28 DECEMBER 2011 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND POGRADEC!
On Christmas Eve, which seems a long time ago now, we had a procession of the Divine Infant,through some of the city streets. This is a tradition of our Maltese Society friends. It ended in our Oratory here where all, about 25 or 30 adults and young people, crowded in for a prayer and a carol. Mulled wine and some goodies followed and these helped to round off the event well - a good reward for travelling through the snow for part of the time!
The snow added a little time to our Mass journey as well. Our choir for 11.00p.m. Mass was superb. We had two organs, two guitars and a mandolin, plus all of us sang!! Afterwards, we had hot chocolate and biscuits, while Christmas greetings were exchanged, so we were well prepared for our homeward journey, when fog had joined the weather context! On Christmas Day, we had 11.00a.m. Mass, during which a few men from the Orthodox community joined us. Then, we were open for visitors from 3.30p.m. - another local custom! More than 30 came throughout the afternoon and evening. We enjoyed meeting our friends and parish folk.
On Monday evening, we decided to view the DVD - "Of Men and Gods" - the story of the Trappist monks in Algeria. A few of us had already seen it but thought it would be appropriate as its in Arabic and French, Amira's two languages. Lalini and I have been to Pogradec today - we heard Father Marek will come from Fier tomorrow so we wanted to ensure all was in order. The countryside and, of course, the mountains are completely white - the temprature is too low to melt the snow. Thank God, the roads were completely clear and the scenery was so beautiful, especially close to the blue lake and we had sunshine all the way!
We had three power cuts during the past week, so there was internet disturbance. Also, mail has been delivered this evening - the first since a few days before Christmas, so, together with Skype and phones, we have had great contacts.
I am sure you will continue to enjoy the 12 days of Christmas. Hopefully, I will be in touch for the New Year!
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