3RD. NOVEMBER 2010 CONCERT,SISTERS VISIT, SURPRISE, TODAY!
On Sunday I went along to a very enjoyable early evening concert. It would have been even more enjoyable if I had gone a little earlier, as concerts here tend to get crowded. The programme was of high standard, with classical instrumentalists and excellent singers. I was glad it finished at 7.45p.m. as we had planned to have the 'Journey of Enrichment' Powerpoint at 8.00p.m. However, the 'beamer' and PP did not meet, so we await another evening!
Two Little Company of Mary Sisters are visiting for 10 days. They were based here and return each year as they carry financial responsibility for the Hospice they opened.
We had a lovely surprise on Monday. Maltese Rainer telephoned to say an English priest had arrived. Father came to visit us and then said Mass in the parish church that afternoon. He promised to come to our house early yesterday and so we had a Mass on All Souls Day - a great treat for us.
Today is the first anniversary of our arrival in Korce! We see it as a moment to celebrate, as we move into another year. Alleluia!
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Friday, 29 October 2010
LIGHT SNOW AND PLANNING H.R. TRAINING
29TH. OCTOBER 2010 LIGHT SNOW AND PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING.
Yesterday morning there was a light dusting of snow on Mali i Thate, our granite "Dry
Mountain" horizon. What looked like a coating of icing sugar sent a clear message that Winter is en route. This was confirmed by a sharp drop in temprature.
Today we had a group from Tirana. Anna, Manager of a Training NGO, Sr. Imelda, Loreto who has been so welcoming to us for URAT meetings mainly, Maureen, parish leader of a fundraising group in Birmingham, England, that donates to the Roma group in Tirana and Petrie, their driver. We had a good meeting. Anna offered to do some Human Rights Training with a group of women and we hope that this will take place later. This awareness-raising about human rights is needed here in Albania and its also a suggested follow-up requested by CEDAW. Sr. Amira prepared a delicious lunch while we talked and all enjoyed the meal. Afterwards, I went with the group to direct them to their next visit. On the way, I asked Maureen about her Irish roots. She told me - "My father was born in Leap, West Cork, so we now we always holiday in Clonakilty and Inchydoney". I surprised her by saying - "My father was also born near Leap in West Cork and my life up to entering Good Shepherd was spent in Clonakilty and Inchydoney!!" Small world surely.
Enjoy the weekend! My "Better English" young people tell me - "We are not allowed to celebrate Hallow 'een in Albania!" I will have to search further for the reason.
Yesterday morning there was a light dusting of snow on Mali i Thate, our granite "Dry
Mountain" horizon. What looked like a coating of icing sugar sent a clear message that Winter is en route. This was confirmed by a sharp drop in temprature.
Today we had a group from Tirana. Anna, Manager of a Training NGO, Sr. Imelda, Loreto who has been so welcoming to us for URAT meetings mainly, Maureen, parish leader of a fundraising group in Birmingham, England, that donates to the Roma group in Tirana and Petrie, their driver. We had a good meeting. Anna offered to do some Human Rights Training with a group of women and we hope that this will take place later. This awareness-raising about human rights is needed here in Albania and its also a suggested follow-up requested by CEDAW. Sr. Amira prepared a delicious lunch while we talked and all enjoyed the meal. Afterwards, I went with the group to direct them to their next visit. On the way, I asked Maureen about her Irish roots. She told me - "My father was born in Leap, West Cork, so we now we always holiday in Clonakilty and Inchydoney". I surprised her by saying - "My father was also born near Leap in West Cork and my life up to entering Good Shepherd was spent in Clonakilty and Inchydoney!!" Small world surely.
Enjoy the weekend! My "Better English" young people tell me - "We are not allowed to celebrate Hallow 'een in Albania!" I will have to search further for the reason.
Monday, 25 October 2010
COMMUNITY MEETING AND DAJTI EKSPRES
25th. OCTOBER 2010 COMMUNITY MEETING AND DAJTI EKSPRES
We met with Sr. Daniela on Friday in Tirana for an evaluation meeting. Our setting was a little unusual. We got a quiet area in a restaurant where we were left in peace! We finished with a look at the future and Sr. Lalini's appointment as Co-Ordinator for another year. Our day ended with a very pleasant visit to a Chinese restaurant.
Saturday seemed ideal to all of us for a visit to Mother Teresa's Exhibition for her special year. We discovered, however, that she had packed up and gone 'home' to Skopje, Macedonia! I have heard since that the exhibition was very small - showing just Mother Teresa's rare visits to Albania and without reference to her global role.
A new plan emerged for us quite quickly, with Mirjam at her computer! Off we set with a handrawn map! We took the Dajti Ekspres to "where the earth meets the sky". In fact, we had a glorious morning in a National Park on the summit of a mountain range very close to Tirana. There was just one slight 'glitch'. When we gathered to take the return Cable Car, we were told there was a power cut! Luckily, with the help of a generator, it was brief. We made the airport in record time for Daniela's plane.
Special thanks to all who were in touch over the past week with Waterford details.
We met with Sr. Daniela on Friday in Tirana for an evaluation meeting. Our setting was a little unusual. We got a quiet area in a restaurant where we were left in peace! We finished with a look at the future and Sr. Lalini's appointment as Co-Ordinator for another year. Our day ended with a very pleasant visit to a Chinese restaurant.
Saturday seemed ideal to all of us for a visit to Mother Teresa's Exhibition for her special year. We discovered, however, that she had packed up and gone 'home' to Skopje, Macedonia! I have heard since that the exhibition was very small - showing just Mother Teresa's rare visits to Albania and without reference to her global role.
A new plan emerged for us quite quickly, with Mirjam at her computer! Off we set with a handrawn map! We took the Dajti Ekspres to "where the earth meets the sky". In fact, we had a glorious morning in a National Park on the summit of a mountain range very close to Tirana. There was just one slight 'glitch'. When we gathered to take the return Cable Car, we were told there was a power cut! Luckily, with the help of a generator, it was brief. We made the airport in record time for Daniela's plane.
Special thanks to all who were in touch over the past week with Waterford details.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
SR.DANIELA'S VISIT, SR. MARIE MURPHY RIP
21ST. OCTOBER 2010 SISTER DANIELA'S VISIT, SR. MARIE MURPHY RIP.
Our week began with a half-day Anti-Trafficking conference at the Catholic University
in Tirana on Monday. It was well attended by young people in third-level education, clergy, and a great number of interested professionals. A young Albanian Sister gave a short input and Powerpoint about the setting up of URAT - our group for religious to work on anti-trafficking issues. It was well received.
I met with Filloreta Kodra, Deputy Minister for Labour, who was Head of Delegation in New York for the CEDAW Meeting. I was able to update her on work in Korce. She gave a good talk. In fact she was substituting for her boss who was listed on the programme. We were fortunate in getting a few young people to do translation for us.
That made the event worthwhile for us.
We have had Sr. Daniela here with us since Monday. We also had a German Good Shepherd
candidate here for just two days. Andrea accompanied Sr. Mirjam from Germany. She saw a good piece of Albania during her brief visit.
Today, I am feeling very sad as Sister Marie Murphy RIP, Novitiate Companion and friend over the years, is being buried in Waterford. She will be mourned by her community, us, her four companions, her family and very many friends. On Thursday last, a number of friends contacted with news that she had suffered a serious relapse in her illness. Thank God she did not suffer too long.
Again - have a good weekend!
Our week began with a half-day Anti-Trafficking conference at the Catholic University
in Tirana on Monday. It was well attended by young people in third-level education, clergy, and a great number of interested professionals. A young Albanian Sister gave a short input and Powerpoint about the setting up of URAT - our group for religious to work on anti-trafficking issues. It was well received.
I met with Filloreta Kodra, Deputy Minister for Labour, who was Head of Delegation in New York for the CEDAW Meeting. I was able to update her on work in Korce. She gave a good talk. In fact she was substituting for her boss who was listed on the programme. We were fortunate in getting a few young people to do translation for us.
That made the event worthwhile for us.
We have had Sr. Daniela here with us since Monday. We also had a German Good Shepherd
candidate here for just two days. Andrea accompanied Sr. Mirjam from Germany. She saw a good piece of Albania during her brief visit.
Today, I am feeling very sad as Sister Marie Murphy RIP, Novitiate Companion and friend over the years, is being buried in Waterford. She will be mourned by her community, us, her four companions, her family and very many friends. On Thursday last, a number of friends contacted with news that she had suffered a serious relapse in her illness. Thank God she did not suffer too long.
Again - have a good weekend!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
GOLDEN CRUCUSES AND TIRANA
17TH. OCTOBER 2010 GOLDEN CROCUSES AND TIRANA - BRIEF UPDATE.
A beautiful bowl of golden crocuses on the Altar for Mass brought home to me the fact that seasons are slightly different here in Albania. None of the locals thought it strange - they are used to seeing this Spring flower in the Autumn!
Lalini and I leave for Tirana this afternoon. We go to attend an Anti-Trafficking event tomorrow, at the Catholic University there. Sr. Mirjam and Postulant Andrea arrived there last evening. Sr. Daniela arrives this afternoon so we will have a good group. We plan to return here tomorrow evening.
Have a good week.
A beautiful bowl of golden crocuses on the Altar for Mass brought home to me the fact that seasons are slightly different here in Albania. None of the locals thought it strange - they are used to seeing this Spring flower in the Autumn!
Lalini and I leave for Tirana this afternoon. We go to attend an Anti-Trafficking event tomorrow, at the Catholic University there. Sr. Mirjam and Postulant Andrea arrived there last evening. Sr. Daniela arrives this afternoon so we will have a good group. We plan to return here tomorrow evening.
Have a good week.
Friday, 8 October 2010
ST.FRANCIS, VOSKOPI, ENGLISH GROUP
8TH OCTOBER 2010 ST.FRANCIS, VOSKOPI, ENGLISH GROUP.
We had a surprise invitation to Bilhist, home of three Italian Franciscan Sisters. Afternoon Mass for St. Francis and an enjoyable 'cuppa'. Communication was limited! Their Italian and 10 years Albanian had little meeting point with our French, English and 'infant' Shqip!
Yesterday, we were invited to a nearby village or 'fshat' Voskopi, just six kms. from Korce. An elderly grandmother had spent the night and morning preparing traditional dishes to extend Albanian hospitality. Little 4 year old Elicia, who is undergoing hip surgery, her sister Bresilda, and her mother came with us. We all enjoyed the visit - family ties are very close here. This is really apple country and we returned sufficiently laden to supply our neighbours.
You may recall I spoke of the young people requesting to speak better English! I did not set up a formal class. When a few come we have English conversation. Today was one such day. Two groups came - they are 12 year olds. Their 'hero' since we came is a '16' year old singer J.Bieber! He had just been arrested in USA as he was a 51 year old evil man cleverly disguised. They really needed a listening ear to sort out their confusion!
Have a good weekend. The weather has suddenly turned really cold here.
We had a surprise invitation to Bilhist, home of three Italian Franciscan Sisters. Afternoon Mass for St. Francis and an enjoyable 'cuppa'. Communication was limited! Their Italian and 10 years Albanian had little meeting point with our French, English and 'infant' Shqip!
Yesterday, we were invited to a nearby village or 'fshat' Voskopi, just six kms. from Korce. An elderly grandmother had spent the night and morning preparing traditional dishes to extend Albanian hospitality. Little 4 year old Elicia, who is undergoing hip surgery, her sister Bresilda, and her mother came with us. We all enjoyed the visit - family ties are very close here. This is really apple country and we returned sufficiently laden to supply our neighbours.
You may recall I spoke of the young people requesting to speak better English! I did not set up a formal class. When a few come we have English conversation. Today was one such day. Two groups came - they are 12 year olds. Their 'hero' since we came is a '16' year old singer J.Bieber! He had just been arrested in USA as he was a 51 year old evil man cleverly disguised. They really needed a listening ear to sort out their confusion!
Have a good weekend. The weather has suddenly turned really cold here.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
CEDAW WORKSHOP AND BISHOP'S VISIT
3RD. OCTOBER 2010 CEDAW WORKSHOP AND BISHOP'S VISIT.
Yesterday was indeed a crumb of history for us! We had our Workshop and twenty-two persons came. These included twelve Americans, mostly from the Peace Corps. A few had travelled up to seven hours, from as far away as Saranda and Lushnja, to get here. Ten other people, all of whom understood English joined us. These included the staff person at the Domestic Violance Unit and also the lawyer, who told us of the good work done in relation to the woman we referred to the Unit. This lawyer will continue with the work for trafficked women that she has in hand. We plan to cooperate with her if the opportunity arises. Our objective of awareness-raising was achieved and new contacts made too. Following a lively discussion, we all enjoyed a tasty Buffet! Today, a number of emails have come expressing appreciation for the afternoon.
Our Bishop came for Mass today. When he had finished, the people spoke up and asked what of his promise that there would be Mass every Sunday? We were not clear how the discussion ended but it seemed peacefully! Later, he called here and brought Charlie to interpret. He wanted to know if any progress had been made in relation to building in Pogradec. Amira and I were here and we suggested he discuss this with Sr. Daniela later in the month. As he left we extended greetings for the feast of St. Francis tomorrow as he is a Franciscan.
Have a good week!
Yesterday was indeed a crumb of history for us! We had our Workshop and twenty-two persons came. These included twelve Americans, mostly from the Peace Corps. A few had travelled up to seven hours, from as far away as Saranda and Lushnja, to get here. Ten other people, all of whom understood English joined us. These included the staff person at the Domestic Violance Unit and also the lawyer, who told us of the good work done in relation to the woman we referred to the Unit. This lawyer will continue with the work for trafficked women that she has in hand. We plan to cooperate with her if the opportunity arises. Our objective of awareness-raising was achieved and new contacts made too. Following a lively discussion, we all enjoyed a tasty Buffet! Today, a number of emails have come expressing appreciation for the afternoon.
Our Bishop came for Mass today. When he had finished, the people spoke up and asked what of his promise that there would be Mass every Sunday? We were not clear how the discussion ended but it seemed peacefully! Later, he called here and brought Charlie to interpret. He wanted to know if any progress had been made in relation to building in Pogradec. Amira and I were here and we suggested he discuss this with Sr. Daniela later in the month. As he left we extended greetings for the feast of St. Francis tomorrow as he is a Franciscan.
Have a good week!
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