27 DECEMBER 2009 FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY GLIMPSES OF OUR KORCE CHRISTMAS
OUR PROCESSION WITH THE DIVINE INFANT ON CHRISTMAS EVE WAS A VERY SIMPLE BUT IMPRESSIVE EVENT. People listened and came out onto the streets to hear all verses of the carols. Between 45 and 50 young people and adults finished up in our house and joined us for hot drinks - fruit juice for the young people and mulled wine for the adults! We were very pleased to see so many visitors.
At 11.00p.m. we had our Mass. It was really joyful - carol music was provided by a young man on mandolin and another on guitar. These were joined by Sister Lalini on a simple organ and there were visitors that had returned home for Christmas. We all enjoyed hot chocolate in nearby church rooms while exchanging greetings. In fact, we met again at 11.00a.m. on Christmas Day for Mass. Ten or twelve visitors from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral joined us for part of the time and then wished us - "GEZUAR
Krishlindjen". There was a very happy atmosphere and Sister Daniela met all the Catholics we have known in Korce!
Another little tradition here is the "Christmas Day Visits". They are announced after Mass. We were 'at home' from 3.00p.m. to 6.00p.m. Neighbours visited and then some people we had met in Church. Eight young people came together and they were really musical. One had a guitar, then they asked if they could use our borrowed organ and the result was truly impressive. I even saw Sr. Daniela record some of the carols.
Today, after Church, we were invited out to lunch with the women who take care of our parish arrangements. Again, this was a very lively event as there was a wedding in the same building. The band was really good. One person returned here with us - Nicky who lives in a nearby Muslim village. She has just left and we now feel its time to catch up on some quiet time!
Telephone calls have been welcome during these days. There has been a complete delay on mail for the past week or more. No doubt it will arrive for the New Year. That is the main celebration here! Hopefully, will greet you for that! Clare
No comments:
Post a Comment