Transitus

Collecting palm
branches at Palm
Plaza

We're just a day away from Succoth - the feast of Tabernacles or booths. Military presence is unbelievable ... every few meters are groups of soldiers numbering at least 10. And every group stops and checks randomly arab youths .... be it male or female. Just going out of Damascus Gate 15 mins ago I already witnessed 3 such stop-and-search, one including a girl. I felt it was harsh. But at the same time I understand the necessity to been the alert as we're living in a very difficult region. Such a terrible tension ... and it's getting into me. I need a break from this. You might imagine that as a foreigner I would not be caught up in this .... but after the near-death experience last winter of almost being shot dead by a soldier at Damascus Gate, I get very nervous when I have to pass by soldiers each time.

All the palms heavy with fruit at Palm Plaza were pruned today. The fronds are collected to make booths for Succoth - presumably they are given to poor jewish homes who can't afford to build them. The dates ... thousands of them ... are strewn all over the plaza. Arabs quickly pick them up for a free snack. But still thousands remain and the Municiplaity workers gather them up in huge bags. I hope they're given away to poor families as the dates are rich in sugar and protein.

His Beatitude
Gregorios III

I had to go visit a group this evening at the Greek Catholic Hostel and what a surprise ... there at the lobby was an old friend who became very very important - the Patriarch emeritus of the Melkites (Greek Catholics), Gregorios III. He was Bishop of Jerusalem 25 years back and I used to concelebrate the Sunday liturgy with him every Sunday. It was good to see him again. Now he is 83 yrs old and is retired a few months ago.

This evening we celebrated the Transitus of St. Francis ... that is the "passing". He died in the little chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, laid naked on the floor as he had wanted ... in total poverty. Franciscans - catholic and protestant - will gather to celebrate this event by performing this ritual which recalls the last hours of St. Francis's life on earth. It is always very touching.

Tomorrow we will have solemn Mass but I shall only celebrate in our church instead of the main event at the Custodial See. I have to complete the article that is way off dateline.