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.
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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.
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