News

Archbishop receives pallium

Last Friday was the muslim feast of Mohammed's birthday. The streets were packed with people all through Saturday. And there were protests against the French President  in the Al Aqsa compound as well. Newspapers say several muslims were arrested. It's ok to kill christians according to them ... and they expect the world to acquiesce. The world must not give in to this blackmail. If Europe does not take a firm stance against islamic terrorism, it will soon be overrun and run by them. 

Anyway our Apostolic Administrator, Archbishop Pizzaballa, was named by the pope as the new Patriarch of Jerusalem. He received the pallium or neck band as a symbol of his authority frmo the pope. It's very unexpected as the past 2 patriarchs were arabs. Many local christians are very happy but I know there are some, even religious, who are not happy. Too bad for them. I spoke to the archbishop 2 days after his appointment. He was my classmate 30 yrs back. He wanted me to be at the installation ceremony in Jerusalem but I told him I will not go. He asked why and I said it's the saddest day for us as I know he really doesn't want this job and once as patriarch he'll be isolated in his palace and no longer free to see me. I guess he realised that and was sad too ... because he never replied for 2 days. We had been very very good friends all these 30 years. It was 2 days later that we spoke again ... accepting the fact that things have changed now that he is a major prelate and public figure.

Sunset

While corona infections have dropped significantly, some major events still show that people are reckless and never consider their role in spreading the pandemic. Firstly the weekly Sabbath protests against the PM continues in many cities, in the thousands. Then yesterday Druze worshippers forcefully removed the body of their leader who died of corona in a public hospital and got him buried despite protests from the govt and health officials. And of course the reopening of schools ... something which health experts warned against.        https://www.timesofisrael.com/mass-funeral-held-for-druze-leader-in-defiance-of-virus-restrictions/?fbclid=IwAR2Oq71DrxUQluAC10BInVQ5LrRnc_ru5frRbODXKYx8xs8N_xuUaAkvDIw

Anyway the full moon is up, winter shows up every night ... down to a chilly 16 degrees, though daytime is still around 24 degrees. Christmas is in the air.