Octave

Stone of Unction

It's the last day before Eid el Fitri, the end of Ramadan. It's been a kind Ramadan in a way ... the days are shorter than summer Ramadan, so the fasting time is shorter each day. It's less hot. The police have lifted many restrictions; younger people are allowed to enter the City and the mosque, people are allowed to sit and picnic on places previously forbidden, temporary hawkers are allowed to set up stalls.

But there was a terrorist attack thwarted at Damascus Gate though; a young man strapped a knife on his body but never got to use it. Anyway I must say the authorities and police are doing a great job. They keep the order discreetly and even moving away when people break their fast. Let's hope Eid el Fitri will go peacefully as well.

I celebrated Mass in the Empty Tomb during the Easter Octave. Remembered you all there. Now the Octave is over and we're heading to Ascension Day. The Jewish Passover is round the corner. So is the Orthodox Easter. April is full of feast days.