PRE-CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS, NEW YEAR 2013.

29 DECEMBER 2012 PRE-CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS, NEW YEAR 2013. For me, there has been a sense of wonder and joy in the very ordinary lead-in to Christmas. Having been away from this hustle and bustle for the past three years, I happily revelled in the days that included new and challenging experiences too. The highlight of the pre-Christmas preparations for me and I feel sure for many others, was the superb concert of our friends - "The Priests" at the WATERFRONT on December 22. There was a palpable sense of festive enjoyment and the three priests excelled all our expectations as they gave themselves very generously to the evening, even to adding tinsel and appropriate props for a number of the carols. The more solemn Christmas Carols were delivered with genuine reverence. An added treat was the scheduled appearance of the Schola Cantorum from our Cathedral. This group of about 50 young men delighted the audience and their beautiful melodies. They were fresh from singing at the Vatican where they were acclaimed! As we returned from that Waterfront evening, I felt ready for Christmas. I was delighted with all the pre-Christmas visitors as they enabled me to re-connect with many friends. Our group of Associate Friends attended a Mass and we met for more than an hour after to share some goodies and mulled wine. We almost finalized a workable programme for 2013. We resolved to get this into shape at our first 2013 meeting! I have had a number of contact with Albania - the Sisters and friends, some of whom used SKYPE with great success. I gathered there is not as much snow as last year so it is easier to move about. Also, I enjoyed several photos of Korce and friends there. There is such an amount of contact possible now and it is great to keep in touch. Today, I move down to DUBLIN for a three day New Year visit. I look forward to seeing a grand-niece in reality - her photos show a very lively young lady, rather than a wee baby! I am having some thoughts about continuing with blog entries. I hope to reach a decision about this over the coming day! So, with a greeting for a blessed 2013, with all your hopes and dreams coming alive I will finish. May you have good health, great surprises and special moments to enrich your 2013.

FEAST OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS - UPDATE

14 DECEMBER 2012 FEAST OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS - UPDATE! "In the evening of Life, we shall be judged on Love" St. John of the Cross. Since my last post, life has been good. Meetings with friends and re-connecting with them is a special joy. I was delighted to be in our Community at Derry for the three day Retreat - my first experience of a Carmelite preacher and I heard so much that was enlightening about Saint Teresa and John of the Cross. The few days was a real experience of a pre-Christmas retreat - very peaceful and silent. Also, the new information throws a special light on todays feast! Today, I have a new beginning, a ministry very close to my heart and also to Good Shepherd. Coinciding with my return, a request came from the Diocese for support with a new ministry and I was asked to consider taking responsibility for it. No further development since until two days ago. Today sees my first involvement in a new field.I can share no further about it just now but I feel the day is most significant as a starting-point! Also, the task I have been asked to do links in with my previous experience of retreat-giving aftercare role and hopefully there will be new and open growth as this takes root. Maybe I can say....WATCH THIS SPACE! Three delightful events of recent days - a beautiful visit to Rostrevor Benedictine monastery - bonus to a request from a friend to help her visit a Nursing home in the area. A special bonus was a glorious day of sunshine and a memorable Liturgy too. At the weekend, I missed a Birthday Party of the Leader of our Divine Healing Ministry, an Anglican Franciscan. I would have met 120 friends that has to be postponed for the present plus a re-connecting with a ministry that I love. To compensate for my missing that wonderful evening, Brother David and I went to share a meal and we really got a Christmas flavour and a Birthday atmosphere as a Plum Pudding portion served with a globe of ice-cream was surmounted with a giant sparkler that cheered even the tables celebrating with Christmas crackers! I may say, this mini-celebration was a great follow-up to a wonderful meal that we both enjoyed. We did not even refer to the significance of us witnessing to both sides of our Belfast community, that necessitated us working our way through ridiculous protests about flags to get to our restaurant venue1 Today, I had accepted a lunch appointment with a friend from my previous street ministry who wanted to introduce me to her husband. This plan was postponed last evening and I am delighted that this frees me to attend a Lunch Party at my previous Diocesan ministry. I really look forward to attending and I feel privileged to be invited to this event each year as it keeps me in touch with former colleagues and even fellow-students sometimes!!! I think this completes my update and I want to wish you a peaceful and even joyful lead-in to Christmas. I have just heard on radio that Sunday will mark a Peace Gathering at our poor City Hall that has been "battered" by so-called "Loyalists" in recent times and all the chaos created has really done us no favours at all - at any level. I PRAY WE CAN BE POSITIVE IN ALL THAT WE SAY TILL NORMALITY RETURNS TO BELFAST!

UPDATE - BELFAST. FEAST OF ST.FRANCIS X.

3 DECEMBER 2012 BELFAST - FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER I have opened the blog and am surprised I have not made an entry since 18 November. 20.11.12 - Travelled to Tirana, so as to be in time to meet Sister Daniela at Rinas! 21.11 - Daniela arrived on time! Amira had arranged the first Mass in our Tirana setting. This included our Renewal of Vows and was celebrated by a French Jesuit 22.11 - Daniela left for Munich. I returned to Korce and Lalini arrived from Angers about two hours later. 23.11. Packing up and many "Goodbyes". All the time, I insisted it may only be "Au revoir". 24.11 Left KORCE for Tirana, accompanied by Lalini, Bea and my little friend Xhoana. Shared a "Farewell" meal with Mirjam and Amira. 25.11. - Journey to Belfast was straightforward. Was surprised by being met on arrival by Sister Rose, who had arrived from Dalgan, for the closure of the Twinbrook house. 26.11 - Community Meeting with Provincial Council. In the afternoon, Sister Noeleen and I attended a Church Service at the Church of Saints Paul and Barnabas. Our friend Denis Moloney joined us as he was doing a commentary on "I Have a Dream*. This was a Depaul event and most interesting as it gave the history of their 10 years in Belfast. 28.11.12 Sister Brigid Keane's sister Nora died and I was asked to go to the funeral. 30.11.12 Sister Brigid and I set off for Knock, settled in and then left for Clonbur for the evening funeral. The Mass on Saturday was close by Maum, in Kilmilken, and was celebrated by Father Miceal McGreal, SJ. who has close links with the family and is a native of the area. Later, we visited Leenane and then had a quiet day in Knock on Sunday, before travelling back to Belfast in the evening. 2.12.12 Word came there is a Retreat in Derry. This will begin on Wednesday afternoon. I hope to travel for these days. Now that my commitment to Albania has ended I finish with a quote from Paulo Coelho - "One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through. Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters - whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished." I am sure I will realize the wisdom of this in due course. Now, I am settling in anew and delighting in the everyday life of the community. A blessed Advent to you.

REMEMBRANCE, ANGERS, ALBANIA 100 YEARS!

18 NOVEMBER 2012 REMEMBRANCE, ANGERS, ALBANIA 100 YEARS! Time has just flown by since my last entry. I just cannot believe the days are counting down so fast! Yet, when a leave-taking, "Farewell" moment is included there has been a relaxed time and all is well. With Remembrance Day on Sunday last, when I declined the invitation to the French Military Cemetery and meeting with our French Ambassador to Albania, Christine Moro, the day was most enjoyable. A Thanksgiving/Farewell meal, shared with Laurie, who was leaving early to celebrate in New York, helped the weekend to disappear! Lalini and Mirjam have been on email and I was surprised and delighted to see their Mission Course, with some content, on Facebook once or twice. In fact, this reminded me that I had brought photographs from my visit to Angers too. So, spare moments since were spent getting a few of these together. With help, a very nice Powerpoint has now emerged. I think it will be of limited interest, mainly because the idea of a disc only emerged very recently. So, the photos are just random, rather than a record of our wonderful week of memories of Angers, Noirmoutier and Tours, from September. There are big celebrations here in Korce at the end of the month, when Albania will celebrate 100 years of independence. Many schools were open yesterday so that the last three days of November will be free, just for celebration. Yesterday, Dad's anniversary......and this year, as I included Nora, both were closely linked for this special month. Have a special week - every blessing.

Remembrance Day, Enjoying "Thanksgiving"Lunch.

BEREAVEMENT, TRAVEL,GJERGI'S BIRTHDAY!

7 NOVEMBER 2012. BEREAVEMENT, TRAVEL, GJERGI'S BIRTHDAY! Following completion of my last entry, less than two hours later, a telephone call from Dublin brought me the sad news that my sister Nora had died. RIP. Even with the delay prior to funeral that is customary in England, I took several days to get travel organised. Eventually, I left a very crowded airport in Tirana, that was busy welcoming Hilary Clinton, on November 1, and traveled to Munich. Later, I went to Manchester and eventually arrived in Leeds. It was just great meeting with family and so many relatives that night. The funeral Mass was a great tribute to Nora, both by her Parish and her family. Onra gave a wonderful eulogy. Later, after her buriel, during a meal to "Celebrate Nora's Life", her eldest grandchild, Sarah, was deputed by the others to tell Nora's story through the eyes of her grandchildren. This well prepared account was really beautiful and so meaningful. I feel sure it was a great consolation, not only to me, but to all who were grieving. Next morning - Saturday last, I left by taxi, with Clare and Cheeser, at 6.15a.m. for Manchester airport, as we all had early flights. I was travelling to Istanbul, my first visit to Turkey, and then to Tirana. I was so glad to see Amira at the airport. I stayed overnight and returned here on Sunday, arriving before 8.00p.m. Altogether, very tiring but most worthwhile and so great to have had time with Nora's husband, Donal, and her family. Life got back to normal very quickly here on Monday. Gjergi - a neighbour had his Birthday. This is a big event here in Albania. So, he came with his family and two other neighbours for a little celebration that had been "in the air" for some time. All went well and thank God all is well here since too. Blessings and good cheer for our continuing November.

UPDATE FROM OCTOBER 13 2012. KORCE.

26 OCTOBER 2012 UPDATE OF EVENTS FROM OCTOBER 13 2012. Got word on October 13 from our International Office in New York, of the appointment of a new statutory official in relation to Trafficking issues. I made contact at once but so far have not been able to elicit a meaningful response, that would enable us to co-operate in order to improve the setup for those we have contact with locally. October 15-17, I had three visits in two days to our local Mary Potter clinic, the local hospital and thirdly to the Polyclinic. All of these took place because of a sudden, stiff, knee which was duly diagnosed as arthritis. Thank God, my knee has gradually returned to normal, while I am on the lookout for any similar symptoms and hoping that they will not re-appear! We were invited to join the Maltese Society in a trip to Tirana on the 19 October, National Holiday in Albania. This was to attend a Mass scheduled for the opening of the Year of Faith. I decided to pass on the 5.30a.m. departure, even though we had been without Mass on Sunday. They arrived in good time for Mass, but to an over-crowded Cathedral and so had to stand for the THREE HOUR MASS in Italian-Albanian. The fact that I had taken a wise decision was confirmed for me when Sister Lalini arrived home after 10.00p.m. Life is very much back to normal now! Had a visit from a Peace Corps. Volunteer on Wednesday morning. Laurie's visit was a reminder for me of all the help that contact with the various volunteers has been for me, not least with Mike, whose friendship had the added bonus of his medical qualifications and expertise in my hours of need. Thank you, Mike! Today is quite significant for me as Sister Lalini has just left for Tirana. She is en route, with Sister Mirjam, to a Mission Course in Angers. Their going is also a very pleasant reminder to me of the very well-planned Irish Angers Pilgrimage of Friends that I was fortunate enough to be part of last month. Over the coming weeks, I hope to put together a Powerpoint - of very limited interest - of the highlights of that week. Now, as the next few weeks open up, my thoughts will turn increasingly to Belfast. In fact, this very day, a Soroptmist letter in front of me tells of a Rally being held at the WATERFRONT at 1.00p.m. to Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking locally. This is being attended by 1,200 members of the Soroptmist group as there is a Global Conference being held in Belfast this week. Our plan was, that our group of Friends would attend this Rally and afterwards, come together for a lunch. This was to facilitate them saying "Goodbye" to Sister Anne O'Byrne. who is due to leave Belfast in the coming week. Have a great weekend. Every blessing and joy be yours!

PREPARATION,, VISITORS AND KLITI KALAMATA.

13 OCTOBER 2012 PREPARATION, VISITORS AND KLITI KALAMATA. Our week began with an invitation to dinner from a neighbour spending time here each year while resident in USA. We had a very enjoyable evening. We then got busy, binding reports and on Wednesday our four visitors arrived. Sisters Armelle and daniela from Rome and Germany plus Mirjam and amira who had just arrived from Lebanon. We had a few busy days and all four visitors left here this morning, having had a satisfactory evaluation of our three years here. Today, we had a most interesting visit from kliti Kalamata, an architect friend who is a building specialist. Things are quiet in his own field just now, so he has taken six months time out and is just completing his Ph.D. This is a marathon undertaking as it covers history, architecture and facts about a well-known area near here - Voskjopje. Kliti got a prestigious award just recently from the Croatian Government and an EU group for his work on an old church. People are coming from Greece tomorrow to visit that church and he is also hosting a group from the Netherlands a few days later. I do hope you liked the photos I put on the blog during the week. I found it difficult to choose which photos and hope you were able to link them to the blog! Have a great week - every blessing too.

INCHYDONEY, KILLYHEVLIN, ANGERS, KNOCK AND CONG!!

UPDATE - KORCE TO BELFAST AND BACK!!

UPDATE - KORCE TO BELFAST AND BACK!! KORCE 7 October 2012 I had very mixed feelings about my decision to travel to Ireland, without laptop! My journey was much easier - even the 42 unnecessary miles by National Express Bus when between airports in London, courtesy of my German travel agent!! Arriving in Gatwick and connecting with a flight to Belfast in Heathrow is not any kind of good planning, I can assure you, and NOT to be recommended!! Blog access proved impossible in Ireland, hence this is, as you can see, my first post since 18 August! 19 SEPTEMBER 2012 BELFAST - LAPTOP ACCESS! Very late that evening I was given a laptop and, of course, thought I could break my blog silence. But no! Blog access was just not possible. Otherwise my plans went really well, thank God. After a few days in Belfast - until about August 23, I went to Dublin on a very special day. The Tall Ships were visiting in the distance and more importantly, Sister Brigid Lawlor was visiting. I thought of visiting to greet her, but decided otherwise. Left Dublin next day and had a wonderful few days in Inchydoney, West Cork. Had a great day at Aghada and Garryvoe, in East Cork, with family too. All delightful. Back in Belfast, fully refreshed, prepared for the a visit to Knock Shrine and the West of Ireland, with 96 year old Sister Brigid Keane! We were so glad to visit Knock and take time to rest there, then on towards Connemara to visit her family. A very special afternoon tea at Ashford Castle, Cong, was surely a wonderful highlight for us en route! We returned in good time for me to prepare for a much-longed for visit to Angers. We left on September 9. Sister Anna Landy organised a group of Good Shepherd Friends. There were 23 of us who met at Dublin Airport for departure. A full week had been planned. I had two of our group from Belfast and also I was delighted to hear my Novitiate companion, Sister Rose Doherty was joining our group too. Sister Noreen O'Shea met us, with a coach, at the airport in Nantes and we had a memorable week. With a great Spiritual Leader, Father Sean Maher, who is studying at the Irish College, Paris, we appreciated a Mass in English every day. We travelled to Noirmoutier Island, where Mother Foundress, Saint Mary Euphrasia, was born and we had a glorious day there. Later in the week, we travelled to Tours, where the young Rose Virginie went to boarding school and spent her years up to becoming a sister. So the week was full of meaningful storytelling and enjoyment, all, now, underpinned with a truly meaningful memories. Our final day was Heritage Day in angers. We were free all day and our house was open for visitors. The groups had a guided tour plus an organ recital in the church. Rose and I spent the day, visiting the Chateau in the morning with most of the group. Then we enjoyed our final meal with Father Sean who returned to Paris when had had said Evening Mass for us. Later, Sister Rose and I went out for a meal just to celebrate being in Angers together - will include a photo! We had a joyous evening - making a presentation to Sister Noreen for her great hospitality and input during the week. Sunday was marked with a most creative Service after Mass. This was led and organised by Noreen at the newly opened Labyrinth. This really summed up our great week of Journeying with Mother Foundress. Again we had the luxury of a bus to Nantes Airport. Dublin was kind to us and we got a connection to Belfast much more quickly than expected, even though quite late on September 16!! A week full of happy memories for sure, with much to share with community and after some days with our Belfast group of Friends. Two days later, I was on the train again, travelling to Dublin with a Sister going to Waterford. Little did I know that I would be there within the week. Sister Anne and I went down on Tuesday 25 and stayed overnight. My only reason for going was to visit Sister Marie Murphy's grave and pray. on our return journey, with Sister Marie Therese, we visited Rostrevor Benedictine Monastery. The Abbot's mother, known to us, had died and we called to pay our respects. We arrived back in Belfast in the early evening, well satisfied with our journey. The rest of the time was spent meeting some of the "ladies" from my earler ministry and catching up with community and friends. Arrived back in Korce late on October 4, fully refreshed even if tired from the travelling on that day. So, till next time - every blessing!

PRECISION, AND ITALIAN GROUP REPORT!!!

18 AUGUST 2012 PRECISION AND ITALIAN GROUP REPORT!!! Precisely on August 11, greetings arrived by POST from Sister Daniela Kubiak. This was nothing short of a miracle, with our record of postal non-arrival at all! Time moved on quickly, with preparations for my Italian group. On Tuesday, 14 August, I made a last-minute visit to the hotel, where we had booked the group. I was told that they had given away five of the seven rooms reserved, and I was left with two small rooms only. What a shock. I was horrified, as the Beer Festival was on and accommodation was non-existent. Thank God we managed, and things worked out well. The group arrived, very weary on the 15 evening, more than two and a half hours later than expected. A lovely group of 15 persons, visitors to Albania, with their Bishop who is based in North Albania. They enjoyed their evening dinner and returned early in the morning for coffee and so on. Later, with my friend Marieta, who has Italian, we visited the wonderful Icon Museum, which they loved. Then, the Cathedral and the ABC Museum of the first School in Albania. They then returned to our house and left a little later for their long journey through Albania. By the way, this entry may be my last post for some weeks, as I will not take my laptop with me when I leave on Monday. Maybe, I will manage to make an entry; I will have to wait and see. Have a great weekend and God grant you will be blessed with good health, and also good holiday weather, over the next few weeks. One of my Profession group reminded me this morning that tomorrow is the feast of Saint John Eudes, and the anniversary of our Final Vows. So, let us pray for one another, till I am safely back in Korce!

BIRTHDAY, ITALIAN GROUP REPORT!!!

2 BIRTHDAYS, MALTESE VISITORS AND MORE!!

12 AUGUST 2012 2 BIRTHDAYS, MALTESE VISITORS AND MORE!! Amira came as promised on Wednesday, bringing two Jesuit friends from Tirana. We enjoyed a festive day of celebration as Amira was in camp for her Birthday and mine was coming very near!! On Thursday, we had new Maltese faces at Church! I invited Rainer and his Dad for a Baileys. They came later, with Charlie, Anthony and our new Laurence. Rainer, his father and Anthony left for Poland on Friday. Yesterday, feast of Saint Clare, was a double special for me. Sister Anne O'Byrne telephoned early in the morning, followed closely by Mons. Hil Kabashi. In the afternoon, we had our "Sunday" Mass - the Italian priest brought quite a group of Italian young people all of whom spoke English! Luckily, I had brought a good supply of chocolate candies, traditional on one's Feast! There were enough to supply Bilisht too! Later in the evening, a friend visited, with a large ice-cream cake. We called the neighbours to help enjoy it and we will continue to work through it later this evening! Have a great week! I heard the sun is shining in Ireland - yesterday, we managed a good thunderstorm and heavy rain!!

MORAVA VISITORS, DELVINA (2), BORSH

DELVINA, BUTRINT AND SARANDA CASTLE!!

7 August 2012 DELVINA, BUTRINT AND SARANDA CASTLE!! Driving over the mountains for most of the day, with Sisters Adrienne and Sophia, Franciscan Sisters of Saint George, the Martyr, we arrived in Delvina in late afternoon having visited Tepelina Waters and also another most picturesque and amazing water source. This was called - "Blue Eye" and its depths cannot be fathomed; the great force of the water prevents a person sinking!! The Sisters welcomed us and I admired their convent - they have built a fine extension. This was begun two years ago and completed in a year. The extension was planned in Germany and during the building, two electricians, two plumbers, an architect and a foreman came from time to time and worked with the local builders. The outcome is very fine indeed. Saturday was a wonderful experience. We left early for Butrint - an archaelogical site that is a microcosm of Mediterranean History, from 400 BC. My student-friend, Marieta, is on holiday close to the site and so she joined us for the morning. In the evening, we went to the Saranda Castle for a meal - a beautiful setting, overlooking the bay and Corfu. Early on Sunday, we went to meet the ferry from Corfu. A Capuchin priest comes over and says four Masses each weekend. We went to a beautiful seaside village, Borsh, for the first and returned with five young men who will stay for a week. There are two Franciscan seminarians on holiday who will work with them. Father is Italian and he also speaks Spanish, Greek and a little French. As I returned to Korce yesterday, having left Saranda at 5.30a.m., I reflected on the fact that my two visitors of last week were the first non-Good Shepherd visitors I have had and also that Delvina was my first overnight visit to another convent! No doubt you are still watching the Gold count at the Olympics - all seems to have gone well so far, thank God. Have a great week - every blessing and joy be yours and a special moment for those fortunate to welcome Sister Brigid Lawlor during her visit.

IRISH VISITOR AND FIVE CHURCH VISITORS!

VISITOR'S TOUR, ICONS, MORAVA AND MORE!!

2 AUGUST 2012 VISITOR;S TOUR, ICONS, MORAVA AND MORE!! Our Sister Visitors arrived on Monday, tired from their long journey but delighted with the scenery en route. On Tuesday, we went to Prespa Lake. It was a good day, with a nice breeze, so we took a boat and circled the island, Mali Grad, seeing the pelicans and all the wildlife for which the lake is famous! Here in Korce, there is a festive lunch every Wednesday. We decided to enjoy it and a lady at the next table asked our nationality. To my delight, she was Irish and had already told her friends that I had an Irish face!!! She was with German and American friends so we all had a nice get-together. Three student anthropologists awaited our return here. They had requested an interview as they are doing a project on "The Catholic Community of Korce". Their questions took ages, so my visitors went off to visit the Icon Museum. Hopefully, while in Korce, the students got sufficient information to make a presentation to their colleagues on their return to Slovenia. Today was the highlight of the visit! The Sisters drove to the mountain, Morava, as far as the hotel, and then we 'pilgrimed' to the Cross. The day was good - a promised storm did not materialize. The views at the top were just superb and it was a real treat to enjoy the simple picnic we had brought. This evening, we had a visit from the Evangelical Minister that lives across the road. Holger came with Jengha, his wife and their son, to meet the Sisters. This was a nice finish to their visit. The past few days have been sprinkled with snippets from the Olympics via TV, the internet and Sister Adrienne's brother. He is in London, and attending each day, so USA news of "Golds" gets here very quickly. I have just been in touch with Sister Amira. She is planning a visit to Korce next week and I wanted to get an idea of her plans! In the meantime, have a great weekend and every blessing for a happy, holiday weekend.

21 BIRTHDAY, LUNCH, CATHEDRAL CHAOS!

SAINT ANNE, "KERNACE" AND OLYMPICS!!

SUNDAY, 29 JULY 2012. SAINT ANNE, "KERNACE" AND OLYMPICS!! Three neighbours, plus Ana, came and enjoyed mid-day meal on Wednesday. We had a lovely time and they left, convinced that "all is well, thank God", while its "vetem Clare" here - Clare alone!! That same afternoon, six Rromas came for refreshments - one more than usual! They were followed by another caller from our Church, anxious to ensure I was OK. This lady spent the evening with me!! I had a special day for Saint Anne! Charlie phoned to cancel Church as he had much work. I asked him to call here when finished and was on his way home from the College. He did so, after 7.00p.m. when we took Holy Communion and shared a very simple supper. It was the main celebration in Malta, so it was fitting that we marked the day too. Friday officially began the 'English student' holidays! At the end of the day, I had a very traditional Korce evening. Just about EVRRYBODY in Korce walks in the evenings - to the local park. Streets are crowded with walkers. I went along, with one of my students, and, on our walk, got freshly cooked corn-on-the-cob. It was available on little fires all along the sidewalk. I gathered it was unusual to see a "foreigner" enjoying this local treat, while walking along! I must admit that I did! Later, we sat in a crowded open-air cafe and ate "KERNACE" - minced meat "fish-finger style" that was cooked on a barbeque under the trees. THIS is really the essence of Korce Life!! Very enjoyable too! We had an Italian priest from Elbasan yesterday and so had our "Sunday" Mass. Today is quiet and I have been able to get both apartments prepared, so I am all set for the week ahead! I did not succeed in seeing the spectacular opening of the Olympics. However, snippets since, with lots of photographs, have been great. Have a great week! Every blessing for Tuesday - Saint Ignatius - thanks Ethna for the new book about him(free download!). A thought for little Rose Virgine's Birthday too!

21 BIRTHDAY, ST. GEORGE PRECA, "VIENNA".

24 July 2012 21 BIRTHDAY, ST.GEORGE PRECA, "VIENNA". Since my last entry, life here has been very full and busy! Classes with students are due to end on Friday, except for one student. Laurie, Peace Corps. Volunteer, visited during the week. She now lives in a village so her visits are rare. Sister Amira and I have managed a few conversations during the week. On Friday, Amira left for "camp" in the North. Sister accompanied two minibuses of children! The group will spend time camping in the mountains and they are due back in Tirana on 31 July. On Saturday, we had a 21 Birthday Celebration here. I invited Emmanuel, who plays the mandolin in Church and his mother, Veronica. Ana, who teaches Emmanuel English and Bea were also invited for the meal. All enjoyed the time very much, especially the cake, with its aparklers and candles!! Veronica was really grateful as she was not in a position to host a celebration. Mons. Hil Kabashi was here on Sunday. I had a chat with him before Mass as he left quickly for Bilisht afterwards. We stayed for a Powerpoint on St. George Preca, - he died 50 years ago on the 26 July. On Monday, David and their three candidates left for Malta for further celebrations. Yesterday, with Ana, I visited one of the Braille group families. Two other members of the group came along so that we could meet. They hope that we can plan further events later in the year. Today, I took the opportunity to visit the Vienna Hotel. which is not very far from here. Our 16 Italian visitors, due here in mid-August, are booked for accommodation there. All is well so far and I am confident that we will manage to host the group in traditional Korce-style. Enjoy the remainder of the week and "Happy Feast" for Saint Anne on Thursday!!

BLIND PROJECT PHOTOS, ROAD WORKMEN!

VISIT, CERTIFICATES PRESENTED, WORKMEN

TUESDAY 17 JULY 2012 VISIT, CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION, WORKMEN! As I glance back over the past few days, two events stand out! Yesterday, I visited the home of one of the blind people in the Braille group. Neli lives with her parents, a little distance from Korce. The visit highlighted for me the dedication of her parents to Neli and the many supports that she has in her life. The highlight of the visit was seeing an excellent video - filmed by Neli's father, when we spent time at Prespa Lake. Today really honoured Antonio. He organized and ran the Braille Course. The group that financed the Course came from Tirana. With two television crews in attendance each blind person was presented with an impressive Certificate. they will now miss their weekly sessions. hopefully further work will be planned for later in the year. Our road renewal is complete at last! As I passed a few of the workers on Saturday, one man requested I take a photo of him. I did so and then took one of the little group he is involved with. There are several such groups here over the past months! Now, a huge similar project is beginning in front of our nearby Cathedral. This work is listed to take three months. I now hear a little group of Rroma friends coming - they attend a Centre near here and call as they make their way home. Enjoy the remainder of the week and every blessing!

LATE, LATE CALL, IRISH GOES, VISIT MAYBE!!

11 July 2012 LATE, LATE CALL, IRISH GOES, MAYBE A VISIT!! Almost a week ago, I returned from Thessaloniki, having left Sister Lalini to the airport. So far all is well -I Free Called her last night at a very late hour! She had not opened her computer, and so did not see that I needed copies of her documents urgently. Our local registration system has gone on-line this week, so everything is wrapped in red tape and taking hours to complete. I promised to call again at a more social time of day! Yesterday, Karen, the Irish girl whose husband works on the waterfront in Durres, near Tirana, returned to Cork with her two children. Her plan to visit Korce did not work out - due to the challenge of driving such a long distance. Her husband continues to work in Durres - the first phase of the project is due to finish soon. A Sister from further south - about five hours away from here - has got in touch to say she would love to come to Korce early next month! Sister is a member of a German Congregation. I hope her plan will work out. My thoughts turn to Ireland, especially to Belfast as tomorrow is the "TWALFTH". As its a day when any number of marches - up to eighty I believe - are held. So, I pray to Saint Benedict to preserve the peace everywhere, while giving people a happy day. And a good ending to the week for each one and a happy and blessed weekend!

PRESPA LAKE PICNIC AND THESSALONIKI !!

6 JULY 2012 PRESPA LAKE PICNIC AND THESSALONIKI!! On Wednesday, we had a very happy Independence Day outing with our Blind Group to Prespa Lake. This was a very beautiful venue. The day was cool by the lakeside, with a refreshing breeze. For the group they said it was like a wedding. They sang, danced and four swam, while all enjoyed a delightful picnic! This time in the group we were 21 and all went well, thank God. Yesterday, Lalini and I had an early start for Thessaloniki. We left at 6.30a.m., and the two Border Controls went smoothly, without delay. Greece is an hour ahead and we arrived in nice time. Greece is very hot now - temperature was 39 degrees for a few hours in the afternoon. A note from Athens had informed me that my friend, Marieta, would be at Thessaloniki. I met with her and with her daughter, Thea. We visited a friend of hers and then left for Korce. Our journey back was completed in daylight and I arrived here at dusk - 8.30p.m. Usually, in July, there is less group activity. We had no internet today. Our local server told us the problem was in Tirana and was repaired there! It is back now and emails are arriving - one to tell me I will have a group of 16 overnight - later on! Their hotel does not supply food so meals will be here!!! Never a dull moment! Have a great weekend and every blessing on the coming week.

"ALBANIAN ALPS"!! MALTESE FRIENDS.........

MALTESE EVENING, RUBLEV, " THE ALPS"!!

SUNDAY 1 JULY 2012 MALTESE EVENING, RUBLEV, "THE ALPS"!!! Our week was as usual, with lots of difficulty accessing our street due to ongoing work. A bright mid-week event, as seen in photo, was visitor Laurence joining us for lunch on Wednesday last and also, Nicky, who had been away for two months.We felt a little strange that Laurence was a visitor - he returned with four of his Society members for a working-holiday of two weeks. Last evening, we had seven Maltese friends here plus one of their Albanian candidates. We had a lovely evening - in fact, it was our only opportunity to meet the group as the five leave for Malta on Wednesday afternoon. Today, Fr. Iranaeus, OFM. arrived here at 10.00a.m. - this was his first visit to our house. We did not invite him before because of communication difficulty. He is Polish, with Russian as his second language, Italian as his third and now, Albanian is emerging well. Father was with us until Mass time at 4.00p.m. As he had left his Friary before 5.00a.m. to catch the only available public transport, he was tired. He was interesting about his time in Russia, when he spent 10 years based in St. Petersburg. While there he took the opportunity to visit the Gallery that had Rublev's Trinity icon and he availed of viewing this more than once. This evening, I spoke to Mirjam - her photos of her week in the North with the young people are amazing. I gathered that all enjoyed a wonderful week. Mirjam returned to Tirana where she slept in their new accommodation for the first time. Thank God all is well. As I write I can hear the cheers of the Euro Final in the distance - this is the first time I have had internet during what I call the "Big Screen" events! Hope I can 'post ' this! Last week, I made an entry and it appeared two days later! Have a great week and a good month of July!

LUNCH FOR LAURENCE AT LIFE GALLERY

ACTION-PACKED AND VERY IRISH MOMENT!

SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2012 ACTION-PACKED AND VERY IRISH MOMENT!! These past few days have been action-packed - on Thursday, two men came and dismantled furniture in Sr. Amira's room. Mirjam's room was already completed! Then today, everything was taken to Tirana. At least, they left here, but now, more than twelve hours later, word has come they have just arrived!! On Thursday evening, I went to Tirana to meet an Irish girl who moved to Durres - a city near Tirana - some months ago. Hearing that Karen was temporarily in Tirana, I took the opportunity and we spent yesterday together. During the early part of our day, we had her 9 month little girl and, later in the day, we were joined by her three year old son, when he finished at Montesorri school. Hopefully, i will post a photo or two soon! A bonus to all this was an unexpected meeting with Mirjam at 6.55a.m. Mass, yesterday morning. I was delighted, and invited her to come to breakfast, so we had a few hours together and decided to repeat it all this morning! I was glad to catch up on all their news. She and Amira are busy. Apart from moving house, Amira is away this week in camp with children from the villages. Next week, Mirjam heads off with a group of teenagers and the Franciscans. They go to the Albanian "Alps" - a mountain area in the very north of the country, where the Friar served for some years. I hear it is close to Montenegro, so it is new to Mirjam. All this is why I say the days are action-packed!! Of course, I could add that, in between, there are Euro Football moments, and Mirjam was very happy for Germany this morning! Tomorrow, we expect to have our Bishop for Mass, as there is Confirmation later in the day in Bilisht. Enjoy the weekend and have a blessed week ahead!

PRESPA ISLAND AND THE BEE VILLAGE!!

21 JUNE 2012 PRESPA ISLAND AND BEE VILLAGE! We have had another very busy week. In free moments, I caught up with the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland, mainly through emails. Yesterday, we at last managed a little outing to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart, when I was in Tirana for a meeting. A friend, Violeta, drove us to Prespa and Ana arranged for us to visit the Holy Island there. So, we had a boat trip of about half a kilometer and afterwards a good climb to visit an ancient - 14 Century Church. It proved to be quite a little pilgrimage indeed and on a glorious day, thank God. The photos do not do it credit but it was a really fantastic morning. We were accompanied by a named person who had the Church keys, so all was well. We heard so many legends of the island - I will not recall them in case of error!!! On our way back to Korce, Violeta drove us to see the industry of a friend of hers - see the Bee Village photo. This man has a huge business built on honey and he has gardens that are a riot of colour and flowers, so his bees do not have far to travel! Lalini and I were delighted to see such a thriving 'home industry' - that exports even to Ireland!!! Something very different has turned up for me just now. I am again in Tirana and will perhaps meet an Irish person in the next few hours!!! So, watch this space!! Enjoy what is left of this longest day of the year and every blessing on the rest of the week.

HOLHISHT PICNIC AND ENCOUNTERS TODAY!!

14 JUNE 2012 HOLHISHT PICNIC AND ENCOUNTERS TODAY Yesterday was quite an event! Typical of Albania, our 'little' picnic grew, and our 18 Seater bus very kindly expanded to carry 30 of us to a place of Pilgrimage at Holhisht. There, about half an hour from Korce, there is a little very old church dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damien. Really it was more the size and shape of an ordinary house, surrounded by trees and very pleasant for the picnic. Apart from the huge number in our bus, from the back emerged rugs and ice-boxes and so much more to provide us with a veritable banquet!!!!! We had a great morning, it was a fitting celebration for the feast of St. Anthony - name of the Braille teacher with us as he is leader of the group. All enjoyed the time spent there and persons went to pray before the many icons as they wanted. I just got the idea this morning of getting a few photos and including them!! The little girl, Doris, is grandaughter of the lady with whom I went shopping. On the way back, I met the artist, Stephen, in our street and one of the road workers came to admire Stephen's painting, so I included him too! Lastly, I met Natasha, the new engineer who is now responsible for the road restoration and she came to our home - just to take a drink of water. All this had happened, together with the shopping before Ana arrived at 11.00a.m. I thought it good to give you the feel of part of my day. I prepare to journey to Tirana tomorrow for a URAT meeting and that will complete our year. Monday evening brought us Sisters Mirjam and Amira - they were bubbling over with all the events and new ministries they are now involved with. Also, they had found suitable accommodation and got furniture and goods ready for transport. On Tuesday, we were delighted to have our lunch with Rainer - a farewell meal as he leaves shortly for Malta. The four of us would not be together again when he is here. Happy Feast to each one for the Feast of the Sacred Heart and also for Saturday for Our Lady. I will be in Ireland on Sunday - in Spirit!!! if I can get the Eucharistic Congress Mass on my computer or TV!! I had a brief chat with Sister Bernie - her broken wrist is really a problem with another surgery to remove screws soon and also the knowledge that she will have a plate in for life, I gathered. I had a word with Dolores as I had got a generous donation for Albania and wanted it kept safe until I am returning, please God, in October!!! Love to All - hope the photos make sense with the entry!!!

Picnic for the Blind Group and This morning!!!

LEZJE, IRISH FAMILY GROUP FOR WEDDING!!.

9 JUNE 2012 LEZJE, IRISH GROUP FOR WEDDING!! A fairly quiet, busy week when life has been complicated by our everlasting road repairs! Access to our house has been more than difficult at times and we are very hopeful all will be finished soon! The road is completed with 'cutstone', quarried out in the Balkans and, very specialized artisans are occupied matching the stones! Lalini went to Lezje to a meeting of Religious yesterday. It is six hours journey, each way, from here. I attended that same meeting organised two years ago, when, to my amazement, every word of input was in Italian. I passed on attending again! Yesterday, Ana, my teacher, told me they have Irish guests at the Life Gallery Hotel - our only Five Star Hotel in Korce. She had told them I was here and they said they would like us to meet. I called to the hotel last evening and met more than 20 persons!! At first, I met a man from Belfast - he had two aunts in the Mercy Sisters and both lived in Sussex Place. I told him that we bought that house and that I too had lived in Sussex Place!! A number of the others, including his wife, had been born in Clare Street, Limerick!! They had the real Limerick accents, even though most of them live in England. All are here for a wedding and I hope to go along to the Orthodox Cathedral to be there later this afternoon. Had a lovely chat with Sr. Kevin, Belfast, though I was a little late for her feast. I am always amazed that St. Kevin does not make it into the calendar - we have so much about him in Glendalough! All the best for the weekend - every blessing!

DAJTI AND WORLD DAY OF ENVIRONMENT!

5 JUNE 2012 DAJTI AND WORLD DAY OF THE ENVIRONMENT! As I begin to write, we have very heavy, noisy rain, with frequent, and equally noisy, thunder and lightening - special effects, no doubt, for todays 'Celebration of our Environment"!! I thank God, once again, for the cloudless sky and constant warm sunshine we had on Saturday. Following a very busy week of preparation, we began our journey at 6.30a.m., to join the Liturgy Service at our Cathedral in Tirana. I can hear you ask - "How many traveled with you?" We had an 18 seater bus and decided to keep one seat free for baggage. However, three phone calls on Friday evening, meant that 4 persons, who were to travel, cancelled out. A fifth, who assured us late on Friday evening - "I'll be there", had gone to work when Lalini called to her house on Saturday morning! Such is life! So, 12 of us set off. Our numbers increased when we got to Tirana, and Korce was very well represented. All were delighted to attend. The Service was prepared in England and translated here. All were delighted to attend and for some it was their very first visit to Tirana. Saturday afternoon turned into a real adventure! We took the Dajti Express - a funicular journey to "where earth meets sky". The brochure told us we were in the "ideal place to spend a memorable day"! And that is exactly how it worked out for us. A number of the group went horse-riding and some strange photos are doing the rounds now!. Lalini and I feel there is a great need to build up the group of women. As you know, it was not only illegal but there was also severe punishment for conversing, even in small groups, for so many years. Men seem to group and meet very easily on most days. Women have not had the opportunities to do so. Women rarely come together - even to drink a coffee! Life returned to normal for us on Sunday. We were sorry to be without Mass for Trinity Sunday. We are assured there is a priest for next weekend, please God. Continue to enjoy the remainder of our Environment Day and have a blessed week. www.dajtiexpress.com www.dajtitower.com info.dajtitower.com.

27 May 2012 PENTECOST SUNDAY! RAINER'S FOLLOW-UP AND PILGRIMAGE! Greetings to every reader and especially to all Good Shepherds gathered in Rome these days, - a busy time for the Holy Spirit! This is a very brief entry! I want to note that Rainer continues with follow-up meetings on his Internet Security Survey. A participant in our Pogradec Conference, realized the importance of his message, and so, two follow-up meetings have been held at Alliance Francaise. These are for young people and their parents. They have been well attended. Another event - Sister Lalini took her group to a place of pilgrimage in the North of the country yesterday and had a good day. There were poor weather conditions at times, both on their very long journey and during their visit. Not sufficient to dampen the work of the spirit! Enjoy this beautiful time! Have a great day and week!

TIRANA, SOCIAL MEDIA SECURITY TRAINING!

MONDAY, 21 MAY 2012 TIRANA, SOCIAL MEDIA SECURITY TRAINING. We have had two most valuable days in Tirana. On Friday, we visited the museum, Lalini managed to get catechetical books she needed, and, in the evening after Mass, we enjoyed a lovely visit to Sisters Mirjam and Amira in their apartment. Saturday was a super experience! Led by Annie Bannister, internet Marketing Consultant and Social Media Trainer, who had come from Manchester specially for the day, we learnt much that we needed to know! Rainer's day in Pogradec had opened up so many internet areas that need securing. Then Annie was able to show us how to cope with security measures and deal more confidently with this new area of social need, even though her expertise is mainly used in the marketing area. We were delighted to have this most contemporary input as it is very closely linked to preventive work in our ministry with women. Over the weekend, we have had something of a "bombshell"! Rainer, who has been such a good friend and guide, helping us in all our "IT" problems, is leaving us. In the recent visit of his Superior General, Rainer was transferred to Poland and he will leave Korce, going directly to Poland, in the second half of June. This news is only gradually sinking into our reality! Every blessing to each one. Have a great week! With a special greeting for the Euro-Provincial Leader's Meeting in Rome!

KUCOVE, TIRANA AND SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING.

17 MAY 2012 KUCOVE, TIRANA AND SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING. Today, we have a return to winter weather - heavy hailstones and rain! Our temperature is 9 degrees. It's time to say - "A wet and windy May, fills the barn with corn and hay"! Saturday last was really hot in Tirana - so very different to Korce. The roses had finished blooming! We had our URAT meeting at the Cathedral. Towards the end, we were joined by Mons. George Frendo, Maltese, Auxiliary Bishop. He is our link person in relation to the pre-Olympic Liturgy. Hopefully, an event that will be well supported in June. On Sunday we had an Italian priest from Kucove. He was accompanied by two Sisters(Filipinos) and three Italian friends. We invited them here for coffee and so we had a nice group, plus an American friend, Laurie. In fact, I was on my own as Lalini was at a youth meeting. Our week since has been one of classes and meetings and, thank God, all is well. Lalini and I go to Tirana tomorrow. we gather for our Social Media Training before 9.00a.m. on Saturday! It would not be possible for us to arrive as early as that when travelling by public transport. This means we will miss the Prize-Giving Evening at Preca College. Instead, we plan to see Sisters Mirjam and Amira. So, an early wish for the weekend,especially for Ascension Day. Yesterday, I was saying "Happy Birthday" to a young man whose Ordination to Priesthood takes place on Sunday next - a beautiful feast for the ceremony. Every blessing for the weekend!

MONDAY MASS, MANY VISITORS AND PICNIC!!

10 MAY 2012 MONDAY MASS, MANY VISITORS AND PICNIC!! We were happy to welcome Fr. Marek, OFM for Mass on Sunday afternoon. Afterwards, he told us he could come for Mass at 7.00a.m. on Monday. This was a special treat for us. As Father Marek was travelling by minibus back to Fier, we invited him to breakfast. Already, Natalino, Superior General of the Maltese Society was coming, with David, the local Superior. Then, we added three Sisters, Franciscans, from Bilisht, so we had a full house! All our guests had left well before 9.00a.m. so, shortly after, I was en route to the city centre to join a group outing. This was the group of blind persons, a number of whom had minders on Monday. We went to a very nice wooded area about half an hour from the city where we had a very enjoyable morning. All enjoyed a great picnic too and we were back in the city by 1.00p.m. Today, I visited the Mary Potter Clinic for the first time this year. My long absence was due to the continuing snow that went on right up to mid-March in our part of the city. Then, with Easter a visit was postponed until now. The Hospice, which is non-residential is really busy. Today, they were a few staff short due to staff training, so time was very limited. Most of their work is done out in the villages, so they give a very comprehensive service indeed. Have a good weekend. I go to Tirana for a meeting on Saturday

MAY DAY, "SPRING" ART AND REMEMBRANCE!

5 MAY 2012 MAY DAY, "SPRING" ART AND REMEMBRANCE! May Day came filled with greetings! Instead of the "Muguet de Bois" of Belgium, here, bunches of very fragrant lilac are exchanged. Apparently, this is a tradition in Korce! In the evening, we had a visit from a parishoner, who had got a very quick hospital call for a hysterectomy for which she requested our prayers as she left for surgery in Tirana. Last evening, I went along, with a friend, to an Art Exhibition in our nearby Cultural Centre. Its theme was "Spring". Possibly, because it was a very sunny evening, there seemed to be more artists than viewers! Today is a Day of Remembrance here, of those killed in the Second World War. There was a wreath laid at the special cemetery here. Also, the city is decorated with Albanian flags and banners! At a personal level, today is also a 'day of remembrance' of Reception and Profession! This has meant contact with companions and a recalling of memories too. Am trying to adjust to the new blog format - paragraphs and other details disappear and altogether its more a 'block' than a blog! Have a great weekend - with many blessings at this special time!

HONORABLE CITIZEN AND SCHOOL OF MUSIC.

29 APRIL 2012 HONORABLE CITIZEN AND SCHOOL OF MUSIC. Tuesday evening was memorable. Many people came to honour our two "Honorable Citizens"!. Just before the ceremony began, my phone rang and, as I left the Theatre to take the call, I met the second recipient. He was Sherif Merdani and he introduced me to his wife and son. Sherif had been a singer, was arrested and accused, by the "System", of singing foreign songs. For this, a sentence of 30 years in Burrell prison was handed down. Burrell was the most notorious prison here. Sherif served 16 years before the "System" collapsed. While in prison, he taught Italian, English and Greek His son now sings in Tirana and, on Tuesday evening, they sang together. I asked that he sing one of the songs that led to his imprisonment. He agreed, and said he would sing one in English! I found his part of the ceremony quite moving. One of his support speakers was Secretary of the Persecuted in Korce. Charlie's part of t he evening was a great demonstration of the value of his contribution to Korce. A spokesperson from the Education Department, said Preca College came second in all of Albania. Three young people spoke,a few teachers and a lady from our Church. Altogether, it was a great honour for all involved and we were happy to be part of the event. Spring has really come to Korce in the past week! One of my "pupils" - a teacher at the School of Music, invited me to a Concert last evening at the Cathedral. I really enjoyed it very much. Especially, I loved hearing "Panis Angelicus" beautifully sung. To me it seemed a very nice lead-in to Good Shepherd Sunday. So, greetings to each one for tomorrow and have a great week. I will finish with a detail from last week and our Conference in Pogradec. I only caught up with it on Sunday last! David, Superior at the Maltese Community had just arrived back from Malta.He had gone there following an appendix operation and also he had a problem with his arm, for which he was receiving physiotherapy. He was hastily awakened by Rainer on that Saturday morning -"Get up quickly - you are on your own to push the minibus"!!!!! This was in fact true, even though it does not seem very good medical practice!!! All's well that ends well!

WEBSITE ARTICLE AND NEW WEE MINISTRY!!

24 APRIL 2012 WEBSITE ARTICLE AND NEW WEE MINISTRY!! On Sunday, I completed a small article on our Training Day at Pogradec. Got some help while editing, that enabled me eliminate a few inaccuracies. Then, some further help yesterday, with attaching photographs, and off it went. Hopefully it will reach our website in the near future. I found it a good exercise to complete the task - my first response to a personal invitation to contribute, so its a first effort in that particular direction! Over the weekend, I have enjoyed seeing photos and even videos of the Training Day and now, I hear, there is another video arriving soon! Yesterday, I also began a new minuscule ministry! Last week, I was invited to visit a new project that is being run by a man from our Church. This was a Braille Teaching Session that is being very effectively run by an almost totally blind person. I was so glad to see the eight persons attending. They were happy and content and obviously enjoying both the input and also the company of the other participants. Towards the end of my visit last week, I was invited to come for a short visit each week. Already, the group uses a little English, so, I intend adding a word or two each week to their store of knowledge! Today, feast of Mother Foundress, is special, for a totally different reason! This evening, at a local Theatre. - "Andon Zake Qajupi", Charlie, one of our Maltese friends, will be made an "Honorable Citizen of Korca". This is a Civic honour and will reflect very positively, not only on Charlie but also on the College where he is is Principal, the students and Rromas, his Society of Christian Doctrine and on members of our Church. So, watch this space for details of a new happening! Enjoy the feast too - already, a few beautiful greetings have been circulating on Facebook! Have a blessed day!

URAT TRAINING DAY AT POGRADEC, 21.04.12.

22 APRIL 2012 URAT TRAINING DAY AT POGRADEC, 21.04.12 Yesterday was a delightful day at Pogradec! Our URAT Training Day went so very smoothly that it was difficult to think of it as work! The group travelling from Tirana had a good journey and our venue, ENKELANA HOTEL, was superb. Rainer's input - the findings of his survey into - "Teenagers' use of the Internet" really suited our needs. His research, that included 1,435 (age12-16) young people from eight schools, opened up a whole new area of information and vocabulary for all who attended. Our group included teachers, Peace Corps. Volunteers, an advocate and our everyday colleagues. Altogether, we had eighteen participants. We had six or seven Nationalities so, our input was in English and Albanian. Because of this, Rainer was assisted by a student from Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, a former Preca College girl and a senior student at present in her Final Year at Preca. Both were very competent. Altogether, the day was a great blessing and most beneficial for our ministry to women and girls, as well as to young people with whom we come in contact. Our past week was a little different. The Rroma or traveller children came morning and evening for a few days. The problem has now been solved and they attend a nearby Centre for Rromas. This is run by Kennedi Evangelical Church. Just as I wrote the above sentence, six Rromas, aged 3-13 arrived and requested food. They have now left quite content. Hopefully they will return to the Church Centre tomorrow as has been arranged for them. Now, it is time to wish you a good celebration for St. Mary Euphrasia on Tuesday. Our bishop telephoned to give us greetings for Good Shepherd Sunday today. We discovered later that the feast is next Sunday. Instead, we had two buses of young people and adults for Mass today. The young people performed a drams on the Passion for an hour first. After Mass, the women of the Church went out for lunch, which all enjoyed very much. Feastday wishes and have a great week!

EASTER....ORTHODOX, AND RROMAS TOO!

16 APRIL 2012 EASTER........ORTHODOX AND RROMAS TOO!! Everyday work commitments continued during Easter Week, while we managed a few special moments too! On Wednesday evening, Charlie and Rainer, our Maltese friends, joined us for supper. Afterwards, we viewed - "BOYSTOWN", which we thoroughly enjoyed. This was one of a bundle of 20 DVD's given to me by J.J. Tohill, friend of the Sisters in Belfast. I had brought back a similar number on an earlier visit and they have been much appreciated for Catechetics as well as leisure moments. Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ" was shown at the Evangelical Centre - I attended a Service there on Fridayas they also celebrated Easter This weekend. Heavy rain greeted our Orthodox Cathdral - "Christ is Risen" Service held at midnight on Saturday. However, it failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the huge crowd. Later we really enjoyed hot chocolate( souvenir of an earlier hamper!), with some friends, here. Last evening, our day was finishing at 9.00p.m., when four Rroma children arrived. They are part of a family of six and had left the two younger ones with a neighbour while they walked the journey here. The oldest was a girl of 13 and the family is known to us. Mother had gone away, at least for the weekend, so they were hungry. When we had fed them, our Maltese friend Rainer, who works with the Rroma children in leisure time, came and drove them home. Have a great week and all the very best for Good Shepherd Sunday!

EASTER AND SNOW CELEBRATE TOGETHER!!

10 APRIL 2012 EASTER TUESDAY EASTER AND SNOW CELEBRATE TOGETHER!!! Surprise, surprise - this morning I awoke to a completely snow-covered Korce. A grey sky promised more of the same!! Easter was just great, thank God. On Saturday night, our Polish priest Baptised nine persons in Bilisht. For us, many Orthodox people came to our Liturgy, which was both lively and had great singing! Afterwards, all stayed for hot chocolate and Easter goodies. Our german friends from Pogradec came too - Anke had been with us for the Way of the Cross through the city on Friday. She was happy to join us again and brought a friend. Sunday morning we welcomed lots of new faces. Spoke to a couple, an Albanian whose wife said(in a very American accent!) - "I am Irish - my great-Grandad came from dun Laoghaire". Ana, our teacher joined us for lunch here on Sunday, following the 11.00a.m. Mass as she could not come in the afternoon. About 20 visitors spent a few hours with us. Later, an American friend cam, when I had gone upstairs to the Prayer Room. On finding our door locked, she said she cried. We are very much back to ordinary life as next weekend is the Easter here again. Enjoy the week and lets share the joy of this 'Alleluia Season'!

HOLY WEEK, SR.DANIELA AND EASTER PLANS

HOLY SATURDAY 7 APRIL 2012 HOLY WEEK, SR. DANIELA AND EASTER PLANS.
This is a moment to bring closure to this week as we prepare to attend our Holy Saturday Liturgy and Mass.

The early part of the week, with visit of Sr. Daniela, Germany, was quite full, right up to her departure, with Srs. Mirjam and Amira on Wednesday afternoon. The initial plan was to leave here at a very early hour on Thursday, to facilitate Daniela getting to Rinas Airport in time for her 12.00 noon flight.

On Thursday we were happy to welcome Fr. Iranaeus, OFM, a Polish Friar from Fier. He was here for the Eucharist in the evening and will remain until tomorrow. Father will complete all the Ceremonies both here and in Bilisht. A great Blessing for all of us. Tomorrow we will have Mass at 11.00a.m. In the afternoon we will welcome the parish to our house - a local custom.

At a ministry level, I have been busy since Sr. Daniela left, preparing material for our URAT Training Day on the 21 April. I plan to send this out on Monday, with further documents to go later in the week, including programme, travel and venue information. Please God, all will go well for the event.

A very happy Easter to each one of you, with joy and peace in abundance during the Paschal Season!

TRAVEL, IRELAND AND KORCE MOMENTS!!

2 APRIL 2012 TRAVEL, IRELAND AND KORCE MOMENTS!!
Just before I left Gatwick last evening, I telephoned Belfast. The phone was answered promptly by our dear 100 year old Lelia! Sister was happy to hear that my journey was going smoothly. In fact, I arrived in Tirana just before midnight. Now, I await the arrival of Sisters Mirjam and Amira as we planned to travel together after breakfast this morning.. However, Amira has got delayed and it is now well after 11.00a.m. I have just contacted Sr. Lalini to tell her we will be much later arriving in Korce!

My second week in Ireland sped by. Had one full glorious day in Inchydoney and an equally sunshine-filled one to celebrate, belatedly, Bernie's Birthday. We followed that day with a very special overnight at Killiney Castle, to complete her recent celebration.

Sr. Daniela will be at Korce until Thursday. I spoke to her briefly this morning. I also called to the Nunciature this morning to collect mail. I met the new secretary, Father Matthew, from Ghana. He is settling in well so far.

It is time to complete this entry.......our journey is complete, friends have called to welcome us, we have got settled and now the task is to prepare for tomorrow and its meetings and see how Spring has come to Korce over the past few weeks!

Have a great week as we traverse the Paschal mystery. I carry the image of the early morning Mass at the beautifully restored Clonard Redemptorist Monastery in Belfast. The priest shared the Scripture reading with two of the congregation, while a life-size statue of a donkey stood beside the Altar. With a red saddle and a red carpet to walk on together with long palm branches, the symbolism was clear and a fitting image for the week! Every blessing to each one!

MEMORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS..........PORTRAIT?

27 MARCH 2012 MEMORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS.........PORTRIT?
Our memorable visit to the "Titanic Quarter" completed our organised Birthday activities. This elaborate showpiece is still very much "Work in Progress", even though due to open to the public next month. We returned and sister Lelia was able to produce a complete newspaper, filled with photographs, that was published the very week that the ship was lost! We also saw many other photos from over5 the years and our visitors were very happy touching in on memories of Irish visits too.

Next day, our Belfast newspaper - "The Irish News" carried a nice article, with two photographs. One was Sister Lelia, on her own. In the other Sister was with Irma, her niece-in-law and Father Laurencio, a Porteguese Jesuit, friend of the Sisters. He is in a nearby Parish for Pastoral experience for some months.

Just today, an artist friend of Sister Noeleen has made a request! He would like to paint a portrait of Sister. Sister Lelia is not at all in favour of this but time will tell and history may record a portrait in due course!!!

ALL our friends and everyone associated with us has been included in our prayers and the very many Masses celebrated during these special 'Birthday' days. Days, I must add that have been filled with cloudless sunshine!!

100th. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, BELFAST!!

20 MARCH 2012 100TH. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, BELFAST!!
Days have blurred and merged due to 'our Birthday'!! St. Patrick's Day was glorious!
Sunday began with us responding to Father's invitation to join him in singing "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to open our Mass. First caller was a "Man of the Roads" to whom Sr. Lelia had been kind when on retreat at Cistercian Monastery, Portglenone! Sr. Bernie rang from Ethiopia, President of Ireland wrote and sent a handsome cheque, the Queen greeted by card and at least another 100 cards and gifts were on view, not just Good Shepherd, but showing Sister's wide connections. Just before lunch, flying directly to Belfast three relatives, from Ohio, Florida and Atlanta joined us for dinner. The day was one of community joy, including so many callers and well-wishers, ending early due to our guests jet-lag.

Monday, our public celebration was in the parish Church, our old convent. Sr. Lelia's friend, Father Eugene O'Hagan sang the Mass. He then joined hundreds in our 'old' diningroom, where he sang - "My Lagan Love", then, "Happy Birthday" and told of his long friendship with dear Lelia. Masterminded by Denis Moloney, the cake was cut and enjoyed by all. Back to the convent for a short respite then, dear Lelia, her relatives, those that travelled from Limerick, Dublin and many other places joined her at a local Golf Club, while the bulk of the celebration was in our own convent! Last night we had a small impromptu party including all the community and relatives together with some very close friends. Sister rose to the occasion and both played and sang. Her nephew was amused to see how carefully Lelia tuned the violin for playing!!!!!

Today, its onto the - "Titanic Quarter" that is also celebrating the Century. Watch this space. I feel so many are following these days with us. God bless from Ireland to each one!

TRAVEL, NUNCIO, LORD MAYOR AND CONCERT!!

14 March 2012 TRAVEL, NUNCIO, LORD MAYOR AND CONCERT!!
An early start from Korce yesterday saw us through a highly decorated floral Tirana and at the airport quite early. Today is a National holiday in Albania as its the Muslim celebration of Spring! When I had just booked in my case at the airport, I was greeted by no less than our Papal Nuncio. He had come to meet a new secretary who was arriving from Ghana. Nuncio told me he had just spoken to our Bishop, Mons. Hil Kabashi, who had telephoned him from Germany, where he is taking treatment. He then added - "He telephoned me because today is my Birthday"! We then spoke of Korce and he expressed a desire to visit again, though he could not say just when. He is travelling to Rome tomorrow.

Here in Belfast, Birthday air is already around. This afternoon, a legal friend of ours, who is close to Sister Lelia, brought along the Lord Mayor of Belfast. Sister was presented with an engraved silver medal and also with a very beautiful silk scarf. We then had refreshments. Sister Lelia later surprised the group by singing a delightful song in Irish and then played the violin! They were amazed. As they left, the Lord Mayor said, "My mother always sang that song - 'The Castle of Dromore' to me when I was a child". I could see the visit had much meaning for him.

A further surprise later in the afternoon was the arrival at Lys Marie of all six members of the Rostrevor Benedictine Community. They came to say Mass and again this was a special treat enjoyed by Sister Lelia. It is lovely to see how she enters into the spirit of each moment. It is really quite difficult to believe that she will be 100 years old on Sunday.

Have a good week and spare a wee prayer to St. Patrick and enjoy Saturday next.

Women's Day, URAT, USA Visitors and Travel!.

12 March 2012 Women's Day, URAT, USA Visitors and Travel!
Women's Day, known here as Mother's Day, had us occupied in a variety of activities. All of these necessitated wading through slush as we had heavy snow all day! Flowers and bouquets were given everywhere and there was a good festive spirit.

On Saturday, Lalini and I travelled to Tirana for a Urat Meeting. We made final plans for the Training Day we will host next month and Mirjam has almost completed the poster design for the Olympics. We need this for a special liturgy in Tirana in
June. I was so happy to hear at the meeting that Good Shepherd, Syria-Lebanon was well represented in Washington recently. They are doing great work in relation to the needs of the people pouring into Damascus. Also, we received an excellent video that was made of their ministry.

On Sunday, we had Mass and afterwards we had three American visitors in our house. One is a Peace Corps. friend who came with her sister and her husband that are visiting from the states. Their visit has been quite an adventure so far!

My entry is very much in brief. This is due to the fact that the day got a little overloaded and now it is time to finish! I leave for Ireland early in the morning.
Watch this space. I may manage a little activity at the weekend.....!

In the meantime, have a great week and every blessing on your work and play.

JOURNALING, WOMEN'S PROJECT AND DAY!

6 MARCH 2O12 JOURNALING, WOMEN'S PROJECT AND DAY!
On Saturday last, I managed to spend a nice, quiet day. Apart from a number of callers, there was time for journaling! I very rarely take out my journal. When I do, its always a reminder of those 14 years in journaling retreat work!

Sunday brought us a surprise! David, Superior of our Maltese friends, had been taken to hospital very late on Saturday night and had had immediate surgery for removal of his appendix. All is well now, thank God. We visited after Mass and I know he has had lots of visitors ever since. In the hospital here, it seems one can walk in at any time and negotiate your way to the patient's room. I feel sure that many of the patients would welcome the boundaries imposed by visiting hours!

Had a meeting with two of the Peace Corp. Volunteers on Tuesday. Both had experienced problems in getting to Korce ever since before Christmas. This was due to the snow. We hope to do a little project together over the coming months.

This week, Teacher's Day and International Women's Day change our routine a little. Lalini and I have decided to join a group of women for a meeting in the city on Women's Day, rather than host one ourselves as we have done for the past two years. This will suit us as we travel to Tirana very early on Saturday.

Have a great International Women's Day, and a good weekend too.

TIRANA VISITORS. GOOD SHEPHERD SNIPPETS!!

28 FEBRUARY 2012 TIRANA VISITORS AND GOOD SHEPHERD SNIPPETS!!
The first week of Lent has flown by as we eagerly awaited Spring. On Sunday, we had just returned from Mass when the snow reappeared and continued until we were once more snowbound. Mirjam and Amira were amazed when they had to step very cautiously when approaching our house. We were delighted to welcome them. We felt their journey was worthwhile, very glad that they had travelled by furgon.

On Thursday last, my 'student' Aurora, brought an Orthodox catechist to visit and we had a great sharing of her ministry in the villages. This lady was formerly a teacher and so loves her continuing role with groups of women.

During the week I received a powerpoint of a November 21 ceremony at our house in Rome. I was so happy to see the Generalate team. On the same day, in Facebook, a series of photos from Sr. Susan Chia's session in Chile showed the 50 young Sisters in temporary vows. Both of these gave a wonderful picture of our internationality and also gained our prayer support!

Lastly,the request for prayers of thanksgiving for dear Sister Lelia's Birthday of the Century arrived from Belfast. Creativity is its 'hallmark' a lovely photo of the lady plus the following lines from John O'Donohue -

Now is the time to free the heart,
Let all intentions and worries stop
Free the joy inside the self,
Awaken to the wonder of your life.
Open your eyes and see the friends
Whose hearts recognize your face as kin,
Those whose kindness is watchful and near,
Encouraging you to live everything here.
See the gifts the years have given,
Things your effort could never earn,
The health to enjoy who you want to be
And the mind to mirror mystery.

Need I add that I feel privileged to be invited to this celebration and very happy that Sr.Lelia insisted at Christmas - "You would need to bbok your ticket now"!!!