Summer heat

Palm Plaza pigeons

The month of May is almost over. Today there was the annual procession of the statue of the Madonna around the Christian Quarter. Because there is no more limit to gatherings, the crowd was sizable. A fitting end after a year of lockdowns. We hope the Madonna has conquered the pandemic.

We might have a new govt. after all ... in a matter of hours. The Center-right party is in probable coalition with the Left. That would see the ultra-orthodox parties out and also the incumbent PM. It might just be the fresh air we need. 

Today was very hot and when the pigeons and crows at Palm Plaza take a dip in the fountain and then sunbathe. An amazing sight. Also fewer people are outdoors from noon to evening ... a wise thing to do since the heat can do harm to your health ... heat-stroke for example.

Sr. Amrutha, one of our indian sisters working in our chapels and kitchen, has been called back to her province in Hyderabad after 3 years of service here. This afternoon I organised a small meeting of english speaking students to bid her goodbye. It's not easy for her ... or anyone, to be given only 1 week's notice to return; and leave the holy sites of Jerusalem. But that's religious life.