Nov. 3

The 2 major feasts of November are over ... now we're waiting for Advent. The following weeks will be rather quiet except for a couple of Master's and Doctoral defenses. Not my problem. I just have to prepare the students for exams in January ... but that's after Christmas.

Meeting in progress

This morning I presided over my last Mass as hebdom. There were only 4 priests and 6 sisters so I decided not to recite Morning Prayer but celebrated only the Mass. Then I had to rush to our provincial house for a meeting of sacristans and heads of pilgrim shrines and pilgrim guides. The Custos and his Vicar gave some input and updates on service to the pilgrims. It ended at noon and I had to prepare for class. It's going to be a long day. But at least I'll be free this evening so I get to clean my room and get some important documents prepared for tomorrow.

Yesterday we heard the terribly news of ISIS in Egypt killing 7 and injuring 18 coptic christians during a pilgrimage. Why can't we just wipe out this plague and curse once and for all?  https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/egypt/7-killed-19-wounded-in-egypt-after-isis-ambushes-buses-carrying-christian-pilgrims-1.6615917?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&fbclid=IwAR3g9apOFt6N0HQ9kcFdiF1WkBkWLNBOk-YUCT8UQetS3BGN4F1qPmTJZc8

The Gaza border continues to be relatively quiet. Thank God for that. The forecast rain for Monday and Tuesday will definitely enforce some peace as no one will want to go out and throw stones in the freezing rain. Mother Nature wins.