .... so in 72 hours I slept 6 hours. Must be a record. I've lost my short-term memory ... forgetting people's names or what I'm supposed to do now. My diaphragmic hernia still hurts very much. Have hardly been eating. Today someone said I looked thinner ... or gaunt. Actually I feel bloated ... from all the medication. Been feeling nauseous the whole week.

Today is the Feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian, the prolific aramaic-speaking theologian of the 4th century who fought heresies by using hymns and songs which were taught to the people. Sadly magnificent church of St. Ephrem in Syria has recently been partially destroyed and the shrine converted into a mosque by ISIS. May St. Ephrem in heaven come down and protect his christians from the clutches of the devil.

Monday again

The Jerusalem Festival of Lights has been on for 5 days now and I have not yet seen it ... I'm probably the last person in Jerusalem not to have walked the 4 routes. I should really try ... The evenings are warm and pleasant for a walk through the City ... but I think the crowds would be massive. That means lots of jostling in the narrow streets of the Christian and Jewish Quarters.

The 5 new deacons with the Patriarch
and concelebrants

Yesterday I could not join in the ordination of 5 of my Salesian students. They were ordained deacons in the Basilica of Gethsemani. Very proud of them. They are from Poland, Italy and India. And to be ordained in Gethsemani ... how many deacons in the world can say that? Anyway they have one more year of studies to go, then they return to their missions and get ordained as priests.

My little garden in front
of the Condemnation Chapel

And just to update on my sleeping situation .... I only slept 2 hours last night because there was so many things to attend to ... including the dreaded Monday morning class which officially (daylight saving) is at 5am (real time 4am). Since its my turn to preside at Mass and prayers this week, I had to go straight to Mass after the class, then clean the courtyard, water the plants before 78.45am because I must put all the used books back on the shelf in the library, then turn on all the lights and open all the doors of the library by 8am. Once the library workers come to work, I rush off to other library 1 km away uphill because we have so many projects / renovations that needs doing. Tired? utterly devastedly exhausted are the right words.

Corpus Christi

Everything seems to be happening ... and nothing seems to be happening. You know that feeling. The weather is once again blistering hot but the nights get chilly. People are in summer mode ... school children are ending their exams soon. The holidays will soon begin.

Creamy-white lilies in bloom

What is a little worrying is the firing of missiles from Gaza into Israel for the past week. Israel has retaliated each time with bombings at suspicious sites inside Gaza. It all smells too familiar ... like last year's Gaza war. Security helicopters have been flying low for the past 2 days over Jerusalem  ... and soldiers are more than usual in the streets. There must be news that something is up. Let's hope this will pass over and summer for once can be a happy and terror-less time for everyone to enjoy.

Chinese tourists are flocking into the Holyland this month. Tomorrow a cruise ship with a few thousand chinese is arriving ... and the City will be flooded. Local chinese speaking guides are super-happy as they charge US$350 a day for their service while the normal rate is only US$220. It's big money.

Orange lilies

Back to the domestic scene ... meaning my little garden and pets, things are good. The finches have produced over 12 babies, the canaries have produced 8, Miss Bird is happy and calm ... and the lilies are blooming vigorously although they are quite late. The agapanthus are also blooming but this year we have only 2 florets. Last year we had 11.

I've been dreadfully busy all week ... and definitely will continue to be so through next week. This morning I had to start work at 5am cleaning the bird cages, feeding the birds, watering the garden then immediately presiding the italian Mass for Corpus Christi at home, then rush off to the Armenian Basilica to preside the Armenian Mass at 9am, then rushing off to do chores in the City till 12pm, presiding at lunch prayers then off to a meeting at 2pm ... and this is just one day. For the last 2 days, I've slept 5 hours in 48 hours. "Exhausted" is an understatement.

Day of Protests

Yesterday saw protests in Tel Aviv and here in Jerusalem. That's besides the missile attack from Gaza into Israel and the early morning Israeli retaliation bombing of Gaza.

Arabs clashing with Israeli police
at Damascus Gate

First protest that went violent yesterday was in Tel Aviv when Ethiopic Jews again demonstrated against discrimination by the rest of "white" jews. Ended in riots and police clashes. Second protest was in Jerusalem's Damascus Gate - this time by Palestinians who objected to the staging of the Jerusalem Festival of Lights in the arab quarter of the City. I thought it was very stupid and orchestrated by a handful of extremists who found occassion to cause trouble. What's wrong with the Festival having a Light Show on Damascus Gate? It's not the first time ... in fact it's been going on for almost a decade! It provides free entertainment for the arab families who come out after dinner and enjoy the colourful show instead of staying indoors in the summer heat. Hawkers make good business with drinks and sweets and balloons ... so everyone benefits!

The Light Show went on
after the riot was squashed

Anyway the protest was disguised as a celebration ... which no one knew what it was about. People in costumes and masks danced around children, everyone sang songs, clapped hands, waving balloons ... it was very festive. But as darkness covered the sky and the projectors were turned on to throw the light display on Damascus Gate, youths began to shout and block the projectors with Palestinian flags. Chats of Allahuakbar sounded throughout the area, and scuffles broke out as arabs tried to break the projectors and equipment. Riot police came in to protect the property ... arabs became violent and finally police fired over 10 rounds of stun grenades. Crowds were running everywhere while police chased to catch leaders of the riot. One stun grenade exploded 10 metres from me ... my ears were still ringing one hour after the riot.

With the crowds dispersed, the Light Show went ahead but riot police encircled the projectors and equipment and staff for protection. I hear the arabs are planning for another riot tonight. These few trouble-makers are ruining summer for everyone.

Convent wall collapsed

Fear and confusion in the library as the missile alarm siren sounded throughout the City at 11.15am. Still not sure if it was an exercise or if Gaza fired a missile towards Jerusalem. Anyway took the opportunity to brief the staff on what to do during a missile alert or earthquake. Now we just found out that it was a drill throughout the country. Good that Israel keeps this twice a year as a reminder to people on what they should do to keep safe.

Rebuilding the
convent wall

There was a piece of news today that shocked all of us non-jews. An israeli soldier ate a non-kosher sandwich in the barracks and was arrested and sentenced to military jail. It was a sandwich made by his grandmother ... probably a russian jew and the sandwich probably had ham or bacon. But it's against the law to eat non-kosher food in the barracks! And you get sentenced to military jail for that!!!!

The wall of the convent belonging to Mother Teresa's sisters in Jerusalem collapsed. This effectively cut off their electricity line as it ran along the wall. Now the sisters have to have the wall rebuilt. It will cost them quite a sum of money ... so if you can help, it'll be greatly appreciated.

Another week

So June begins. The weather is fine so far and at least June promises to be less scorching that last week.

Hiking in the Judean forest

However the religious tension between Jews and Christians is really on the heat. Yesterday the Orthodox churches celebrated Pentecost. But their attempt to enter and celebrate Mass at the Upper Room was met with aggressive crowds of Jews blocking the way. They claim the Mass on the floor above their synagogue (purportedly the Tomb of David) will be defiled by idolatry. Well first of all no serious archeologist accepts that David was buried there. In fact from archeology, we know it was a church from the early Byzantine period. And the entire complex of buildings was (and should still be) a franciscan monastery. The friars were forced out by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century but the title deeds still are in the hands of the friars.

Sr. Vincenta and Sr. Hyacinta

Our Faustina sisters had a day off yesterday. They invited a friend (sister of Nazareth) to go with them hiking in the Judean Forest. They had a picnic lunch and arrived at the hermitage-like monastery of St. John in the Desert which is under the care of the franciscans. It was a good break for them as they work very hard and never have a day off.