Well I got some responses alright! It ranged from people who thought I was upset to people who were worried that the blog was taking too much of my study time. It goes to show how important face-to-face communication is - through the Internet, one is unable to hear inflection of voice, body language and other elements of human communication. I think despite the ease that the Internet has provided in linking people together, it has impoverished us in other ways. Anyway it was good to hear from you guys - like I told many of you, it's a faceless world out there in cyber space and there is some unease as to where exactly these blogs end up. At least now I know.
Yesterday I did a marathon of work. Skipped lunch and read / wrote an important article. Feelt good when the article was completed - sense of accomplishment. Now that I got that one aside, I'll have to start on another. A professor saw me in the library and said "It's Sunday, you shouldn't be working". Like duuuh, I'm here in Israel precisely to do research and Sunday is the best time because no one else is using the library - nice and very quite.
At 3pm I got hungry so I cooked 2 packets of Instant noodles. I always get diarrhea after eating this. So this time I thought through it, and figured the cause was the following - I use unfiltered tap-water to cook it and well, I don't exactly "cook" it. You see, I don't have a pot to boil it in, so I just boil water from the kettle in the Sala Caffe and pour over the noodles and soak it till it gets soft. Probably not a good thing, right? Hmmmm so that's the price for laziness. Time for improvement - but you know local time ..........
Last night I brought Fr Massimo Carlino (the guy who sits next to me during meals in the refectory & is interested in Fr Allegra's work) and Jean Paul (he asked me several times) to the only chinese restaurent in Jerusalem. We had a simple dinner - wonton soup, rice, sweet-sour pork (not kosher!!!), toufu & mushrooms, stir-fried veggies. Simple right? The bill? US$100. I was prepared to wash dishes in the kitchen, to tell you the truth! Anyway before we left I told the Dean I was going out for dinner. He said good, I should go out once in a while. See, I'm a good boy who stays at home most of the time! (*The important thing is people notice that!!!*) The walk to the restaurent was nice. Uphill all the way, in the cool. Saw many familiar buildings lit up and recalled how the place looked like 15 years ago. Things have changed so much. The walk back was alot slower because Jean Paul was too full to walk. When we neared the monastery gate, there was a group of youths bullying another teenager. Usually I don't want to get involved - but this time I pitied the poor kid. They stopped when we approached, so I told Massimo to stay on with me for a little while in the street. The bullies didn't want to start bullying in front of me (most know me), and those few seconds gave the kid a chance to run away. Good deed for the day.
The Gospel reading today was the hot topic at breakfast. Jesus said to invite the blind, cripple, deaf etc.. to meals. Fr Buscemi was the first to make a remark in the refectory - he said this Gospel passage is fulfilled right here in the refectory: and pointed to me! Everyone laughed, and the discussion started as to how much I fulfilled this passage. Cripple - swollen left ankle; blind - poor eyesight (I really got to change my spectacles, honestly); deaf - selective of course! But everyone agreed I wasn't mute. I don't spare them my sharp tongue you know! Don't think that once I stopped teaching you guys, I don't get practice! Lots of targets here: like verbal sparring with Sr. Geronima.The score is still 1-0.
Fr Carlo the superior said after breakfast that it's time to clean the canary cage again, so I'll do it after lunch. He loves the canaries but is too old to take care of them. But right now, it's back to the library.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
HK$6 for a pastry?
My cough is still bothering me - bad. It's not the hollow, whispy type of cough that I usually get. This one is like an elephant sitting on my chest. It is heavy, painful on the chest and seems to press out all the breath I have. And the throat tickles. I wonder if prednisolone helps? You doctors out there - what do you think? A course of 2mg prednisolone for 5 days, wean down to 1mg for 3 days and half mg for 4 days? ADVICE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! I have no anti-biotics here nor anti-histamines. But I hate the side-effects of prednisolone - the inevitable bout of depression and mood-swings. That'll disturb my study routine. I'm grouchy everyday anyway so people think I'm perpetually on steroids! :)
Saturday night again - that means "relax night" for us here in this monastery. After a week's study and the usual tension of living right in the middle of the Muslim Quarter, the professors and students try to relax as much as possible. For us here it means watching the television and especially a good movie either on Italian television or CD. Actually watching CDs is more usual. Students share CDs with each other during the weekend; some will join others in one room watching the same CD on computer while bigger groups get to use the TV room and CD player. I watch alone in my room because no one else watches english language CDs. Actually it was a replay of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Like I've seen it again and again and again and again ................ Well luckily Fr Vincenzo left me a boxful of CDs before he left for Egypt. I haven't had time to check it out yet - remember I have no cupboards, shelves, kettle etc... Everything is still in my luggage or boxes.
Talking about Fr. Vincenzo, I found him on Skype yesterday evening so I contacted him and chatted with him. It started out quite weird actually - he asked if I could hear the music he was playing in his room, I said no. He then asked again "Can you hear?", I said no. He continued asking this question like 10 times, each time raising his voice and I kept saying no. Finally I figured he wasn't talking about the music but his voice over Skype. So I said "If you mean if I can hear your voice - yes it's very loud! Don't shout!" and he scolded me and said "Of course I was referring to my voice; what else could I be referring to?" .... Ah well, local logic, get it? Somehow the topic of the question moved from music to voice with no "dialogue marker" or "boundary": things flow from one to another, no matter if there is a logical connection or not. Mind you Vincenzo is an Italian but he practically grew up here in the Middle East. Last night I joked that he has forgotten how to speak italian, and he said yes. In Egypt they speak arabic in the monasteries. Well I'm sure Vincenzo had a good night's sleep after speaking with us (Jean Paul was also in my room and spoke with him).
This morning I got up late! It was already 5.30am and I quickly washed and dressed and hobbled up to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It was unusually quiet. I celebrated Mass in English in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament for Bro. Gregory (an American friar working in the Basilica) and several pilgrims and one local lady - Alexandra - she's always around. Then I had a quiet time in front of the Tomb praying for all of you until the booming bells reminded me that I must move aside because the Greek Orthodox bishop is coming to say Mass. I moved to the entrance and waited for the bishop's entry. As usual it was solemn - meaning two Kawas (guys dressed in ancient Ottoman suits carrying maces to shoo off people) led the way while 6 monks accompanied the bishop into the basilica. In our Roman Church, we also have kawas but we usually refer to them as "dragomans". After the bishop entered his part of the Church, I went to kiss the Stone of the Unction for all of you. I love it at the Basilica - there are no words to describe the experience there. Some people hate the ugly mixture of architecture (if that is a word you can use for the place!); other hates the dark, cold atmosphere created by the ancient stones; and more hate the divisions among the Christian communities in there. Well I never saw it that way. The Orthodox have always been civil with me (and vice versa), especially the Copts and Armenians who are always very friendly. The cacophany of voices is not disturbing but a wonderful expression of the Coming of the Holy Spirit, when each one can praise God in his own tongue. It shows more the unity in diversity rather than division. I just love it there. I wish I didn't have to leave but I've got work to do. yes even on a Sunday! But I told Bro. Andrew, our Ghanian head Sacristan, that I'll come back this afternoon for the procession. What is that you say? Well those of you who've joined me in pilgrimage here would remember the candle-light procession in the Holy Sepulchre. If not, too bad! Come and see for yourself! :)
On the way back I passed by the 8th Station and the bakery was open. In fact it was the only shop open along the whole street. For the 1st time in 15 years, the owner called out "Good morning Father". Wow - like he really needs my business. Be careful now...... I saw some of my favourite stuff there but brought only 15 shekels with me. So I thought I'd give it a try, if the bill overshoots my spending power, I'll just tell him to keep his buns. So I chose 3 pieces of pastry - 2 apple and 1 blueberry. They're about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, with fruit in them. He charged me 3 shekels each. That's the price he usually charges me. 3 shekels is about HK$6. How do you compare that with HK pastries of the same size? Is it expensive? Well the total fell within my means, so I gave 9 shekels and he said "Thank you, Father. Have a good day Father". Hmmmmm must be a sign from God. But I have not the slightest idea what it is! He's muslim. Anyway I'm eating them right now as I write this. Yuuummie! Delicious!
When I got home, I found our horrible cat had knocked over the large rubbish bin at our entrance. The silly cat was sitting next to it, waiting to be scolded. Well he got a scolding from me - but I don't think he understood. I spoke english and he understands arabic. Anyway with alot of finger wagging, "no-no"s and a swipe of the broom, I hope he learnt his lesson. It's not the first time, mind you - its like every other day. But no one ever scolded him. He's a brash fellow. If you don't open the gates for him in the mornings so he can stray along the streets of the Way of the Cross, he'll walk right up to the altar in the middle of Mass to attract attention. Once he even plonked himself right in the middle of the altar and slept - in the middle of Mass! And no one shooed him off! He also drinks holy water from the font in front of the Flagellation Chapel. Don't tell me that's cute - I'm not partial to cats. But dogs - that's another story. I miss Rex and Regis. Hey you guys! Take some photos of my boys and send them to me!
The weather is chilly in the mornings - but I don't have to buy rugs. I found a couple of old rugs I left behind 2 years ago in a luggage Fr Vincenzo left me. I had given it to his care when I returned to Hong Kong back in 2005. Now it comes in handy! But I'll really have to get a heater - I saw Marco has one in his room, about a foot high and 8 inches wide. Just enough for the morning chill. Aaaahhh but the local logic lurks ....... (love the alliteration! Don't know what that means? Check a dictionary!)
I'll stay in today and use the library. Probably cook some instant noodles for lunch in the Students' Sala and then later in the evening join in the procession in the Holy Sepulchre. By the way I don't know if you ever read this blog? I've received like only 2 mails this week and I'd like to know if people are actually reading this. If not - I'll just close it down. You know my email address. Give me some indication.
Saturday night again - that means "relax night" for us here in this monastery. After a week's study and the usual tension of living right in the middle of the Muslim Quarter, the professors and students try to relax as much as possible. For us here it means watching the television and especially a good movie either on Italian television or CD. Actually watching CDs is more usual. Students share CDs with each other during the weekend; some will join others in one room watching the same CD on computer while bigger groups get to use the TV room and CD player. I watch alone in my room because no one else watches english language CDs. Actually it was a replay of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Like I've seen it again and again and again and again ................ Well luckily Fr Vincenzo left me a boxful of CDs before he left for Egypt. I haven't had time to check it out yet - remember I have no cupboards, shelves, kettle etc... Everything is still in my luggage or boxes.
Talking about Fr. Vincenzo, I found him on Skype yesterday evening so I contacted him and chatted with him. It started out quite weird actually - he asked if I could hear the music he was playing in his room, I said no. He then asked again "Can you hear?", I said no. He continued asking this question like 10 times, each time raising his voice and I kept saying no. Finally I figured he wasn't talking about the music but his voice over Skype. So I said "If you mean if I can hear your voice - yes it's very loud! Don't shout!" and he scolded me and said "Of course I was referring to my voice; what else could I be referring to?" .... Ah well, local logic, get it? Somehow the topic of the question moved from music to voice with no "dialogue marker" or "boundary": things flow from one to another, no matter if there is a logical connection or not. Mind you Vincenzo is an Italian but he practically grew up here in the Middle East. Last night I joked that he has forgotten how to speak italian, and he said yes. In Egypt they speak arabic in the monasteries. Well I'm sure Vincenzo had a good night's sleep after speaking with us (Jean Paul was also in my room and spoke with him).
This morning I got up late! It was already 5.30am and I quickly washed and dressed and hobbled up to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It was unusually quiet. I celebrated Mass in English in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament for Bro. Gregory (an American friar working in the Basilica) and several pilgrims and one local lady - Alexandra - she's always around. Then I had a quiet time in front of the Tomb praying for all of you until the booming bells reminded me that I must move aside because the Greek Orthodox bishop is coming to say Mass. I moved to the entrance and waited for the bishop's entry. As usual it was solemn - meaning two Kawas (guys dressed in ancient Ottoman suits carrying maces to shoo off people) led the way while 6 monks accompanied the bishop into the basilica. In our Roman Church, we also have kawas but we usually refer to them as "dragomans". After the bishop entered his part of the Church, I went to kiss the Stone of the Unction for all of you. I love it at the Basilica - there are no words to describe the experience there. Some people hate the ugly mixture of architecture (if that is a word you can use for the place!); other hates the dark, cold atmosphere created by the ancient stones; and more hate the divisions among the Christian communities in there. Well I never saw it that way. The Orthodox have always been civil with me (and vice versa), especially the Copts and Armenians who are always very friendly. The cacophany of voices is not disturbing but a wonderful expression of the Coming of the Holy Spirit, when each one can praise God in his own tongue. It shows more the unity in diversity rather than division. I just love it there. I wish I didn't have to leave but I've got work to do. yes even on a Sunday! But I told Bro. Andrew, our Ghanian head Sacristan, that I'll come back this afternoon for the procession. What is that you say? Well those of you who've joined me in pilgrimage here would remember the candle-light procession in the Holy Sepulchre. If not, too bad! Come and see for yourself! :)
On the way back I passed by the 8th Station and the bakery was open. In fact it was the only shop open along the whole street. For the 1st time in 15 years, the owner called out "Good morning Father". Wow - like he really needs my business. Be careful now...... I saw some of my favourite stuff there but brought only 15 shekels with me. So I thought I'd give it a try, if the bill overshoots my spending power, I'll just tell him to keep his buns. So I chose 3 pieces of pastry - 2 apple and 1 blueberry. They're about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, with fruit in them. He charged me 3 shekels each. That's the price he usually charges me. 3 shekels is about HK$6. How do you compare that with HK pastries of the same size? Is it expensive? Well the total fell within my means, so I gave 9 shekels and he said "Thank you, Father. Have a good day Father". Hmmmmm must be a sign from God. But I have not the slightest idea what it is! He's muslim. Anyway I'm eating them right now as I write this. Yuuummie! Delicious!
When I got home, I found our horrible cat had knocked over the large rubbish bin at our entrance. The silly cat was sitting next to it, waiting to be scolded. Well he got a scolding from me - but I don't think he understood. I spoke english and he understands arabic. Anyway with alot of finger wagging, "no-no"s and a swipe of the broom, I hope he learnt his lesson. It's not the first time, mind you - its like every other day. But no one ever scolded him. He's a brash fellow. If you don't open the gates for him in the mornings so he can stray along the streets of the Way of the Cross, he'll walk right up to the altar in the middle of Mass to attract attention. Once he even plonked himself right in the middle of the altar and slept - in the middle of Mass! And no one shooed him off! He also drinks holy water from the font in front of the Flagellation Chapel. Don't tell me that's cute - I'm not partial to cats. But dogs - that's another story. I miss Rex and Regis. Hey you guys! Take some photos of my boys and send them to me!
The weather is chilly in the mornings - but I don't have to buy rugs. I found a couple of old rugs I left behind 2 years ago in a luggage Fr Vincenzo left me. I had given it to his care when I returned to Hong Kong back in 2005. Now it comes in handy! But I'll really have to get a heater - I saw Marco has one in his room, about a foot high and 8 inches wide. Just enough for the morning chill. Aaaahhh but the local logic lurks ....... (love the alliteration! Don't know what that means? Check a dictionary!)
I'll stay in today and use the library. Probably cook some instant noodles for lunch in the Students' Sala and then later in the evening join in the procession in the Holy Sepulchre. By the way I don't know if you ever read this blog? I've received like only 2 mails this week and I'd like to know if people are actually reading this. If not - I'll just close it down. You know my email address. Give me some indication.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Follow-up
I was in the library doing some reading when someone came along and gave me fantastic ideas of possible research topics regarding the Book of Wisdom. It was very exciting. I listened, took notes and immediately went back into my room to change and go out. OK so there's no logic here ... but then so's everything else here!
I went off to see Osvalda. She stays at our Franciscan hostel called Casa Nova. When I arrived, she already had two visitors, both from Telepace Jerusalem (It's a Jerusalem offshoot of a television network started in northern Italy). I happened to know them both so we all chatted for a quarter of an hour and left Osvalda to rest.
On the way back, I bought some things from our Christian neighbourhood all-purpose store. Got some handwashing liquid soap (sold in a packet of 3 bottles - one of which broke when I got home: so much for quality control), a bottle of Dettol (to disinfect my room: everyone laughed at the irony) and several menthol sweets (no more honey for me). Total cost - 33 shekels (= HK$66). Now is that expensive or what?
Anyway I took a slow walk downhill back to the Flagellation. On the way I met old Fr Beda a korean friar who's been here for umpteen years. He asked how my studies were - and I said OK, and he said "But it must be difficult to study at your age!" Mind you he's almost twice my age! So I left him to shuffle his way to the Holy Sepulchre where he listens to confessions - which is a good job for him AT HIS AGE; he's losing his memory, and I often chat with him to keep him company when he has no confessions to hear.
Then a little down the road I met Fr Ludovico Reali, the grand old man of pilgrimages himself. I guess he's in his late 80s, but when he was younger he would bring so many groups of pilgrims a year he would lose his voice (well, he lost it - he speaks in a husky whisper now). Every other year we used to buy him a portable loud-speaker from Hong Kong to save his voice. He is legendary. So he saw me coming and said "So you're now here?" I said yes and asked how he was. He laughed and said he's still on his feet (He uses a cane to help him walk now). Then he pulled my beard and laughed "It's getting white! You're not getting younger!" I know, I know - like everyone else is reminding me of it today!
So I think this is God's message for me - I'm not getting younger! Time to start on my thesis otherwise I'll reach retirement age before it's ever finished! But right now I feel so old and tired - maybe it can wait till tomorrow ...........
I went off to see Osvalda. She stays at our Franciscan hostel called Casa Nova. When I arrived, she already had two visitors, both from Telepace Jerusalem (It's a Jerusalem offshoot of a television network started in northern Italy). I happened to know them both so we all chatted for a quarter of an hour and left Osvalda to rest.
On the way back, I bought some things from our Christian neighbourhood all-purpose store. Got some handwashing liquid soap (sold in a packet of 3 bottles - one of which broke when I got home: so much for quality control), a bottle of Dettol (to disinfect my room: everyone laughed at the irony) and several menthol sweets (no more honey for me). Total cost - 33 shekels (= HK$66). Now is that expensive or what?
Anyway I took a slow walk downhill back to the Flagellation. On the way I met old Fr Beda a korean friar who's been here for umpteen years. He asked how my studies were - and I said OK, and he said "But it must be difficult to study at your age!" Mind you he's almost twice my age! So I left him to shuffle his way to the Holy Sepulchre where he listens to confessions - which is a good job for him AT HIS AGE; he's losing his memory, and I often chat with him to keep him company when he has no confessions to hear.
Then a little down the road I met Fr Ludovico Reali, the grand old man of pilgrimages himself. I guess he's in his late 80s, but when he was younger he would bring so many groups of pilgrims a year he would lose his voice (well, he lost it - he speaks in a husky whisper now). Every other year we used to buy him a portable loud-speaker from Hong Kong to save his voice. He is legendary. So he saw me coming and said "So you're now here?" I said yes and asked how he was. He laughed and said he's still on his feet (He uses a cane to help him walk now). Then he pulled my beard and laughed "It's getting white! You're not getting younger!" I know, I know - like everyone else is reminding me of it today!
So I think this is God's message for me - I'm not getting younger! Time to start on my thesis otherwise I'll reach retirement age before it's ever finished! But right now I feel so old and tired - maybe it can wait till tomorrow ...........
Feeling better
I'm feeling much better today. There's still some swelling on my forehead and the cough is still as bad, but my eyes are ok now and the fever has gone. Sr. Geronima asked if I was better yesterday afternoon, and when I said "yes" so she thought it was ok then to laugh at my swollen face. Nadia suggested that they cook "Upside down" (rice and chicken that I like very much - it's a local dish) for me today, but Sr Geronima said 'no". I joked that if I don't get "Upside down" for lunch today, I just might not give her communion this morning at Mass. She was cross and said "You shouldn't joke about that" and huffed off. Score "1-0".
Osvalda is out of hospital and back home now. I wanted to go to the hospital (2 and a half km away) to see her but was told this morning after Mass that she's back home resting. That's good news. And I need only walk 1 km uphill to her place. Will do so later today. She's a good friend.
Last day as hebdom! Yes today is Saturday and my turn as hebdom ends after lunch! Tomorrow I'll be free to go to the Holy Sepulchre. This morning's Mass was interesting - Marco presided and we decided to celebrate the Mass of Our Lady on Saturday, instead of St Martin de Porres as we had decided last night. We sang the opening hymn and then for communion, Marco asked me to sing something in Chinese - managed to come up with a quaint Marian hymn I learnt in Beijing, and everyone loved it. So a good ending for my hebdom. week. I think I've opened the flood gates now because the other students are considering singing some hymns in their own languages - mainly polish, spanish, french and african. That'll be nice - it would enhance our community character as international and show the catholicity of the Church.
I'm starting some research at the moment and need some info. on chinese classical literature. Maybe some of you out there can help me? I'll give you the details later.
I read on the online version of the Hong Kong Standard that Hong Kong was 15 degrees yesterday! Wow it's colder than in Jerusalem! The nights here are only 18 degrees or so. My mum just called and asked if I have a heater. Well, that's another item I should be getting - but you know the rest ...............
Osvalda is out of hospital and back home now. I wanted to go to the hospital (2 and a half km away) to see her but was told this morning after Mass that she's back home resting. That's good news. And I need only walk 1 km uphill to her place. Will do so later today. She's a good friend.
Last day as hebdom! Yes today is Saturday and my turn as hebdom ends after lunch! Tomorrow I'll be free to go to the Holy Sepulchre. This morning's Mass was interesting - Marco presided and we decided to celebrate the Mass of Our Lady on Saturday, instead of St Martin de Porres as we had decided last night. We sang the opening hymn and then for communion, Marco asked me to sing something in Chinese - managed to come up with a quaint Marian hymn I learnt in Beijing, and everyone loved it. So a good ending for my hebdom. week. I think I've opened the flood gates now because the other students are considering singing some hymns in their own languages - mainly polish, spanish, french and african. That'll be nice - it would enhance our community character as international and show the catholicity of the Church.
I'm starting some research at the moment and need some info. on chinese classical literature. Maybe some of you out there can help me? I'll give you the details later.
I read on the online version of the Hong Kong Standard that Hong Kong was 15 degrees yesterday! Wow it's colder than in Jerusalem! The nights here are only 18 degrees or so. My mum just called and asked if I have a heater. Well, that's another item I should be getting - but you know the rest ...............
Friday, November 2, 2007
All Souls Day
It's All Souls Day. We remember with love all those who had gone before us marked with the sign of faith - but then even the wicked have souls. So we should be praying for their souls as well. In fact I think they need our prayers more than those who are already in heaven. Life is short, and sooner or later it'll be our turn to be remembered on All Souls Day. So let's not waste this little precious time that God gives us on this earth. Spend it well, spend it meaningfully, and remember - no regrets.
Am feeling pretty sick today. Last night we had left-over spaghetti, lentil soup etc. but I'm sure it wasn't any of that - unless I'm ending up like the canaries. I think it was some of the honey sweets that I had to clear my throat - I'm allergic to honey products but didn't think a couple of sweets could do this to me. Fever, swollen face, sore throat and very red eyes. Just like the last time the penguins gave me royal jelly. Hmmmmm ... conspiracy theory ......
Anyway I had to preside at Mass this morning at 6.30am but didn't feel well at all. We sang the Requiem eternam but did the rest of Mass as recited, not sung. Later there'll be a procession to the Catholic Cemetary and prayers will be said there. In the evening at 5pm, another Mass (for all Franciscans) will be celebrated at our Franciscan cemetary in the garden of Gethsemani. Our own Mass (2nd Mass) will be at 7.15pm to be sung with vespers. I think I'll have to preside at this 2nd Mass. We're not giving God a holiday today, I tell you!
Changed the water of the bird-bath this morning after breakfast. The canaries love a bath (despite the chill) and were all lined up chirping and singing. It's so nice. I wonder how Rex and Regis are doing. Hope it isn't too cold in HK.
One bit of good news. The rules for the doctoral programme have changed. that means I don't have to go to Rome to study for my 2nd semester! Yeeeeaaaaaah! The Dean had a good talk with me last night after dinner - "I'm talking to you now as dean" he began. That means business. After a long talk (and walk. We walked as we talked. Not a very interesting place to walk, mind you because we have no garden. It was walking up and down our corridor. That's as fun as we can get over here. I passed by my room door about 10 times!) he asked to me to have a cup of chamomille with the emeritus dean and the secretary - waaah big shots. Scared me somewhat. Want to know what we talked about? - hahaha, you'll have to keep guessing! Anyway he did say that the video-conferencing lessons should begin soon so I have to get started setting up the machine.
I received a lovely thank-you email from Gabriella Allegra and the rest of the family. Remember they are the nieces and nephews of Fr. Allegra who came to Hong Kong 2 weeks ago. I'll see if I can post it up on the blog - but it's all in italian. So go study some italian already! Honestly if there's enough of you guys interested, I'll organise a course at our Bible Center.
And regarding my studies, well things are moving slowly ahead. I've found some interesting leads that I can research on and that will keep me busy for quite a while.
Meantime Irene wrote (3 times) to say she finally knows what I'm referring to, when I say "penguins". Obviously there's not enough stimulation on the grey cells during Wednesday evening classes! Wait till I get on the video-conferencing - it'll be merciless! And the nuns did show up in full force for Mass this morning in their official habit - black. I couldn't help thinking of you guys when you showed up for my lessons! Some things never change - they transcend cultural frontiers.
Yesterday I walked up to the Holy Sepulchre to pray but along the way, I met an old franciscan friar who was utterly lost. He wanted to go to the Holy Sepulchre but was heading in the opposite direction. I took him there, prayed and attended the benediction, and he was still around. He said if I could take him to St. Saviour Monastery and so I did. But it meant going home in the dark - it gets very dark by 5pm and the electric shortage in the Christian Quarter didn't help. Had to slowly walk down a whole street of steps in total darkness before reaching the 7th Station of the Cross (Muslim Quarter) where the street lamps were working. I kept telling myself "Walk slowly, don't fall" - my left ankle still hurts - but couldn't get the 7th Station out of my mind - Jesus falls the 2nd time.
OK my eyes are giving up on me. It's very red and I should rest them for a while.
Am feeling pretty sick today. Last night we had left-over spaghetti, lentil soup etc. but I'm sure it wasn't any of that - unless I'm ending up like the canaries. I think it was some of the honey sweets that I had to clear my throat - I'm allergic to honey products but didn't think a couple of sweets could do this to me. Fever, swollen face, sore throat and very red eyes. Just like the last time the penguins gave me royal jelly. Hmmmmm ... conspiracy theory ......
Anyway I had to preside at Mass this morning at 6.30am but didn't feel well at all. We sang the Requiem eternam but did the rest of Mass as recited, not sung. Later there'll be a procession to the Catholic Cemetary and prayers will be said there. In the evening at 5pm, another Mass (for all Franciscans) will be celebrated at our Franciscan cemetary in the garden of Gethsemani. Our own Mass (2nd Mass) will be at 7.15pm to be sung with vespers. I think I'll have to preside at this 2nd Mass. We're not giving God a holiday today, I tell you!
Changed the water of the bird-bath this morning after breakfast. The canaries love a bath (despite the chill) and were all lined up chirping and singing. It's so nice. I wonder how Rex and Regis are doing. Hope it isn't too cold in HK.
One bit of good news. The rules for the doctoral programme have changed. that means I don't have to go to Rome to study for my 2nd semester! Yeeeeaaaaaah! The Dean had a good talk with me last night after dinner - "I'm talking to you now as dean" he began. That means business. After a long talk (and walk. We walked as we talked. Not a very interesting place to walk, mind you because we have no garden. It was walking up and down our corridor. That's as fun as we can get over here. I passed by my room door about 10 times!) he asked to me to have a cup of chamomille with the emeritus dean and the secretary - waaah big shots. Scared me somewhat. Want to know what we talked about? - hahaha, you'll have to keep guessing! Anyway he did say that the video-conferencing lessons should begin soon so I have to get started setting up the machine.
I received a lovely thank-you email from Gabriella Allegra and the rest of the family. Remember they are the nieces and nephews of Fr. Allegra who came to Hong Kong 2 weeks ago. I'll see if I can post it up on the blog - but it's all in italian. So go study some italian already! Honestly if there's enough of you guys interested, I'll organise a course at our Bible Center.
And regarding my studies, well things are moving slowly ahead. I've found some interesting leads that I can research on and that will keep me busy for quite a while.
Meantime Irene wrote (3 times) to say she finally knows what I'm referring to, when I say "penguins". Obviously there's not enough stimulation on the grey cells during Wednesday evening classes! Wait till I get on the video-conferencing - it'll be merciless! And the nuns did show up in full force for Mass this morning in their official habit - black. I couldn't help thinking of you guys when you showed up for my lessons! Some things never change - they transcend cultural frontiers.
Yesterday I walked up to the Holy Sepulchre to pray but along the way, I met an old franciscan friar who was utterly lost. He wanted to go to the Holy Sepulchre but was heading in the opposite direction. I took him there, prayed and attended the benediction, and he was still around. He said if I could take him to St. Saviour Monastery and so I did. But it meant going home in the dark - it gets very dark by 5pm and the electric shortage in the Christian Quarter didn't help. Had to slowly walk down a whole street of steps in total darkness before reaching the 7th Station of the Cross (Muslim Quarter) where the street lamps were working. I kept telling myself "Walk slowly, don't fall" - my left ankle still hurts - but couldn't get the 7th Station out of my mind - Jesus falls the 2nd time.
OK my eyes are giving up on me. It's very red and I should rest them for a while.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Of cardinals and computers
The Cardinal arrived sometime at 11am and visited the school. I think there was a meeting with the professors and students but I missed it because the bell rang for lunch some 15 minutes earlier than usual. When I got downstairs to the refectory, almost everyone was there already - so the meeting must have taken place just before. Anyway it was embarassing because everyone started saying "Here comes the chinese". Obviously everyone else had met the cardinal except me. And the cardinal said loudly "Where is the chinese?" and the Dean called me to the head of the table to greet the cardinal. Anyway amid all the chatter and laughter, and my embarrassment for being late, I tried to do the traditional thing and kissed the cardinal's ring - over the refectory table, mind you, and almost knocked a bottle of red wine over. Aaaahhh. Then thinking I could hide away in the crowd, I realised that Marco who should have blessed the food, was missing. And everyone was waiting for lunch, and the Dean and Superior were calling loudly "Lionel start the prayers!" and I then realised why everyone was waiting for the chinese to come - they wanted to eat! Well, I couldn't stop thinking of canaries at that moment.
One reason why I was late and missed the meeting was my computer problem. The former superior arranged for a separate telephone line to my room so I can use my Video-Conferencing machine without disturbing the rest of the computers in the house. It takes up alot of space and blocks the Internet traffic in the house. So the superior suggested a separate line. But that means having to pay US$50 a month instead of the usual US$8 that other students pay for sharing the Internet line. Now I'll have to work extra hard to pay that bill. Anyway the line was not working for several weeks and the guy came over to settle the problem. Was over yesterday but could'nt solve the problem, came back today and only after a very long time, he solved it. Well he got the telephone company to solve it - they had wrongly configured my connection. Well I told the guy I'm not paying the company this month because the line was not working at all. And it was the company's fault. But you know the local logic ...........
I didn't go and buy buns at the 8th Station. That's because Fr Niccacci went out and bought some and shared it with us at the Sala Caffe. I had two! Now I feel like a canary! Fr Niccacci lives in the room next to mine and we like to banter (not half as crazy as with Fr Vincenzo because Niccacci is much older and I must keep that respectful distance). I think he'll be my moderator for my thesis. He's an expert in the hebrew language and wisdom literature.
Ok for now. Will go up to the Holy Sepulchre and pray for you now.
One reason why I was late and missed the meeting was my computer problem. The former superior arranged for a separate telephone line to my room so I can use my Video-Conferencing machine without disturbing the rest of the computers in the house. It takes up alot of space and blocks the Internet traffic in the house. So the superior suggested a separate line. But that means having to pay US$50 a month instead of the usual US$8 that other students pay for sharing the Internet line. Now I'll have to work extra hard to pay that bill. Anyway the line was not working for several weeks and the guy came over to settle the problem. Was over yesterday but could'nt solve the problem, came back today and only after a very long time, he solved it. Well he got the telephone company to solve it - they had wrongly configured my connection. Well I told the guy I'm not paying the company this month because the line was not working at all. And it was the company's fault. But you know the local logic ...........
I didn't go and buy buns at the 8th Station. That's because Fr Niccacci went out and bought some and shared it with us at the Sala Caffe. I had two! Now I feel like a canary! Fr Niccacci lives in the room next to mine and we like to banter (not half as crazy as with Fr Vincenzo because Niccacci is much older and I must keep that respectful distance). I think he'll be my moderator for my thesis. He's an expert in the hebrew language and wisdom literature.
Ok for now. Will go up to the Holy Sepulchre and pray for you now.
Happy Feastday!
It's All Saints Day - Happy Feastday to everyone! It's not just a day when we remember all those who have "gone before us marked with the sign of faith", it's more a day for us - the living. We are all called to be saints - it's our original vocation at the moment of our baptism - not to be saints in doing great works but to be saints in being faithful and persevering to be faithful - faithful in little things like our responsibility in our family, work, ideals, charity etc.... So on this feastday I hope everyone will reflect on this theme "I am called to be a saint by being faithful". And by "faithful" I mean "full of faith".
Marco (my 1st cantor) and I were very nervous last night because we had to prepare for this morning's Mass. My 2nd cantor ran off as usual - didn't see him last evening nor the whole day today. Anyway I managed to convince Marco to preside and preach at Mass this morning. Because it's a feastday, we follow the "orario festivo" (feastday timetable) meaning Mass is celebrated at 8am instead of 6.30am. Marco chose an opening hymn, then decided 30 minutes before Mass that I should sing the responsorial psalm and the "Ave Maria" in chinese during communion. And I had half an hour to practice the readings ..... boy I was so nervous. So was Marco. He gave a wonderful homily quoting from a muslim mystic - raised some eyebrows!!!! Everything went well, thank God! despite one mistake on my part during the responsorial psalm - a not-too-big boo boo when I missed a note.
What made us more nervous were the pilgrim groups that kept coming into the Chapel to take photos - lots of Indonesians and Indians today. Uncontrollable! Now if I had been their guide, it would have been a different story!!!! :)
Oh and today we have a big happening - Cardinal Walter Kaspar is coming to visit us at 11am and have lunch with us. Thank goodness it's Marco who'll bless the food. I'd be too nervous to do it. The cardinal is a famous German theologian.
This afternoon I plan to go to the Holy Sepulchre and pray (I know Fr Vincenzo will find this hard to believe!). And probably buy some buns at the 8th Station of the Cross (Remember this always when you make the Way of the Cross and announce - "8th Station: Fr. Lionel buys buns" instead of "Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem"). I think I deserve a treat today, after all it's a feastday!
Will tell you more about the cardinal's visit after lunch. By the way the penguins didn't show up today for Mass ..... they might have gone the way of the canaries .... oh I know why - their superior Sr Veronica returned from Poland last night. They probably went for an earlier Mass in order to prepare lunch for the cardinal's visit. Now they'll make us become like the canaries: overeat and die! (Well think about it - even if we don't overeat, we'll still die ..... hmmmm but that's a thought for tomorrow - All Souls day.)
Marco (my 1st cantor) and I were very nervous last night because we had to prepare for this morning's Mass. My 2nd cantor ran off as usual - didn't see him last evening nor the whole day today. Anyway I managed to convince Marco to preside and preach at Mass this morning. Because it's a feastday, we follow the "orario festivo" (feastday timetable) meaning Mass is celebrated at 8am instead of 6.30am. Marco chose an opening hymn, then decided 30 minutes before Mass that I should sing the responsorial psalm and the "Ave Maria" in chinese during communion. And I had half an hour to practice the readings ..... boy I was so nervous. So was Marco. He gave a wonderful homily quoting from a muslim mystic - raised some eyebrows!!!! Everything went well, thank God! despite one mistake on my part during the responsorial psalm - a not-too-big boo boo when I missed a note.
What made us more nervous were the pilgrim groups that kept coming into the Chapel to take photos - lots of Indonesians and Indians today. Uncontrollable! Now if I had been their guide, it would have been a different story!!!! :)
Oh and today we have a big happening - Cardinal Walter Kaspar is coming to visit us at 11am and have lunch with us. Thank goodness it's Marco who'll bless the food. I'd be too nervous to do it. The cardinal is a famous German theologian.
This afternoon I plan to go to the Holy Sepulchre and pray (I know Fr Vincenzo will find this hard to believe!). And probably buy some buns at the 8th Station of the Cross (Remember this always when you make the Way of the Cross and announce - "8th Station: Fr. Lionel buys buns" instead of "Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem"). I think I deserve a treat today, after all it's a feastday!
Will tell you more about the cardinal's visit after lunch. By the way the penguins didn't show up today for Mass ..... they might have gone the way of the canaries .... oh I know why - their superior Sr Veronica returned from Poland last night. They probably went for an earlier Mass in order to prepare lunch for the cardinal's visit. Now they'll make us become like the canaries: overeat and die! (Well think about it - even if we don't overeat, we'll still die ..... hmmmm but that's a thought for tomorrow - All Souls day.)
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