5TH. JANUARY 2011 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 AND GREEK ODYSSEY!
Our New Year's Eve get-together with our Maltese friends was enjoyed by all. Prayer reflected letting-go of 2010 and our hopes for 2011. Ou "cuppa" began with a lighting Irish Plum Pudding helped with a good dash of Skenderbeau whiskey!! David arived with walnut-stuffed dates and jam tarts. So, we went, well fortified, to herald in 2011!! The Cathedral Bells could hardly be heard with the great volume of fireworks, but the event was captured very nicely for Facebook.
On New Year's Day we had Mass, courtesy of a Slovakian Franciscan. Afterwards, our TV was in excellent form for the Viennese Concert. We enjoyed it for more than an hour. As always, a real traditional treat.
Our Greek odyssey yesterday was good. Thessaloniki is an imposing, beautiful city, with a long waterfront ferry access and a good shopping area. We ate in a small restaurant, unaware it was round the corner from the Courts of Justice! I asked directions to the Catholic Cathedral and we got much LEGAL advice as the diners, who had come with their briefcases, helped out the owner!!! Obviously, the court had a little recess! Our only disappointment was that the Cathedral - a very fine building indeed, was closed. We had hoped to get a letter of invitation for Sister Amira, in order to facilitate her getting a travel visa.
In the late afternoon, we went to the airport, a few miles outside the city, but listed as Macedonia. It's a lovely airport and very busy. I noted flights to Rome, Munich, Athens, Larnaca and Crete listed for the evening. Obviously, flights to Frankfurt and those to London are earlier in the day. According to a taxi-driver, and our friend Kliti, this airport is two and a half hours from Korce. The highway is excellent, but with two Border frontiers and two tolls, I consider that is an over-optimistic timescale. There is a fine Ring Road that eliminates the need to go near the city. We had very little delay yesterday and we passed exits to two other airports on our journey.
Again, I pray 2011 will be a year of many blessings for each one of you.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Friday, 31 December 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR, GEZUAR VITIN E RI!
31ST. DECEMBER 2010 HAPPY NEW YEAR, GEZUAR VITIN E RI!
The days have passed quickly since Christmas Day. We have had visitors from Schodra -a Lebanese priest and two young men. Our Maltese friends accommodated them for us and they spent the time here. We began with Mass and later had a truly Lebanese meal. Then we brought our visitors to Prespa Vogel, a place of beauty in the area. A good time was enjoyed by all.
Now, I say Happy New Year, Gezuar Vitin e Ri, Frohes Neues Jahr, Bonne Annee and Blian Sona Duit!
Remember/Resolution!
"Men build their heavens as they build their circles
Of friends. God is in the bits and pieces of Everyday -"
Patrick Kavanagh
I pray that 2011 will be a year of special grace, richy blessed for each one, with good health and many gifts.
The fireworks have already started here. We have planned a Communion Service for late in the evening and then we go to the Cathedral to await the Midnight Bells!
The days have passed quickly since Christmas Day. We have had visitors from Schodra -a Lebanese priest and two young men. Our Maltese friends accommodated them for us and they spent the time here. We began with Mass and later had a truly Lebanese meal. Then we brought our visitors to Prespa Vogel, a place of beauty in the area. A good time was enjoyed by all.
Now, I say Happy New Year, Gezuar Vitin e Ri, Frohes Neues Jahr, Bonne Annee and Blian Sona Duit!
Remember/Resolution!
"Men build their heavens as they build their circles
Of friends. God is in the bits and pieces of Everyday -"
Patrick Kavanagh
I pray that 2011 will be a year of special grace, richy blessed for each one, with good health and many gifts.
The fireworks have already started here. We have planned a Communion Service for late in the evening and then we go to the Cathedral to await the Midnight Bells!
Monday, 27 December 2010
CHRISTMAS 2010 SO FAR...........!
27TH. DECEMBER 2010 CHRISTMAS 2010 SO FAR......!
Our Christmas began with an 9.00a.m. concert at Preca College on the 23rd. The students were great and that included our friend, Adelajda. She took part in a difficult mime and really gave its message very clearly. The dramatic items were excellent and it was a treat to hear all the carols in English!
On Christmas Eve, we joined our Maltese friends for a procession through the streets with the Divine Infant. People came and stood to enjoy the carols we sang en route. This year we were able to join in a little with the Shqip! The procession ended here and all had refreshments - lots of requests for the mulled wine recipe - Sr. Anna, take a bow!
We have been really blessed as we had a priest for 11.00p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve - and this was followed by hot chocolate and biscuits in the foyer! On reaching home, we indulged in hot Mince Pies and Brandy Butter - part of a hamper from my sister, Bernie, and family. We then took some time to exchange gifts. We also had an 11.00a.m. Mass on Christmas Day. What a surprise when friends called in the afternoon and the first few told us we had been on Television. A man, making a video the night before, works with National TV, and a few snippets of his work were shown.
We were "open for visitors" from 3.30p.m., a Korce tradition. We were surprised the people called so promptly. Again, we served mulled wine and Lebanese traditional cake for Christmas. Every guest was gifted with a bag of German "Plezen" as they left. My spelling may not be perfect but the variety of homemade German biscuits was guaranteed to delight! Later in the evening when the young adults got out the organ and the Albanian and English carols got under way, we replaced the Christmas cake with lots of savoury favourites! We were delighted Mirjam arrived back from the Mass for the young people in Pogradec before we finished.
We were very happy to receive so many greetings over the past few days. Phone calls, emails, Facebook messages, and of course letters and cards. Its a great time of year and we still have the New Year! Yesterday, we went with the women from the Church for a meal. There were 14 of us and the three Maltese catechists who really have kept the church alive here in Korce.
With thanks and prayers for each one who has been in touch. Have a good week to complete 2010!
Our Christmas began with an 9.00a.m. concert at Preca College on the 23rd. The students were great and that included our friend, Adelajda. She took part in a difficult mime and really gave its message very clearly. The dramatic items were excellent and it was a treat to hear all the carols in English!
On Christmas Eve, we joined our Maltese friends for a procession through the streets with the Divine Infant. People came and stood to enjoy the carols we sang en route. This year we were able to join in a little with the Shqip! The procession ended here and all had refreshments - lots of requests for the mulled wine recipe - Sr. Anna, take a bow!
We have been really blessed as we had a priest for 11.00p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve - and this was followed by hot chocolate and biscuits in the foyer! On reaching home, we indulged in hot Mince Pies and Brandy Butter - part of a hamper from my sister, Bernie, and family. We then took some time to exchange gifts. We also had an 11.00a.m. Mass on Christmas Day. What a surprise when friends called in the afternoon and the first few told us we had been on Television. A man, making a video the night before, works with National TV, and a few snippets of his work were shown.
We were "open for visitors" from 3.30p.m., a Korce tradition. We were surprised the people called so promptly. Again, we served mulled wine and Lebanese traditional cake for Christmas. Every guest was gifted with a bag of German "Plezen" as they left. My spelling may not be perfect but the variety of homemade German biscuits was guaranteed to delight! Later in the evening when the young adults got out the organ and the Albanian and English carols got under way, we replaced the Christmas cake with lots of savoury favourites! We were delighted Mirjam arrived back from the Mass for the young people in Pogradec before we finished.
We were very happy to receive so many greetings over the past few days. Phone calls, emails, Facebook messages, and of course letters and cards. Its a great time of year and we still have the New Year! Yesterday, we went with the women from the Church for a meal. There were 14 of us and the three Maltese catechists who really have kept the church alive here in Korce.
With thanks and prayers for each one who has been in touch. Have a good week to complete 2010!
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
CHRISTMAS, THE PAST, PAPAL NUNCIO VISIT.
22nd.DECEMBER 2010 CHRISTMAS, THE PAST, PAPAL NUNCIO VISIT.
Christmas is very close! On Monday, we visited the local State-run Children's Home. We had a delightful time with the 14 young residents. They were aged up to 6 years. Santa Claus was with us and also we had the organ for carols and DANCE! Great!
Later, I went to a concert and enjoyed lots of carols. We also saw a group of children but just for one song! Proceeds were for the victims of the Schodra flooding. They have suffered so badly again this year.
It is great to see a joyful approach to Christmas! My 'Better English' student , who is a teacher, spoke this week of 'Christmas in the past'. Her memories of pre-1990, when religious practice was forbidden and with no religion in schools! 25 December was a school and work day. There were just two days off to celebrate the "New Year Tree". Friends who have spent 18 years here, speak of a 'dark city', without street lighting of any kind and not a trace of Christmas. Thank God this is changing! The people are learning how to celebrate and enjoy. They have a whole new vocabulary too.
Just now, there is a huge rush for Passports. In a few weeks, people will be able to travel, without a visa, to many countries. Albania is finally opening to the world!
On Monday last, Mirjam went, as part of our URAT anti-trafficking group, to meet the Papal Nuncio. She was happy when he spoke good English! He has promised to visit us here.Now that our registration is complete, we too have a moment to celebrate!
Happy Christmas to each one - in Bolivia, Brazil,Florida and to other USA readers. Also, my greetings to Irish blog readers, to those in UK, Europe, Singapore, Ethiopia and Madagascar. Let's be united in Spirit at this very special time!
Christmas is very close! On Monday, we visited the local State-run Children's Home. We had a delightful time with the 14 young residents. They were aged up to 6 years. Santa Claus was with us and also we had the organ for carols and DANCE! Great!
Later, I went to a concert and enjoyed lots of carols. We also saw a group of children but just for one song! Proceeds were for the victims of the Schodra flooding. They have suffered so badly again this year.
It is great to see a joyful approach to Christmas! My 'Better English' student , who is a teacher, spoke this week of 'Christmas in the past'. Her memories of pre-1990, when religious practice was forbidden and with no religion in schools! 25 December was a school and work day. There were just two days off to celebrate the "New Year Tree". Friends who have spent 18 years here, speak of a 'dark city', without street lighting of any kind and not a trace of Christmas. Thank God this is changing! The people are learning how to celebrate and enjoy. They have a whole new vocabulary too.
Just now, there is a huge rush for Passports. In a few weeks, people will be able to travel, without a visa, to many countries. Albania is finally opening to the world!
On Monday last, Mirjam went, as part of our URAT anti-trafficking group, to meet the Papal Nuncio. She was happy when he spoke good English! He has promised to visit us here.Now that our registration is complete, we too have a moment to celebrate!
Happy Christmas to each one - in Bolivia, Brazil,Florida and to other USA readers. Also, my greetings to Irish blog readers, to those in UK, Europe, Singapore, Ethiopia and Madagascar. Let's be united in Spirit at this very special time!
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
GREECE BRIEFLY! IRISH PRIEST SINGERS.
15TH.DECEMBER 2010 GREECE BRIEFLY! IRISH PRIEST SINGERS.
On Friday last, Lalini and I made a very brief visit to Greece - a first for me! We were en route to the city nearest here when we ran into a blizzard. Our driver at that moment discovered he had 'summer tyres' on his car. When he had been helped to turn the car, we set out for Korce. The weather was fine on this side of the border.
We heard from our Maltese friends that our Irish Priest Singers were on Italian TV on Saturday night. I was delighted when David found their first song on You Tube and emailed it to me. It was a treat - "You Raise Me Up". I believe they were also interviewed in Italian. That would not have been a problem after their years in the Irish College. I was even more pleased to hear, later on Sunday, that the new CD they launched on the 8th. December -"Noel" is on its way to us here in Korce!
Yesterday brought us "Sacred Space 2011" and also its Advent companion booklet, plus CD's and other 'goodies' from Sr. Bernie, Dublin. So, we are all set, not only for Christmas, but for the New Year as well!
Have a good journey for this last week to Christmas!
On Friday last, Lalini and I made a very brief visit to Greece - a first for me! We were en route to the city nearest here when we ran into a blizzard. Our driver at that moment discovered he had 'summer tyres' on his car. When he had been helped to turn the car, we set out for Korce. The weather was fine on this side of the border.
We heard from our Maltese friends that our Irish Priest Singers were on Italian TV on Saturday night. I was delighted when David found their first song on You Tube and emailed it to me. It was a treat - "You Raise Me Up". I believe they were also interviewed in Italian. That would not have been a problem after their years in the Irish College. I was even more pleased to hear, later on Sunday, that the new CD they launched on the 8th. December -"Noel" is on its way to us here in Korce!
Yesterday brought us "Sacred Space 2011" and also its Advent companion booklet, plus CD's and other 'goodies' from Sr. Bernie, Dublin. So, we are all set, not only for Christmas, but for the New Year as well!
Have a good journey for this last week to Christmas!
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
CORRECTION, PARTY AND TODAYS FEAST!
8TH. DECEMBER 2010 CORRECTION, PARTY AND TODAYS FEAST!
A dedicated blog reader very kindly contacted me to point an error in my last entry! In my enthusiastic description of Bigell, our mountain setting of last week, I added an extra nought to our 1,500 metres altitude and so appeared higher than Everest! At most times, I am known to keep my feet firmly on the ground!
On Monday evening, St. Nicholas' Day we were invited out to dinner by a group of neighbours. We were really pleased and we thoroughly enjoyed the festive evening. A new experience for me earlier was that of making a 'Feastday call' to another neighbour. Traditionally, people do this here. I stayed about an hour during which Nicholas had four friends call. Each was welcomed, had a drink and chocolate and then left. Also, he got three telephone greetings from friends who could not call!
Today, we hope to have an afternoon Mass and we also celebrate two anniversaries of Mirjam. I will check out the details of these later.
Enjoy the feast!
A dedicated blog reader very kindly contacted me to point an error in my last entry! In my enthusiastic description of Bigell, our mountain setting of last week, I added an extra nought to our 1,500 metres altitude and so appeared higher than Everest! At most times, I am known to keep my feet firmly on the ground!
On Monday evening, St. Nicholas' Day we were invited out to dinner by a group of neighbours. We were really pleased and we thoroughly enjoyed the festive evening. A new experience for me earlier was that of making a 'Feastday call' to another neighbour. Traditionally, people do this here. I stayed about an hour during which Nicholas had four friends call. Each was welcomed, had a drink and chocolate and then left. Also, he got three telephone greetings from friends who could not call!
Today, we hope to have an afternoon Mass and we also celebrate two anniversaries of Mirjam. I will check out the details of these later.
Enjoy the feast!
Sunday, 5 December 2010
MOUNTAIN-TOP, CATECHIST CEREMONY.
5TH. DECEMBER 2010 MOUNTAIN-TOP AND CATECHIST CEREMONY.
Weather-wise, our part of Europe seems to have been a little better than Ireland, England and Germany over the past week. The North of Albania is badly flooded though. The Official Process closure that I mentioned last week has had to be postponed. This is due to the fact that the city of Shkodra is flooded to within a short distance of the Cathedral. We have had some torrential rain here. Snow did not re-appear until today.
I was invited to a day out on Friday last! This was with a group of physiotherapy patients and staff. I had not attended the Centre and was invited through our Sister Amira. Also, three of our young adults travelled with us and provided great music throughout the day. We travelled to the mountain by bus. When the road ended we finished the final short stint on foot! We arrived in a hall and catering unit that is a rest centre for enthusiastic skiers, later in the year. I was amazed to see our local mountain-top, Morava, looking like a tiny dot in a valley. I then realized we were at 15,000 metres altitude and it was CHILLY!
Today, we were invited to the Ceremony of Candidacy for Mario, a 23 year old who is joining our Maltese catechists. This is his first step and the Ceremony resembled that of our Profession. His Muslim family and friends attended. Altogether, it was a truly joyful evening.
Tomorrow St. Nicholas is celebrated - great excitement among the children here!
Weather-wise, our part of Europe seems to have been a little better than Ireland, England and Germany over the past week. The North of Albania is badly flooded though. The Official Process closure that I mentioned last week has had to be postponed. This is due to the fact that the city of Shkodra is flooded to within a short distance of the Cathedral. We have had some torrential rain here. Snow did not re-appear until today.
I was invited to a day out on Friday last! This was with a group of physiotherapy patients and staff. I had not attended the Centre and was invited through our Sister Amira. Also, three of our young adults travelled with us and provided great music throughout the day. We travelled to the mountain by bus. When the road ended we finished the final short stint on foot! We arrived in a hall and catering unit that is a rest centre for enthusiastic skiers, later in the year. I was amazed to see our local mountain-top, Morava, looking like a tiny dot in a valley. I then realized we were at 15,000 metres altitude and it was CHILLY!
Today, we were invited to the Ceremony of Candidacy for Mario, a 23 year old who is joining our Maltese catechists. This is his first step and the Ceremony resembled that of our Profession. His Muslim family and friends attended. Altogether, it was a truly joyful evening.
Tomorrow St. Nicholas is celebrated - great excitement among the children here!
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