5 degrees and raining. It's been cold throughout Epiphany. The Orthodox celebrated their Christmas on that day. So far everything took place in Egypt without incident. Thank God.
Meantime school has restarted. Students and professors are coming back from the Christmas vacation. Exams are round the corner.
So the new year begins. May God bless you all with health, wisdom and fervour for His Word.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Goodbye
It's been inside me and I can't keep it in. It's not easy. But I must say goodbye.
Sr. Valeria Briccoli (Superior).
The homework you gave me the day before, I promise I'll do them. Everything will be done and printed as you wished. Thanks for the advice and the ideals we shared.
Sr. Salvatorina Camilleri (Sacristan).
You asked me for Chinese Bibles and other chinese literature for your bookshop so that it may become a center for Chinese Catholic literature in Galilee. I promise I'll get it set up for you. Thanks for caring for our Chinese pilgrims all these 30 years.
Sr. Rania Hadad
You asked nothing from me; only to continue living. Thanks for your laughter. Thanks for the hours of chats and sharings. Thanks for being my best friend.
Buona notte, suore. All'alba ci vedremo.
Sr. Valeria Briccoli (Superior).
The homework you gave me the day before, I promise I'll do them. Everything will be done and printed as you wished. Thanks for the advice and the ideals we shared.
You asked me for Chinese Bibles and other chinese literature for your bookshop so that it may become a center for Chinese Catholic literature in Galilee. I promise I'll get it set up for you. Thanks for caring for our Chinese pilgrims all these 30 years.
Sr. Rania Hadad
You asked nothing from me; only to continue living. Thanks for your laughter. Thanks for the hours of chats and sharings. Thanks for being my best friend.
Buona notte, suore. All'alba ci vedremo.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Spreading
Threats to attack more Coptic churches outside of Egypt have arisen in France, Britain, Austria and Germany. It's spreading. It would be wise if Pope Shenouda of the Copts would unite with Pope Benedict of the Latins in a public gesture of solidarity at this moment. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1102544/1/.html
Monday, January 3, 2011
Christmas in Egypt
Today it is in Russia that a church has been burnt down. http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_620145.html In Iraq a Christian woman was shot dead in her sleep. Meanwhile Egypt's christians are on the alert as Orthodox Christmas begins. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12107084
Catholics in Egypt also celebrate Christmas according to the Orthodox calendar. I just spoke with Fr Vincenzo in Musky who told me they have police at their church door, and barriers set up around the church so cars cannot park beside it. Anyway I'm very worried for him and his community. Told him to celebrate Midnight Mass quickly and get everyone home without risking people's lives - especially the children. But even as we spoke, he said he had to go downstairs to check the metal chains around the main door. Before leaving, he said something about imitating Jesus in judgement before Pilate, to remain silent in adversity until the right moment to answer. I disagreed with him about the silence but he had already left for downstairs. Let's pray and hope that no one gets hurt this Christmas in Egypt.
Catholics in Egypt also celebrate Christmas according to the Orthodox calendar. I just spoke with Fr Vincenzo in Musky who told me they have police at their church door, and barriers set up around the church so cars cannot park beside it. Anyway I'm very worried for him and his community. Told him to celebrate Midnight Mass quickly and get everyone home without risking people's lives - especially the children. But even as we spoke, he said he had to go downstairs to check the metal chains around the main door. Before leaving, he said something about imitating Jesus in judgement before Pilate, to remain silent in adversity until the right moment to answer. I disagreed with him about the silence but he had already left for downstairs. Let's pray and hope that no one gets hurt this Christmas in Egypt.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
And so it begins ...
More christians killed ... an elderly catholic couple in Iraq, dozens in Egypt during Mass.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12096078
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12102397
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/12/30/iraq.christians.attacks/index.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/01/01/egypt.attack/index.html
But the Coptic christians are fighting back. And the Pope is calling for international defence.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_619864.html
The apocalyptic persecution of Christians has begun. The apocalyptic war has begun. Today it's in the Middle East ... tomorrow it'll be beyond: persecution physically, psychologically, socially, economically, politically ... it will hit every Christian, priest, pastor or lay.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12096078
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12102397
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/12/30/iraq.christians.attacks/index.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/01/01/egypt.attack/index.html
But the Coptic christians are fighting back. And the Pope is calling for international defence.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_619864.html
The apocalyptic persecution of Christians has begun. The apocalyptic war has begun. Today it's in the Middle East ... tomorrow it'll be beyond: persecution physically, psychologically, socially, economically, politically ... it will hit every Christian, priest, pastor or lay.
Earthquake
A 3.6 earthquake hit northern Israel yesterday night. This might just be the beginning of something bigger for 2011. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/jordan-valley-rattled-by-3-6-magnitude-earthquake-1.334669
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year 1/1/11
Now is 1/1/11. So the New Year begins. The sky is overcast; raining heavily and very cold. It's midnight, fireworks sputter in the downpour, churchbells are tolling... but there is no joy. I'm still sick with fever. Through the rain, I can still hear is Rania's mother wailing as the coffins were carried out of the church - "Mommy's beloved, come home".
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