Marzipan sweets

Marzipan Lamb of God

 Clashes continued the past 2 days on a lesser scale as police are trying to negotiate and lessen the tension inside the Mosque. They're really trying their best to resist from violent reaction as the police reaction has been very very restraint. I've lived here long enough to know this.  Even many muslims are fed up with a small group of muslim youths who are causing all the trouble. Their prayers are disturbed, the mosques closed and the Ramadan spirit of joy is turned to sadness. There was a video of an old muslim man yelling at the youths to stop their trouble-making but they ignored him. And by youths, I mean males and females. There's been a rise in female activists, all in their late teens, who provoke and raise the tensions. But likewise it must be said that jewish extremists are equally to blame. They insist on entering the mosque compound under police escort. Last Thursday and Friday a few even tried to kill lambs as a passover sacrifice, which the Chief Rabi has forbidden since there is no Temple or Altar.  And today the jewish extremists are threatening to lead a procession through the muslim quarter to show that they are in charge. Police have refused them permission, but the rabbis will have their way and I', sure the march will go ahead and the muslims will fight back and there'll be a terrible clash in my area. Looks like I can't go home tonight,

Full moon last night

Those infected with corona in my house are walking around, disregarding quarantine restrictions. Very very inconsiderate. And worse there are some who think they are doctors, going around advising people that it is only symptoms of a slight cold and is not dangerous. Well we have one old father who is intubated in hospital but they conveniently forget him. The travesty is worse because these law breakers are priests and professors of the Bible ... but they don't don't live it at all. Some other fathers are terrified and vexed by these smart-alecks and have locked themselves in their rooms. It's a mafia here. Yes it hap[pens even in a monastery. Among the italians.

I've photographed the annual marzipan Lamb of God and have passed it around those who have decided to stay inside their rooms to avoid infection. It pleased many and social media has made it easier to communicate when we cannot meet face to face. The Lamb of God was made by the Sisters of Ivrea where we go to celebrate Mass everyday. It's pure marzipan or almond paste so it's very sweet.  But it's a tradition. The other tradition is to eat maamoul cookies made by the arabs. They're date paste made into the crown of thorns, the sponge and the spear. I like that very much.