EASTER JOY! ALPHA UPDATE AND KORCA TOO!!

31 MARCH 2013 EASTER SUNDAY. EASTER JOY! ALPHA AND KORCA UPDATES!! ALLELUIA!! Happy Easter! My greetings come almost directly from our "DAWN MASS" on the Lagan riverside in Belfast. For me the Mass, celebrated this year by a Canadian Jesuit, is a very special highlight. Chilly yes, even in the shelter of a massive ancient tree. Otherwise, a warm, welcoming parish community that knew how to celebrate - even to rewarding all with an Easter Egg as we left reluctantly! I joined two people who climbed a nearby hill to roll the eggs thy had brought along and so this added to the festive spirit as we returned to the river towpath. A young man who had greeted me with a question as I left the car - "Is there any prayer service around here?" - told me, as we walked along the river bank, that he prays regularly at our Lys Marie Adoration, with Youth 2,000 so I felt at home in his company. Dessie has promised me a photo of our Mass setting and I promise to share it with you when possible. I was happy to see his delight when I told him we were en route to Mass and he fell into step with me immediately. On Good Friday, I re-connected with another local get-together. All our parish denominations gathered in nearby Ormeau Park, the Cross was carried and we followed, in procession, to the Presbyterian Church where a most meaningful Service followed. These two events have been key to Easter for me over the years and I am so glad that they are alive and thriving too. I must admit I missed them over the past three years when in the mountains of south Albania. Now, its the turn of Korca to be in my mind and heart as I heard, with joy, of its five Baptisms and nine first Communions due to take place there last evening at the Easter Vigil. This surely brings NEW LIFE to the women of Korca and Good Shepherd has helped nurture this development in a very small, but strong, Catholic Church, kept alive over the years by the great work of Maltese Catechists. These good friends of ours nurtured our insertion into Korca community life! And just one word about our ALPHA Course. We gathered for 12 weeks and this needed good commitment. What joy it was to greet all these new friends, when we met at the Service on Good Friday. We will meet once more to review the 12 weeks and reflect on a way forward for us. I may not be part of the next phase, or at least the begginning of it, as i plan to respond to a mini-call to Albania a few days after our planned celebration and meeting! Now I go to see Pope Francis as he gives his Easter Blessing. Happy Easter again to each one.