2 FEBRUARY 2012 TECHNICAL HITCH AND DAY FOR RELIGIOUS.
This week has brought along a technical hitch that slowed down computer work and also added to it! Our cold snap continues, so, each step is taken with care, the snow gets renewed and we are resigned to beginning a seventh week, with snow underfoot, plus low tempratures. The only difference now is that the rest of Europe has joined the snowscene!
Today, we attended a meeting of Rligiious in Elbason. It was organised by our Bishop, Hil Kabashi. Lalini and I were most anxious to go, as we had not managed to attend meetings for some months, due to distant venues being used. We travelled with our Maltese friends and our journey took longer than usual, due to a blizzard and icy road cnditions. We arrived in Elbason in very good time for concelebrated Mass. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch with five of Mother Teresa's Sisters who work in the area. Our homeward journey was one of truly magnificent scenery! At one point, road police advised us to have chains put on our minibus wheels and this was done speedily. They were needed too, especially on high ground.
Again,the weekend is almost here. I wish each one a happy and blessed few days.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Saturday, 28 January 2012
CHURCH FLOODING,WATER, SNOW AND PAUL!
28 JANUARY 2012 CHURCH FLOODING, WATER,SNOW AND PAUL !
On Sunday last, we arrived to find our little Church flooded. A radiator had burst, with drastic results! Literally, we got "all hands on deck" and we were able to have Mass, even in the still-damp Church.
A number of neighbours, friends, have been left for several days without water. We became a sort of informal "water station" for those days. We were glad to help and very happy that our own supply was intact throughout! All seems settled now, even though the snow refuses to melt. In fact, we got re-inforcements of fresh snow during the week!
On Tuesday, I was invited out for an evening "Farewell" meal for our friend, Maltese Laurence. My hostess telephoned, however, to say that she was en route to hospital in Tirana, with her mother who had suffered a broken hip. We decided that I would go ahead, with her daughter and her friend, so as not to spoil the evening. In fact we had a very enjoyable time - a fitting "Thank you" from two students. They were representatives of the many that Laurence had taught during his 13 years at Preca College. Father of one of the girls joined us towards the end of the meal. His conversation was most enlightening. When Laurence spoke of St. Paul's time in Malta, this man reflected on the fact that Paul also travelled the roads of Albania. In fact, he went north, almost as far as Dubrovnik. So, indeed, we are privileged to live in 'sacred space' here.
Have a good weekend. Maybe we will see some signs of Spring, with the coming of February!
On Sunday last, we arrived to find our little Church flooded. A radiator had burst, with drastic results! Literally, we got "all hands on deck" and we were able to have Mass, even in the still-damp Church.
A number of neighbours, friends, have been left for several days without water. We became a sort of informal "water station" for those days. We were glad to help and very happy that our own supply was intact throughout! All seems settled now, even though the snow refuses to melt. In fact, we got re-inforcements of fresh snow during the week!
On Tuesday, I was invited out for an evening "Farewell" meal for our friend, Maltese Laurence. My hostess telephoned, however, to say that she was en route to hospital in Tirana, with her mother who had suffered a broken hip. We decided that I would go ahead, with her daughter and her friend, so as not to spoil the evening. In fact we had a very enjoyable time - a fitting "Thank you" from two students. They were representatives of the many that Laurence had taught during his 13 years at Preca College. Father of one of the girls joined us towards the end of the meal. His conversation was most enlightening. When Laurence spoke of St. Paul's time in Malta, this man reflected on the fact that Paul also travelled the roads of Albania. In fact, he went north, almost as far as Dubrovnik. So, indeed, we are privileged to live in 'sacred space' here.
Have a good weekend. Maybe we will see some signs of Spring, with the coming of February!
Saturday, 21 January 2012
P.RIEKE, EVELYN,RIP, CHURCH UNITY, LAURENCE..
21 JANUARY 2012 P.RIEKE, EVELYN,RIP, CHURCH UNITY, LAURENCE.
A visit from P. Rieke, Germany, that had been postponed before Christmas, began on Monday, when Srs. Mirjam and Amira met him at the airport and drove him here. He was amazed to see Korce under a thick blanket of snow and very slippery everywhere! Later, Lalini and I walked with him to his hotel and I ventured down to walk with him here on Tuesday morning. His brief visit was really worthwhile.
Midweek, the sudden but not unexpected death, of Sister Evelyn Fitzsimons,CGS.RIP, came as a shock. We were good friends and I grieve for her. Some consoling lines, sent by Sister Brigid Lawlor a few days earlier, were really a source of support in this new moment of sorrow.
When chatting about Church Unity Week and regretting we do not mark it publicly here in Korce, Lalini suggested that we invite a few friends for a brief service. So, today right in the middle of the 18-25 special week, we did so. We invited fourteen that included Orthodox, Muslim, and Evangelical Protestant, as well as Catholic, We then shared an "Our Father" and sang the Taize - "Ubi Caritas" or, I should say the "Ku ka Dashuri" as it is in Shqip. Short but meaningful. Then we shared a coffee and, as we finished, we had a tiny farewell for Maltese Laurence. He returns to Malta next Saturday, after 13 years teaching here in Preca College. Again a Gaelic blessing, from our Province Christmas Card, expressed our thoughts, and it sounded well in both English and Shqip! -
"May God bless you and keep you
May God's face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May God give you the grace not to sell yourself short,
Grace to risk something big for something good,
Grace to remember that the world is now too dangerous for anything but the truth,
and too small for anything but love.
May God take your eyes and see through them
May God take your lips and speak through them
May God take your hands and work through them
May God take your heart and set it on fire."
Laurence was very appreciative and he was also delighted to receive a copy of Paulo Coelho's - "The Pilgrimage", as he begins his new journey in Malta.
I now extend this blessing to each one of you today!
A visit from P. Rieke, Germany, that had been postponed before Christmas, began on Monday, when Srs. Mirjam and Amira met him at the airport and drove him here. He was amazed to see Korce under a thick blanket of snow and very slippery everywhere! Later, Lalini and I walked with him to his hotel and I ventured down to walk with him here on Tuesday morning. His brief visit was really worthwhile.
Midweek, the sudden but not unexpected death, of Sister Evelyn Fitzsimons,CGS.RIP, came as a shock. We were good friends and I grieve for her. Some consoling lines, sent by Sister Brigid Lawlor a few days earlier, were really a source of support in this new moment of sorrow.
When chatting about Church Unity Week and regretting we do not mark it publicly here in Korce, Lalini suggested that we invite a few friends for a brief service. So, today right in the middle of the 18-25 special week, we did so. We invited fourteen that included Orthodox, Muslim, and Evangelical Protestant, as well as Catholic, We then shared an "Our Father" and sang the Taize - "Ubi Caritas" or, I should say the "Ku ka Dashuri" as it is in Shqip. Short but meaningful. Then we shared a coffee and, as we finished, we had a tiny farewell for Maltese Laurence. He returns to Malta next Saturday, after 13 years teaching here in Preca College. Again a Gaelic blessing, from our Province Christmas Card, expressed our thoughts, and it sounded well in both English and Shqip! -
"May God bless you and keep you
May God's face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May God give you the grace not to sell yourself short,
Grace to risk something big for something good,
Grace to remember that the world is now too dangerous for anything but the truth,
and too small for anything but love.
May God take your eyes and see through them
May God take your lips and speak through them
May God take your hands and work through them
May God take your heart and set it on fire."
Laurence was very appreciative and he was also delighted to receive a copy of Paulo Coelho's - "The Pilgrimage", as he begins his new journey in Malta.
I now extend this blessing to each one of you today!
Sunday, 15 January 2012
TIRANA TWICE, SNOWSTORM, URAT MEETING!
15 JANUARY 2012. TIRANA TWICE, SNOWSTORM, URAT MEETING!
When en route to Tirana on Wednesday last, a fellow-traveller said - "Tirana has three seasons - no Winter!" Sure enough, while it was reasonably cold, there was no sign of snow. Sr.Mirjam and I went together to the Nunciature to meet with our advocate. Later, as we were leaving, we met the Papal Nuncio. We declined an invitation to take coffee, but had a good chat instead.
This week, we have had more than usual internal Good Shepherd contacts as we coped with the sadness of Gabrielle's death RIP. Otherwise, life is back to normal after the Christmas holiday. Both the taking and the giving of classes began, plus our other ministry as well. The last of the Christmas post came too, including letters from Belfast, that were posted more than two weeks before Christmas. The envelope sported a large printed sign - "MISSENT TO BARBADOS"!!
I had an unforgettable journey to Tirana yesterday, for our URAT meeting. We had a snowstorm and so it took us three and a half hours to complete what would ordinarily take an hour! Then, suddenly, we left the white fields, snow-covered hills and slushy roads behind. Roads were dry, green fields, blue skies and glorious sunshine! What a contrast! We had a good meeting and had a new member - a Kosovan Sister. Sister had been in Poland and she is very pleased to be involved. We got our Korce meeting planned for the Spring, please God, so, all is well. Mainly, because of the snow, I requested that we have our February meeting using SKYPE. This suggestion was readily accepted and we welcome having a get-together, without 9-10 hours travelling.
Have a great week. I go to Mass now at 3.00p.m. and will say a wee prayer for all blog readers!
When en route to Tirana on Wednesday last, a fellow-traveller said - "Tirana has three seasons - no Winter!" Sure enough, while it was reasonably cold, there was no sign of snow. Sr.Mirjam and I went together to the Nunciature to meet with our advocate. Later, as we were leaving, we met the Papal Nuncio. We declined an invitation to take coffee, but had a good chat instead.
This week, we have had more than usual internal Good Shepherd contacts as we coped with the sadness of Gabrielle's death RIP. Otherwise, life is back to normal after the Christmas holiday. Both the taking and the giving of classes began, plus our other ministry as well. The last of the Christmas post came too, including letters from Belfast, that were posted more than two weeks before Christmas. The envelope sported a large printed sign - "MISSENT TO BARBADOS"!!
I had an unforgettable journey to Tirana yesterday, for our URAT meeting. We had a snowstorm and so it took us three and a half hours to complete what would ordinarily take an hour! Then, suddenly, we left the white fields, snow-covered hills and slushy roads behind. Roads were dry, green fields, blue skies and glorious sunshine! What a contrast! We had a good meeting and had a new member - a Kosovan Sister. Sister had been in Poland and she is very pleased to be involved. We got our Korce meeting planned for the Spring, please God, so, all is well. Mainly, because of the snow, I requested that we have our February meeting using SKYPE. This suggestion was readily accepted and we welcome having a get-together, without 9-10 hours travelling.
Have a great week. I go to Mass now at 3.00p.m. and will say a wee prayer for all blog readers!
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
WOMEN CELEBRATE, SNOW, TIRANA, RIP.
10 JANUARY 2012 WOMEN CELEBRATE, SNOW, SR.GABRIELLE PORTER RIP,TIRANA.
Sunday was our final Christmas event. We had Concelebrated Mass at 3.00p.m. and afterwards, 19 of us went to a local restaurant. We had a very enjoyable meal and a great evening. Best of all, we had transport from the Church and back here. The road had plenty of snow!
I see most of this week will be -5, -6 and -7. at least here in the mountains, it is seasonal. If one can get used to 4-5 inches of snow, then we have done this as we have had snow since a few days before Christmas. We have escaped well though as I have heard that in nearby Dardhe - about 20 miles - snow is measured in metres!
Yesterday afternoon brought me the sad news of Sr. Gabrielle Porter's death RIP. We consider those under 50 as young, so the Sisters as well as her family are truly devastated - may she rest in peace.
I go to Tirana tomorrow, so, I had better get ready as I have quite an early morning departure!
Let's pray for one another at this time. Have a good week!
Sunday was our final Christmas event. We had Concelebrated Mass at 3.00p.m. and afterwards, 19 of us went to a local restaurant. We had a very enjoyable meal and a great evening. Best of all, we had transport from the Church and back here. The road had plenty of snow!
I see most of this week will be -5, -6 and -7. at least here in the mountains, it is seasonal. If one can get used to 4-5 inches of snow, then we have done this as we have had snow since a few days before Christmas. We have escaped well though as I have heard that in nearby Dardhe - about 20 miles - snow is measured in metres!
Yesterday afternoon brought me the sad news of Sr. Gabrielle Porter's death RIP. We consider those under 50 as young, so the Sisters as well as her family are truly devastated - may she rest in peace.
I go to Tirana tomorrow, so, I had better get ready as I have quite an early morning departure!
Let's pray for one another at this time. Have a good week!
Friday, 6 January 2012
WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS, THESSALONIKI VISIT!
6 JANUARY 2012 WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS AND THESSALONIKI VISIT!
Early this morning I thought it well to celebrate WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS, as today is called in my home county of Cork! So, I called the neighbours and soon, five of us were enjoying coffee, hot scones and sausage rolls, plus the story of our Women's Little Christmas. This set the day off on a good note. Later, I went into our snow-covered Korce. A short, very heavy snowstorm had enveloped us, at an early hour. The city had more than its share of skidding vehicles for the day - even those with snow chains!
The week has been eventful. Mirjam and Amira have left us for Tirana, where they will be based for the next few months! Mirjam is already interested in ministry with women there and Amira plns to follow some projects too. They will return mid-month as we are having a visitor from Germany. Also, we will meet at the URAT meetings in Tirana.
I was invited by one of my English students - Marieta, to visit Thessaloniki. Lalini decided to come along too. We enjoyed a beautiful visit, in glorious sunshine. I have heard that Thessaloniki has the mildest climate in Greece. It certainly made a very pleasant change from our snowy Korce.
The Roma young people were here for breakfast today, so there was a feeling that the Christmas holidays are over. Our Albanian classes have begun too....but there is a rumour of a further celebration at the weekend to complete the Christmas Season! Our Peace Corps. Volunteers have returned and I plan to catch up with one of them, Laurie, over the weekend too.
Enjoy what is left of the lovely Feast of Epiphany, symbolized for us by the arrival of the Three Kings. Here, we have had the Kings at the crib since Christmas Night as this is how the story goes in Lebanon!
With a little prayer for all God's best blessings for each one in these early days of 2012.
Early this morning I thought it well to celebrate WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS, as today is called in my home county of Cork! So, I called the neighbours and soon, five of us were enjoying coffee, hot scones and sausage rolls, plus the story of our Women's Little Christmas. This set the day off on a good note. Later, I went into our snow-covered Korce. A short, very heavy snowstorm had enveloped us, at an early hour. The city had more than its share of skidding vehicles for the day - even those with snow chains!
The week has been eventful. Mirjam and Amira have left us for Tirana, where they will be based for the next few months! Mirjam is already interested in ministry with women there and Amira plns to follow some projects too. They will return mid-month as we are having a visitor from Germany. Also, we will meet at the URAT meetings in Tirana.
I was invited by one of my English students - Marieta, to visit Thessaloniki. Lalini decided to come along too. We enjoyed a beautiful visit, in glorious sunshine. I have heard that Thessaloniki has the mildest climate in Greece. It certainly made a very pleasant change from our snowy Korce.
The Roma young people were here for breakfast today, so there was a feeling that the Christmas holidays are over. Our Albanian classes have begun too....but there is a rumour of a further celebration at the weekend to complete the Christmas Season! Our Peace Corps. Volunteers have returned and I plan to catch up with one of them, Laurie, over the weekend too.
Enjoy what is left of the lovely Feast of Epiphany, symbolized for us by the arrival of the Three Kings. Here, we have had the Kings at the crib since Christmas Night as this is how the story goes in Lebanon!
With a little prayer for all God's best blessings for each one in these early days of 2012.
Sunday, 1 January 2012
A BLESSED AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!
! JANUARY 2012 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A blessed and happy New Year to each blog reader. 2012 began in a still snowy Korce. A lengthy, very beautiful, but extremely noisy fireworks display heralded its arrival!
By way of contrast, today is very peaceful and quiet, very sunny too, as we prepare for our Church Service at 11.00a.m.
Hope you have a wonderful year!
A blessed and happy New Year to each blog reader. 2012 began in a still snowy Korce. A lengthy, very beautiful, but extremely noisy fireworks display heralded its arrival!
By way of contrast, today is very peaceful and quiet, very sunny too, as we prepare for our Church Service at 11.00a.m.
Hope you have a wonderful year!
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