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!!
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 12 March 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
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.
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.
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