Last Day

At the Tomb of
St. George

Christmas was a hectic weekend. The borders were opened only for a few hours so to get to Shepherds Field in Bethlehem for Vigil Mass was a rushed affair. I brought some 18 local asian sisters in Jerusalem for the Mass. Because of the hassle of border closures, many if not most of the communities and congregations refuse to enter the other side of the border. We managed to celebrate the Vigil Mass and then rushed back to Jerusalem on the other side of the border before it closed. The traffic though going in and out was heavy and it took one hour to get there.

Shepherds Field was very empty compared to the previous years. Only one filipino group and 3 Indonesian groups were there. All protestants. Christmas Day itself was very quiet. Most churches were closed due to the lack of pilgrims and tourists. There are no festivities or carolling. All Christmas celebrations except Masses are cancelled due to the tragic war. I have never ever in my life here experienced such a sad and quiet Christmas as this year. Not even during the 2 Intifadas and other Gaza wars. The mood of this Christmas is so heavy. No one can even smile. People avoid saying "Merry Christmas" as there's nothing merry about it.

At the Church in Arimathea

On Boxing Day the local asian sisters asked me to organise a halfday pilgrimage to Lod, Ramle and Jaffa. In Lod we prayed at the Tomb of St. George the dragon slayer. In Ramle (Arimathea) we celebrated Mass at the Church of St. Joseph of Arimathea. Then at Jaffa's St. Peter's Church we visited the Crusader ruins and had a picnic lunch before going home. It was enjoying ... a brief distraction from the pain and suffering in our country.

Yesterday the Nuncio came to our Chinese Convent for home cooked lunch. He wanted the meal on the last day of the year to be a homely, private asian meal. He is filipino. All went well and we enjoyed ourselves in a very informal gathering.

Let's pray that the new year will be kinder and more loving than this year.

Christmas

It's Christmas but there's nothing festive or merry about it. No festivities. Only Masses were celebrated and in sombre mood. There is so much pain and suffering, so much fear and death ... no one in living memory has celebrated a Christmas like this year.

I can only repeat the prayer at the mixing of water and wine during Offertory "May we come to share in His divinity as he humbled himself to share in our humanity" Christmas is God becoming man so that man can become like God ... perhaps in all this suffering in our land, we may taste the comfort of God's divinity

The Nativity scene at Manger Square in Bethlehem this year

Christmas this year ....

Christmas this year ....

Aid Appeal

This Christmas, please share God's blessing with your fellow Catholics in the Holy Land. Make a difference in their desperation.  

"What you do unto the least of these my brothers, you do unto me"

MC convent bombed

Photo from 2022 the little 
babies cared by the MC sisters

MC convent on fire

Injustice

Nadia and Samer ... mother and daughter killed by snipers in the Catholic Church in Gaza

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May the rest in peace.

May divine justice prevail and may we live to see it

M. Teresa convent bombed, sniper kills 2 catholics, seven wounded

 

Weekend

Donuts this winter

It's the weekend again. I'm glad we had several days of drizzle. Hopefully next week it'll rain again. It'll raise the Sea of Galilee levels again. And maybe stave off a drought next year.

Sr. Kolbe of the MC sisters in Bethlehem transferred to Amman last week. She hardly is able to walk anymore and the war and closure of Bethlehem had made it difficult for her to have medical treatment. So once the border was partially opened, she was brought out to Jerusalem and transported to Amman where there are more sisters to care for her. We wish her all the best in her retiring years.

Our local Catholic hospital

The hospital dietician has put me on a new diet to to reduce my cholesterol and diabetes. It's more meals than I usually take but less in amount. I'm allowed rice once a day but only 1 cup.  No sugary foods and sodas and fruit juices. That means no winter donuts which I saw in our 24 hr bakery. Dinner is vegetable soup. Because of the frequency of meals, I don't actually feel hungry despite the small portions. I have 2 months to bring my cholesterol and blood sugar down. Tomorrow is another appointment with the cardiologist. Because my insurance covers my heart tests but in a different hospital quite far away and I have to wait in line, I prefer to do it at our local Catholic hospital. Less hassle, it's closer to home, but I have to pay 250 shekels. I guess it's worth it considering the transport fare I'd need to pay to get the insurance hospital.

Groups are back

Indonesian pilgrim group

The entire week was fluctuating between sunny and rainy. Temps fell to 10 degrees but has recently climbed to 16 degrees. Still people wear woollen clothes and hoodies to avoid the chill. The sun sets at 4.30pm and people prefer to stay indoors to avoid trouble. Security has been heavy especially starting today when the Jews celebrate their feast of Hanukkah. 

Christmas celebrations are played down this year. No public banners, trees or carols. It's a time of mourning for all the dead and injured. The solemn entrances of the Custos and the Patriarch into Bethlehem each Saturday of Advent is not a restricted event, low profile. No scouts, bands, bagpipes and processions. Even in our monasteries, there are no Christmas trees or lights. Just the statue of the Infant Jesus and some fresh flowers or poinsettias.

Cold rainy days

Nevertheless despite the exaggerated cancellations of flights and tour groups, the Indonesian pilgrims are the most resilient. Several groups continue to come each week, and see for themselves the pilgrim churches are unaffected by the war. A Singaporean group even came last week! We're hoping more groups will have the courage and faith to come this Christmas.

Full moon

Full moon

It has been raining for the past few days. Last night it was 9 degrees. It's cold. Winter clothes and blankets are out. Everyone is wearing hoodies. In a way this weather is much welcome. This past summer has been very dry. We had several heatwaves. The rains now have cooled the air. Wild plants are sprouting in the cracks of walls and pavements.

Last night the full moon was out. Because of the rain clouds, its been elusive. Coming home every evening (it gets dark by 4.30pm) I sometimes see it for a few seconds before the clouds hide it again. This hide-and-seek full moon creates a haunting atmosphere, especially when it is also cold and wet. And the empty silent streets tense from the war gives it an even more haunting feeling. 

And that's winter 2023. We hope it'll lead us peacefully to the end of the year and start 2024 on the right foot.

Rex Cordium

Rex Cordium

Today is the solemnity of Christ the king. And our chapel of the Flagellation / Coronation of the Crown of Thorns is the sacred place where this commemoration takes place. It's not a triumphant powerful king ... but as our tabernacle door depicts ... he is the king of hearts (Rex Cordium). The universality of his kingship is one of love through suffering.

In the midst of this tragic war, we pray that the King of sufferers will conquer the hardened hearts with love. Enough with war. Enough with violence. Enough with killings. Enough with vengeance. Human beings are the only animals that inflict pain out of hate and vengeance.

Winter

Cold winter evenings

Though the rains have stopped, temp continue to plummet. It's been around 12 degrees these few mornings. Next week it'll drop to 10 degrees. And the rains will return. It will be dreadful for our christians in Gaza as there is no heating or warm clothing for them. Hopefully with the ceasefire there will at least be some food and water. Do keep praying for them.

The sun sets early ... by 4.30pm it's dark. Lights shine on the City walls and a golden glow envelopes the outside of the Old City. It's beautiful. But few people are out to enjoy it. Whether it's the cold, the war, the local tensions, people just stay indoors. We hear there're outbreaks of respiratory diseases around the world ... and many are avoiding crowded places. We don't want another Covid scenario. I've been coughing a lot these past week. not feeling too good. Easily tired.

It's a year since my heart treatment. I am due for a check up with my cardiologist. There's a series of tests I must do before I see him. Hopefully I can get it done next week. Meantime 2 of our Indian sisters in the convent are suffering from slipped disks. They're out of action. I'll try to help out in the kitchen when I can. I'm out at work most of the day and return home in the evenings so there's not much help I can offer.

Cold

The Empty Tomb

The rains continue to come. At times drizzle, at times showers. The wind is strong and gusty. And cold. This morning was 11 degrees. Winter blankets and heaters are coming out of their boxes and closets. In the streets, umbrellas are everywhere ... a rare sight. Much as I didn't want to, I walked to work this morning in the drizzle in a raincoat. Just 50 m from our door it started raining heavily. I walked to the MC convent to borrow and umbrella. Walking up the stairs for 800m carrying 2 bags and an umbrella ... it was not easy. And with my heart problem ... well it was a major struggle.

Exhausted from work ... with my first class at 4am ... I'm going to hibernate. With 2 small heaters on. It's like 10 degrees right now. My only dislike is the freezing cold water in the taps tomorrow morning when I wash my face. Every winter is the same problem ... the water boilers (solar powered) don't work and we're left with freezing cold water every morning. Well I really should be grateful. In Gaza our Christians don't even have water.

Rain

Our christians sheltering in our
parish church in Gaza

 The winter rains have come. It drizzled for 2 days last week. Then the night temp kept falling. Last night was 13 degrees. Yesterday saw more drizzle and scattered showers. Today heavy showers. Normally I'd rejoiced ... as would many others. The land is parched from this year's several heatwaves. The rains will clean the air and saturate the earth. It is good.

Well actually no. Actually I'm praying for it to stop raining. I'm thinking of the Gazans ... without shelter, heating, winter clothes ... they'll die of cold in this weather. As it is there is not enough food and water. Few want to shelter in buildings as they'd be targeted by missiles. So sheltering in the open is the only alternative ... and rain is not good.

Holy Sepulchre church ... empty

Our christians are still holding out in our parish church there. Once in a while electricity returns and they quickly send out messages that they are alright. Let's continue to pray for them.

While life is back to normal in Jerusalem, the absence of tourists is felt severely. Most shops and restaurants are closed. So are hotels and churches. However there're still several groups of Indonesian christians coming. I've met them in the streets here and spoken with them. They're very upbeat and positive despite not being able to visit Bethlehem and Jericho. I wish more groups would do the same.

Mass

Mass inside the Empty Tomb

The weather has truly turned wintry. Sunset at 4.30pm. It gets dark very early and quickly. And temp fall to 16 degrees. Though there's no need for heaters, a hoodie and thick trackpants are needed to stay warm at night.

I've gone haywire in my memory again. Took my morning medication in the afternoon and the afternoon in the morning. Mixing days and schedules. I'm trying to rest as much as possible. Hopefully the confusion will clear away. Anyway it's a year since my surgery. Time to visit the cardiologist for a checkup.

With churches quite empty of groups except for Indonesians ... there's been several groups now visiting ... we were told to go celebrate Masses at the different sanctuaries to keep the prayers going. I booked for a Mass in the Empty Tomb and celebrated Mass this morning for all your intentions - both living and dead.

We continue praying for the sisters, priests and our catholics in the war zone. Hopefully they will receive some food and water soon. 

Already?

Christmas goodies
on sale

 The streets remain quiet and few people venture out unless for urgent and   necessary business. Police are everywhere, stopping and searching everyone. It's   tense just to go out but I must go to work. No avoiding it. Yesterday there was a   stabbing attack and that caused more problems with road closures, public   transport halted, City Gates closed. We don't want trouble. Life is hard as it is,   with this war going on.

 Several days back there was rain ... actually a steady shower for most of the day.   It was good. The land is parched and dry. Dust in the air. The rain washed away   and cleared everything. It gave a sense of freshness and renewal. And the plants are flourishing.

The economy is not good and many shops that usually start selling Christmas things are not opened. George who runs our little grocery has however started a small section of Christmas goodies. The panettone are much smaller hence cheaper. In fact all the goodies are much smaller to fit the budget of a poorer people. There'll be a little cheer this Christmas ... not much. But we try. In this dark days, we try to smile. The droning of fighter planes above remind us of reality. We try to distract ourselves but the shock and pain of the war are too deep to be removed from our minds and hearts. Still we smile ... not for ourselves but for others; to give them a little hope and encouragement to go on.

Song

It's been difficult these few days. Jerusalem is calm and the weather is cool and balmy, like autumn should. But the news from the war zone is making everyone feel hopeless. Almost half the population of northern Gaza has been killed. Soon there will not be enough people to even reconstruct and form a social community anymore.

I received news that the sisters in our parish received some food and that would eleviate the hunger from the christians sheltering in our parish. They made a video of them praying with some of the parishioners on the Day of Prayer (Oct 27) as called by the Pope. We fasted rigorously and prayed. But God doesn't seem to listen. It's very sad. Families with only one or two members left.

Hre is a clip with the sisters sent of their prayer for peace

Stromata

We continue to fast and pray for peace and justice. This Friday the Pope has called for another day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land. More than anyone else in the world, we here in the Holy Land feel especially obliged to implore the mercy and compassion of God. But we need the support and solidarity of the Church outside as well.

Grocery shops open

Essential shops still continue to function. People need to eat and take their medicines. Today schools officially open again. The streets are full of school children. Parents go out to buy essentials. Masses and religious gatherings resume.

But still there's a palpable tension in the air. People speak in lowered voices. No one wants to draw attention. 

Food prices however have gone up. It's very expensive now so we keep to simple food. It is good to remind ourselves of the general poverty around us, and to show solidarity with them. There's no better time than now.

No words

Damascus Gate empty

Jerusalem is calm. Life is almost like normal ... during the day. Shops continue to open. People need to buy food and necessities, pharmacies and clinics work on as usual. Schools have reopened. A schedule of normalcy helps to alleviate the tension and fear.

But in the nights the streets are empty. Nobody goes out unless necessary. Police stop everyone at the City Gates. Even cars are stopped in the streets. There is a palpable fear in the air. Aggression and frustration are just beneath the veneer of normalcy.

I have friends on both sides. All are wounded, shocked emotionally and psychologically. We don't speak to each other because there are no words. We meet, we nod, we hug, we try to smile ... but there are no words. They are not needed. We all know and we all don't know. We all hope and we all lost hope. We live in a zone between night and day, black and white, life and death. 

Why? Lord have mercy

We fasted. We prayed. We wept. And a hospital and school were bombed in the meantime. Hundreds of innocent children killed. Why? why?

Lord have mercy on the killers. Lord have mercy on the dead. Lord have mercy on us who continue to suffer.

Take cover

Missile expoding over
the Old City

The war started on Saturday morning just as I was walking home from the MC convent after Mass. Sirens wailing and loud explosions to the south of the city. It went on for 4 or 5 hours till afternoon. The city was quickly deserted. Pilgrim groups were told to return to their hotels. Shops were told to close. We came under 48 hr curfew. Then on Sunday night the curfew was extended for another 48 hrs. School shut. No Masses. No gatherings. I'm teaching via Zoom so I'm not affected.

It's been a horrible massacre. I texted my Jewish friends to see of they are safe or needed lodging. I'd find rooms in our empty hostels for them. Thank God everyone is ok. But I also have friends on the Arab side of the war. Mother Teresa's sisters are in Gaza caring for some 60 or more handicap children and elderly. They have no shelter to protect them. And they say the bombing is very close to their convent. Pray for them.

Ooopps another siren .... and 3 huge explosions towards the south. Probably in the desert area of Gush Etzion.  The missiles won't hit our area ... we're next to the Al Aqsa mosque so it's haram if they hit it. But it was really loud ... my windows shook. OK just got news that some people were injured by the missiles just now. Several in Gilo in the south of Jerusalem and several in Abu Gosh west of Jerusalem. It'll be a restless night tonight.

What a way to start my retirement.

Retired

St. Francis in our
courtyard

The feast of St. Francis was well participated in our main church. Very crowded. The traditional Transitus ceremony was solemn as it recalled the last day of Francis' life. 

The rest of the week was filled with closing my work at the university library. On Oct 5 I officially retired from work there. It's been over 15 years when I was asked to reorganize the library (rebuilt physically as well) and unite it with the historical library from the main monastery 1km away. now the catalogues are united with a total of110,000 titles and some 2000 periodical titles. It's been a massive job. But it's done. We've saved lots of space and money as a result. Now I can withdraw and retire. Now I only have one smaller library to care for ... less pressure on my health. With my heart and kidney problems, I won't be able to handle so much work from now on. Time to slow down.

This week saw lots of violence all around the country - arabs fighting jews, jews fighting arabs, jews fighting jews, arabs fighting arabs .... unbelievable. Borders will be closed this evening because the jewish feast of tabernacles ends and another feast immediately begins Simhat Torah. More spitting attacks at our church with hundreds of orthodox jews pass our gate to harass us. Police are now stationed at our gate. Yesterday 3 were arrested and the day before 5 were arrested. Videos of their spitting at a Vietnamese group making the Way of the Cross has gone viral and International. Govt ministers immediately distanced themselves from these perpetrators though we know they need them for the coalition. Even the chief rabbis condemned it. I don't know how hopeful things will change. But I won't be surprised if these extremists will take revenge in some other ways, like hacking our websites etc.

Eve

 It's the eve of the feast of St. Francis. This evening we'll celebrate the Transitus. It's the traditional ceremony to recall the final moments of Francis' life. It's simple and moving. None of the profusion of Gregorian chants. Only 2 simple chants of a psalm and the transitus hymn. That's typical of early Franciscan tradition - still uninfluenced by benedictine or monastic spirituality - simple and poor to reflect the poverty espoused by the first followers.

Here's a trailer of Brother Sun Sister Moon ... make sure you watch the full movie tomorrow

2 Days more

 I'n trying my best to rest from the unusual events that required my attention. My feet are extra swollen and I've lost a lot of appetite due to exhaustion.  But the good news is that our Chinese migrant worker who has injured has been recovering well. Thanks for your prayers. He's able to stand wobbly for a few seconds and he has gained a little appetite. He's still attached to a machine that draws out blood from his lungs though. Thank goodness for some friends coming up here ... they've volunteered to bring some medicines for him. That'll be a great help.

It's 2 days to the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. I'm taking time off to rest and renew this season of Franciscan celebration. No class. Instead I'm asking all my students to watch the film "Bother Sun Sister Moon" in lieu of class. A Zefferilli classic made in 1972 with his typical fantastic cinematography, its simple beauty will touch you. Filmed in Assisi with a great cast (Alec Guiness as Pope Honorius) and music by Donovan. I think you can find it on Youtube or whatever media. I'll be posting some clips to whet your appetite.

(Francis before the Pope 1/2)

(Francis before the Pope 2/2)

Exhausted

It's been a very hectic week as so many things happened that I needed to help.

Ashdod Assuta hospital

The main worry was one of our chinese migrant workers had an accident at work. Fell 6 meters from the construction site. A metal rod pierced his chest and right lung. Was rushed to ICU. But that's in Ashdod, a coastal town near Gaza.Timing is bad as well. We're in between Yom Kippur and Sukkot ... not public transport. I had to hire a private car which took almost 2 hours to drive there. The traffic was unbelievable as people were rushing to go home for the holidays. And visiting hours at ICU is only one hour between 7pm to 8pm. Anyway I got there on time to give him the Sacraments. He couldn't talk much as he has a tube in his lung drawing out blood. Did whatever I could for him, translating chinese to english to the nurse. Then I got home ... which was about 10pm. 

The past days were also hectic as I had to find a lawyer for him. I checked with the Viciariate for Migrants and Asylum Seekers. They directed me to 2 agencies helping migrant workers. Wrote to both but got no answer. I was told it was Yom Kippur so no one was working. After that feast I got an answer. We spoke to contact the company responsible for the construction site but before it could be resolved, it's the feast of Sukkot and everything stops for 8 days. Then I had to stay in contact with his family in China.

Then there were many requests from her and there to do stuff or want things. I couldn't cope with everything so some things I just gave up and said no.

Anyway I'm physically and psychologically exhausted. I've rested for one day but my body wants to continue resting.

Crisis

Chaplains and the nuncio

Another week has passed. It's been a tiring week as there was a lot of work to do. And events to attend. Yesterday for example was the International Day for Migrants and Asylum Seekers. The annual event sees all the various groups and chaplaincies come and celebrate Mass. I think yesterday there were about over 1000 Indians, filipinos, africans, Vietnamese, Ethiopians, Ukrainians, Romanians and other nationalities present. The nuncio celebrated the Mass with the chaplains and assistant chaplains. They also came from different rites: byzantine, geez, syro-malabar as well as Latin. Each one offered something in the liturgy: a prayer, a song or hymn and also to the refreshments after the Mass.

This evening Yom Kippur begins. Tensions are high and I think the borders will be closed. Public transport has stopped. But the Arab side is still open though. However I'm in a dilemma. Just received news that one of our migrant workers is seriously injured in Ashdod and is in ICU. I need to go and see him but there is no transport there. Also I'm not sure they'll let me see him, depending on his situation. And because it's Kippur, I guess the hospital is down to a skeleton staff. I'll have to be posted on his progress if I am to go down to Ashdod. It is quite far in the south. And it's next to Gaza which has upped its attacks on Israel with fire balloons for the past day. Let's pray for the best. This is a bad crisis situation at a wrong time and place.

Autumn harvest

It's Friday. Another weekend. The streets are very crowded today because muslims are coming to pray in the Al Aqsa mosque while Jews are preparing for Yom Kippur with prayers at the Wailing Wall. It makes going out or coming back home quite tedious as you have to squeeze and push your way through.

Police enforce strict security checks at every corner. The coming feasts of Yom Kippur and Sukkot are making everyone jittery as violence continue throughout the country.

Putting those thoughts aside ... the autumn harvest is in full swing. Lots of grapes and dates and pomegranates. Also peaches and plums. And the locally planted guavas and pineapples are also plentiful. What is missing is custard apple. There used to be alot of them in the market but this year no shop is selling them. Strange. Come to think of it ... lychees are also rare this year. Maybe no one's buying them so the farmers stopped producing.

Back

Damp, humid skies

It's been some days since I updated the blog. Busy week and I'm trying to adapt my work schedule with my changing health situation. I reach a point where I just cannot continue and totally shut down. Things just have to wait. Well I'm back on the blog. My mind is still a little foggy. Been confusing the days.

The summer holidays are almost over. Many schools have already started but higher institutes and universities begin later in October. Some profs who return yesterday said I aged a lot during these past 3 months of summer. Well, I feel it too. 

We discussed the crazy weather in Europe and here. We had 2 extreme heatwaves and a rainstorm in August. That is totally beyond human memory. This week it's been very humid and damp. The ground is wet with heavy dew every morning and a chilly wind blows in the evenings. People are actually wearing hoodies and jackets. That's a sure sign winter is on its way. Nevertheless we're all wary for this coming winter now. Yesterday newspapers warn of heavy rains. I rather like that. And snow of course in January. It would be a nice break from the heatwaves we've had.

Police stop and search
arab youth

The jewish New Year has just passed and it'll be Yom Kippur next week 24th. Tensions are high. Police in the newspapers call on israelis to carry guns. More stop-and-search taking place in and around the Old City. I dread when our streets are closed off and curfews imposed, impeding our movement. It's quite unfair on us.

Anyway everyone is saying 2023 is almost over. Just 3 more months. Let's hope they pass without incident. We've had too much meteorological upheavel this year. We don't need other disturbances to upset our daily lives.

Monti fest

Our Maria Bambina sisters
at Mass

The weather has cooled alot ... by some 5 degrees during the day. It's now around 28 degrees at daytime. But the nights are just about the same temp. And very humid. I've not been able to sleep at night because of the heat. 

Last Saturday our Jerusalem Konkani community celebrated their Monti Feast (summer harvest + birth of Mary) in a grand style. Their bishop of Mangalore came and celebrated Mass with the Tel Aviv community, the Haifa community and the Jerusalem community. I think there're about 40,000 konkanis in Israel working as caregivers. I often help out whenever they have a shortage of priests. 

Monti fest lunch: vegetarian

I couldn't join them for Mass and procession this year because I had the Ethiopic Mass at the same time. It's the ethiopic New Year so I had to celebrate the feast for them. However I did manage to get back in time for the cultural programme and lunch with the bishop and other konkani religious of Jerusalem. There were our Maria Bambina (Baby Mary) sisters, who celebrated their patron feast day (Nativity of Mary, hence baby Mary). 

Konkanis after Mass

Lunch was a celebration of the summer harvest. It's vegetarian and the parishioners cooked the dishes themselves. I love vegetarian food. It was very well made.

So my weekend was very busy with all these ethnic celebrations. My left eye is affected by cataract and it's bothering my sight. It's terrible irritating and I keep rubbing my eye, but it does not go away. Vision in the left eye is 70%.  Because of the double blood-thinners that I'm taking, the eye specialists can't do a cataract op on me until my cardiologist is consulted. It gets complicated from here on.

Socks and foxes

Utter confusion these few days. I keep mixing up the days. Yesterday I thought was Thursday and got all my appointments wrong. Today I thought was Friday and got my work schedule wrong. Everyone here is telling me to go on a break, go to our house in Jaffa. But there is no room for me there. And here there's no one to celebrate Mass for the several sisters' convents. I'm practically alone saying two or more Masses a day. 

Fox at crossroads

And the heatwave is back. The temp this week is 36 - 40 degrees. It's also very humid. It's definitely not a good time to be sick. The zinnias are dying and it's time to pull them out. They were prolific in flowers this year. Now it's time to plant the bulbs and sow the Spring seeds. I just hope this winter we'll get lots of rain. Well it's been so hot, it must have caused a lack of food sources because several days back there was a fox running along the crossroads at Rockefeller Museum, trying to cross the road while a heavy traffic churned past. It was trying to get to the muslim cemetary across the road but didn't dare. It was a magnificent animal but very malnourished.

Thanks to everyone who gave me mulberries, Luo Han Guo and vitamins and medicine ... and socks. A perfect mind reader. I've been out of socks for several months now but every time I walk past the hawkers in the streets selling socks, I convince myself that it's not worth paying the money, and I can still wear torn socks because I wear shoes over them. Well almost. At M. Teresa's convent I have to remove my shoes and they see my toes sticking out of my socks and I get very embarrassed. Still daily I fight with myself whether to spend money buying socks. And then came a gift of 3 pairs!! Save me money and embarrassment.

School starts

Veggies and fruit from friends

The weekend fluctuated from cool to hot. The humidity at night though is very high, and everything outdoors is covered by heavy dew. The air smells like after the heavy winter rains. Hopefully the autumn and winter will be wet and chilly. We need the rain.

During the weekend, some filipino friends in Tel Aviv brought some veggies over to me. They have a garden and they plant lots of asian veggies. There was 1 kg of kangkong, several brinjals and half a squash. I really appreciate that we I have to buy my own veggies, and things have become very expensive now. I need to eat more veggies to reduce my bp and other bad stuff. Now I need to find time to cook them.

School has started for many primary and secondary schools. Public buses are full of students, and parents are busy bringing their kids first time in school. Very soon the routine will start and everything will be like clockwork. I look back at the many first-day-in-school experiences the past half century ... once upon a time I was among them. Time flies. 

Summer

Geez community after Mass

Every summer there's a shortage of priests here because most of them go on their vacations. The usual schedule for me is to help out in several migrant communities as well as some convents. That means I've to celebrate 4 Masses a day ... sometimes. Like last Saturday. The Geez Rite Church (Ethiopic or Eritrean depending on the area) community here is wonderful as I have to serve them for 2 months. Very dramatic traditional clothes and ancient hymns with exotic tunes. I always enjoy being with them. The only problem is it's 2km away uphill for me so I have to hire a taxi  if my swollen feet can't take me there.

I've been forgetting to take my medicines on time. That makes me dizzy and tired, no energy nor concentration to work. If my work day is fixed, then it's easier for me to remember to take my medicines. But if something happens and my schedule is rearranged, then I forget. I've been especially stressed these 2 weeks because the school year is beginning and many families are calling on me for help to pay for school fees, uniforms and books. Some are genuine cases but there are also some fakes who're out for a quick buck. Luckily I work closely with M. Teresa sisters, the Custody and the Patriarchate offices and we cross check every request with each other to verify that the cases are genuine and there are not duplications of aid given. Very efficient work here. 

By the way, yesterday there were 625 views on my blog ... again the suspicious rise in visits which mean some of my content isn't pleasing some people.

Cool

Major road works

The weather has cooled alot today ... and it even drizzled this morning. Yes drizzle in August. Utterly unheard of. The morning was chilly with rain clouds covering the sky. The ground was wet with dew. You can smell the moisture in the air. Men are wearing long sleeve shirts instead of T-shirts. Definitely the weather has changed ... autumn is on the way. My anemone and ranunculus bulbs are budding so it's definitely cool enough.

Major road works have been going on for the past year, and it looks like it'll take another 2 more years to be completed. The major artery Suleiman Street that runs across East Jerusalem along the City Walls has been reduced to a 2 lane street. Pedestrian walkways however have been widened 100%. Now my question is if there's an emergency like an ambulance or police car, how will it overtake the traffic in such a narrow street? There's simply no room, no shoulder to ride along. 

We're still seeing a lot of violence on all levels. Summer is turning to autumn and there is no let up. It'll be very unpleasant if this spills into winter as well. It'll be Christmas time and we don't want road blocks and border closures to Bethlehem.

Assumption

Dormition icon in procession

The annual procession of the Dormition icon (Mary falling asleep / died) took place early on Friday morning at 5am. The Holy Sepulchre bells were ringing loudly and thousands of christians - orthodox and catholic were in procession down to the Tomb of Mary in the Kidron Valley. There were two long rows of Greek and Romanian and Russian nuns and monks holding candles while the bishop carried the heavy silver icon. The Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches keep the Julian calendar and the feast of the Assumption (Dormition for the Eastern churches) falls on August 26th.

Geez rite catholics at Mass

On Saturday I had to celebrate the same feast day for our Ethiopic catholics. It was a nice crowd, with lots of Geez hymns and prayers chanted and sung. There were many children, which is a good sign for the future of the Geez Rite community.

Next week the school year begins for many primary schools. Some secondary schools will begin a little later. University begins even later. Summer holidays is over. Sunrise is later and autumn has set in. Soon another year will pass.

Monks and nuns in
procession

Thousands participating

Summer again

Julius Caesar in the park

It's my first summer after my opration ... and it takes a lot of getting used to. For one, I'm not as mobile as I used to. Summers used to be full of concerts and events, visits to Tel Aviv, the beach, having asian food in the asian centers of Tel Aviv. All that is no longer possible. The heat and my health are the major impediments. Walking uphill and climbing stairs are nearly impossible for me. And the memory losses are not fun either. It's been very depressing trying to adapt to my new lifestyle. There are days when I just don't want to even leave my room.

But yesterday I was determined to not let summer pass by. The weather was alot cooler too. It was the last performance of Julius Caesar. Every summer the public performance is organised at a park and is free for all to join in. I had thought I'd miss this performance, as Iflt I couldn't walk the 1.5km uphill to the park. But I didn't want to be depressed nor regret not going, so I walked there slowly in one and a half hours. It was a fun performance ... adapted for outdoor performance. I've been attending these summer performances for many years now. Yesterday it felt like my summer was normal again.

New Gate bazaar

After the performance I walked through New Gate which was having its own celebration ... international stalls selling their countries products. The new Christian cafes and restaurants were also highlighted, and many people were there. It was a festive atmosphere ... though police were everywhere. There's fear extremist jews will come to attack christians.

The slow walk back at 9pm was cool and the streets filled with people. It felt normal. Though I was limping and hungry, I was very happy. It felt like summer again. I had enough money to buy 3 peaches and 6 figs. Eating them with Kiki and JJ made me happy. It was like summer again.

By the way, yesterday  there were 107 views, today 97. The trolling hasn't stopped.

Christian crisis

Street performers

The trolling is restarting ... yesterday 202 and today 120. It's been the usual 20+ the last months since the last attack. Must be my content the past days that's drawing attention.

Anyway there's an article in a local newspaper saying the International Christian Embassy - a zionist evangelical "church" - is facing problems getting visas for its workers, because the hardline govt which this "church" supports, has turned and bitten the hand that feeds it. Evangelical zionist "churches" here are realising that jews have seen beneath their veneer of pro-zionism to a hidden agenda to convert the jews as the ultimate aim. All the money they donate to the State is not free nor without strings attached. The newspaper heading for this article was "christian exodus."

Musical quintet

Meanwhile 2 days back the Orthodox Churches could not celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor for the 2nd year running because the govt did not grant permission for such a huge gathering. Tens of thousands of pilgrims who went up the hill had to come back down with no prayers or liturgies. Well the orthodox churches will have to fight this battle out for themselves. I'm just glad we don't share the same calendar so our feast days fall on different dates and because our community is very small, we can celebrate our feasts without restrictions. The Tourism Ministry was aghast by this and warned that christians will stop coming to Israel.

And talking about feasts, the summer events in the streets at night are numerous and fun. There're street performers, musicians and singing bands at many street corners. Concerts take place at Sultan's Pool ... and there's the weekend events at New Gate. Too bad my health is impeding me from joining any of it. It's not just the walk to those venues with my swollen feet; it's also losing my memory and losing my way. This summer is sad ... I'm mostly homebound.

Desert day-off

Our sisters in the desert

The weather has cooled alot. It feels like autumn now. It's very cool in the nights, and the mornings are very foggy. The humidity is high. But daytime is still in the 30s.

Violence continues to rip through the country: gangland killings, military raids and terror attacks. Several people have died these past few days. Things will get more tense in a month's time when the jewish feast of New Year, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. I guess the checkpoints and border with Palestine will be closed during that period. It will not be convenient to travel about. Even right now, police have stepped up stop-and-search checks in the streets.

I may be tired. I'm forgetting things again .... names, places, why I go where. It's the confusion of names that's worrying me. One whole morning I was struggling to get a name right and kept saying "popcorn" when the sisters kept correcting me "cornflakes." Now that I'm practically alone at home - everyone else has gone for summer vacation - I try to take my daily walks along my usual routes so I do not get lost in the streets. Hands and feet continue to be swollen ... but I'm making mulberry tea which people tell me helps heal the kidneys. I might also have a cataract on the left eye as it is very blur and I cannot rub it out.

Talking about summer vacation, our 2 sisters working in the kitchen and sacristy have not had a day's break this year. So our superior told them to have Sundays off. Last Sunday they spent the morning in the desert, visiting the famous monasteries of Mar Saba and Mar Theodosius. I'm glad they enjoyed themselves and got away from work. They have been overworked. Our vice-superior drove them there in our monastery car so the sisters travelled in comfort and safety. In this heat the desert is not a good place to go alone.

Tomb of the Assumption

Tomb of Mary

The weekend and start of the week sw more violence ... from gangland to military. People continue to die. Anti-govt policy protests continue to grow. Ultra-orthodox coalition members threaten to break up the govt if they don't get what they want - which is exemption from military service. Another bedouin community is forcefully moved from their terrain. Jews continue to spit at us and get away with it even though the presseoident and police chief met with christian leaders to assure them of govt support. All talk. Show some action - arrest and charge those perpetrators. This is a summer to remember ... implosion like never.

Yesterday was the Assumption of the BVM. There were prayers all day at her tomb in the Kidron Valley. Mass was celebrated at Gethsemani basilica next door with procession. Few people know that Mary died and was buried, and from her tomb she was assumed into heaven. People think she just floated into heaven one day without dying. No one is exempt from death ... not even Jesus Christ. So she had to die. But after that she was assumed into heaven. Ancient christian celebrations have been taking place here since the first centuries of Christianity. 

The weather continues to be above 38 degrees. It's sweltering because humidity is 80%. it makes the weather even worse. There was so much fog last night I couldn't see the Dom of the Rock from my window. The ground is covered with dew mixed with desert sand ... making marks all over and very slippery. I had to be very careful this morning when the janitor and I did gardening and avoided slipping in the courtyard.

Summer colours

Summer fruit

Weather forecasts predict soaring temp this wekend. Today and tomorrow should go up to 37 degrees and above. The govt is warning elderly and sick people not to go outdoors. Well I'm just out to celebrate Mass for the Eritrean community, after an earlier Mass for the MC sisters ... and now I'll trying to get home as soon as I can to avoid the full last of the sun. As it is, the sun is already bashing down hard. 

Summer fruit have ripened early due to this heatwave. Lots of peaches, plums, nectarines and figs, even grapes! The colours are amazing! In this heat most of the fruit spoil by evening if they're not consumed, so hawkers sell them cheaper in the evenings. The figs go very squashy and slimy but they're very sweet. I love eating summer fruit, as I lose my appetite in the heat. However the hospital has been warning me to avoid certain fruit so I either have to give up some, or to eat them in very small amounts.

My left hand is still swollen and hurting alot. I can't write much with only one hand. And so I've taken advantage of my injury to rest for the past 2 days.

Injured

Blazing sun in the evening

It can only happen to me ... my luck. It's not ebough that my hands and feet are swollen and I fell down Damascus Gate last week, now I sprained my left hand while closing the door. Don't know how my hand got so tangled in such a awkward position. My brain and hand coordination is not working. Is that the start of Alzheimer's?

More violence throughout the country. When will it all end?

My hand hurts too much. Can't type ... so I'll leave it for now.

Prayer

Coptic monk in prayer

It was a violent weekend - many dead in various attacks. One terrorist attack even in Tel Aviv center. It's a disturbing summer .... the heatwave only exacerbates the tension. 

While the thermometer registers 34 degrees, it actually feels much more. Though I'm trying my best to stay in bed, I still have to go out some times to celebrate Mass or collect documents such as medical insurance. My hands and feet are still swollen. Walking is difficult but if it's flat land, it's alot easier. Govt advice in the newspapers is old people and those who have heart problems should avoid going out during the day. And truly it's serious ... when you walk out you can feel the oppressive heat.

One morning last week, I saw a Coptic monk walking in the shade of the huge cypress trees of Damascus Gate park, praying his prayer book. It was a good sign for the jews and muslims who walk pass. Well the heat was terrible even at that hour, so the monk did good staying in the shade. I guess at this moment of great upheaval, we can only pray.