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.