30th. APRIL 2010 TO KORCE VIA ST.CATHERINE OF SIENA!!
Yesterday, a Novitiate companion of mine celebrated her Feastday. As is customary, we ended her day with a community evening for which Catherine requested that we see ALBANIA and especially KORCE!! Luckily, I had brought back a DVD with me. While in Mons, we were invited to spend a day in Liege at the home of our Albanian teachers, Esme and Adrian. That was a working day and we finished with a DVD trip to Albania after which we were each presented with a copy of that DVD. The Sisters were quite delighted to journey through the country seeing ruins of ancient monasteries and the majestic mountains here and there. There was a special moment of excitement when the cameraman focused on the map and showed KORCE! There followed a minute or two of the very familiar road in front of the Greek Cathedral, the little museum made of the earliest school in Korce - we pass this building when we go into the city and we also saw a few of the older houses in our part of the city. One Sister even asked if she could possibly see the WALL THAT BROKE MY ARM!! We even caught a glimpse of the mountain that is visible from our prayer room before we moved to what seemed to me to be Voskopoia. There we saw icons in the church and some very wintry scenes before moving onto a glimpse of Pogradec with the lake in full summer style. One or two other towns were also shown. The Sisters were very happy indeed to see the reality of our Albania.
Tomorrow, we have our community celebration for the 70th. Anniversary of Mother Foundress' Canonization. Many friends will join us for a Special Mass when our prayers will reach out globally to each and every person. Surely, its a great moment!
Enjoy the weekend.
Friday, 30 April 2010
Sunday, 25 April 2010
FEAST OF CELEBRATION
24-25 APRIL 2010 GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
Yesterday, a group of six musicians, friends of Lys Marie community, planned a beautiful Mass to which we were invited together with our group of FRIENDS. We all agreed our celebration was fitting for Mother Foundress' 70th. Anniversary of Canonization. Our Sri Lankan Vivienne welcomed us with Evelyn and later Regina, who is with us from New York Province, led us with very special Intercessions. A Gaelic solo after Communion was followed by a rich harmonized Magnificat that served as a very clear reminder indeed of Mother Foundress.
During the buffet lunch that followed our joyful sharing of memories proved to be a fitting tribute to our internationality. We had a real sense of appreciation of our visits to Angers and, even more so, of our time spent at Noirmoutier where it all began for us.
Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, is also very special for each of us. We are enjoying a more low key family celebration.
Both yesterday and today are also an experience of shepherding in KORCE as the local religious, just three Italian Sisters, were invited with our Maltese catechist friends to gather for Mass celebrated by Bishop Hil KABASHI. I have no doubt a fitting meal of multi-national flavour will have followed. Maybe there was even a preview of a very relevant Powerpoint presentation too!!
Joyous moments to each one during these days!
Yesterday, a group of six musicians, friends of Lys Marie community, planned a beautiful Mass to which we were invited together with our group of FRIENDS. We all agreed our celebration was fitting for Mother Foundress' 70th. Anniversary of Canonization. Our Sri Lankan Vivienne welcomed us with Evelyn and later Regina, who is with us from New York Province, led us with very special Intercessions. A Gaelic solo after Communion was followed by a rich harmonized Magnificat that served as a very clear reminder indeed of Mother Foundress.
During the buffet lunch that followed our joyful sharing of memories proved to be a fitting tribute to our internationality. We had a real sense of appreciation of our visits to Angers and, even more so, of our time spent at Noirmoutier where it all began for us.
Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, is also very special for each of us. We are enjoying a more low key family celebration.
Both yesterday and today are also an experience of shepherding in KORCE as the local religious, just three Italian Sisters, were invited with our Maltese catechist friends to gather for Mass celebrated by Bishop Hil KABASHI. I have no doubt a fitting meal of multi-national flavour will have followed. Maybe there was even a preview of a very relevant Powerpoint presentation too!!
Joyous moments to each one during these days!
Sunday, 18 April 2010
SURPRISES FOR ASSOCIATES/FRIENDS & SOUVENIR
18 APRIL 2010 SURPRISES FOR ASSOCIATES/FRIENDS AND SOUVENIR
On Friday evening I surprised our Associates/Friends at a Belfast city-centre restaurant, Olio, where they had planned a get-together for dinner. Their initial surprise was added to when each received two invitations! One was to our community here to celebrate the 70th. Anniversary of Mother Foundress' Canonization on May 1. Sister Evelyn also invited the group to join our contemplative community for a special Mass and refreshments on Saturday next, feast of Saint Euphrasia. I have requested each one who has visited Angers and Noirmoutier to bring along their favourite memory photograph for sharing too!
Earlier on Friday afternoon I had gone with Sr. Noeline to meet with Rosaleen Daly, sister of our late friend Cardinal Daly RIP. She had planned to take us to his home to walk through and choose a souvenir, as the house will now become Diocesan property. It was a poignant moment for me, having left him in excellent health in September. I chose a little book - "Healing the Wound of Humanity" sub-titled 'The Spirituality of John Henry Newman' by Ian Ker. The flyleaf told me the writer is a Roman Catholic priest who has taught at British and American universities. The bookcase contained several other books by the same author. I am very happy to have this little book, even though it is unsigned. I plan to read it prior to Cardinal Newman's canonization later this year.
I am aware that there will also be awareness-raising about Mother Foundress in KORCE next weekend. Please God I will catch up with the proposed powerpoint presentation at a later stage and I look forward to hearing how it is accepted locally. We have found the people really hungry for any Christian knowledge or sharing of our own religious story.
Have a good week - we plan to walk with the preparation material kindly provided
for our Novena for Saturday!
On Friday evening I surprised our Associates/Friends at a Belfast city-centre restaurant, Olio, where they had planned a get-together for dinner. Their initial surprise was added to when each received two invitations! One was to our community here to celebrate the 70th. Anniversary of Mother Foundress' Canonization on May 1. Sister Evelyn also invited the group to join our contemplative community for a special Mass and refreshments on Saturday next, feast of Saint Euphrasia. I have requested each one who has visited Angers and Noirmoutier to bring along their favourite memory photograph for sharing too!
Earlier on Friday afternoon I had gone with Sr. Noeline to meet with Rosaleen Daly, sister of our late friend Cardinal Daly RIP. She had planned to take us to his home to walk through and choose a souvenir, as the house will now become Diocesan property. It was a poignant moment for me, having left him in excellent health in September. I chose a little book - "Healing the Wound of Humanity" sub-titled 'The Spirituality of John Henry Newman' by Ian Ker. The flyleaf told me the writer is a Roman Catholic priest who has taught at British and American universities. The bookcase contained several other books by the same author. I am very happy to have this little book, even though it is unsigned. I plan to read it prior to Cardinal Newman's canonization later this year.
I am aware that there will also be awareness-raising about Mother Foundress in KORCE next weekend. Please God I will catch up with the proposed powerpoint presentation at a later stage and I look forward to hearing how it is accepted locally. We have found the people really hungry for any Christian knowledge or sharing of our own religious story.
Have a good week - we plan to walk with the preparation material kindly provided
for our Novena for Saturday!
Monday, 12 April 2010
'LITTLE UPDATE' - PROGRESS REPORT
12 APRIL 2010 'LITTLE UPDATE' - PROGRESS REPORT
My two-day journey from KORCE to BELFAST was uneventful, thank God. The detailed possibilities inherent in travelling by air, with a broken arm, had arrived in graphic detail with my ticket. This was courtesy of the travel agent, so I was a bit apprehensive about the journey, to say the least!!!
I went directly from the airport to the Fracture Clinic at the ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL. They took X-rays and told me I had a serious break. They put my arm in a sling and sent me home with an appointment for today.
Over Easter, I built up a huge resource of prayer - the Community, our Contemplatives
and the Divine Healing Ministry Team. In fact, I asked everyone. Today thank God, all went well. More X-rays but not a word about surgery, pins or plates!!! My consultant, who had seen me last time, gave me a few exercises and asked me to make a further appointment for the second Monday in MAY. At that point he hopes I will be ready for PHYSIO. He assured me that the prognosis is good - healing time six weeks.
He sees no problem about limited travel in a couple of weeks. He said it would be best to leave driving until June. I really felt the` benefit of the prayer at each moment.
A big "THANK YOU" to each one of you. I promise another update on my return from the Clinic on the 10 May. Hopefully that will be a moment for longterm plans and a return to everyday living.
My two-day journey from KORCE to BELFAST was uneventful, thank God. The detailed possibilities inherent in travelling by air, with a broken arm, had arrived in graphic detail with my ticket. This was courtesy of the travel agent, so I was a bit apprehensive about the journey, to say the least!!!
I went directly from the airport to the Fracture Clinic at the ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL. They took X-rays and told me I had a serious break. They put my arm in a sling and sent me home with an appointment for today.
Over Easter, I built up a huge resource of prayer - the Community, our Contemplatives
and the Divine Healing Ministry Team. In fact, I asked everyone. Today thank God, all went well. More X-rays but not a word about surgery, pins or plates!!! My consultant, who had seen me last time, gave me a few exercises and asked me to make a further appointment for the second Monday in MAY. At that point he hopes I will be ready for PHYSIO. He assured me that the prognosis is good - healing time six weeks.
He sees no problem about limited travel in a couple of weeks. He said it would be best to leave driving until June. I really felt the` benefit of the prayer at each moment.
A big "THANK YOU" to each one of you. I promise another update on my return from the Clinic on the 10 May. Hopefully that will be a moment for longterm plans and a return to everyday living.
Monday, 29 March 2010
DOUBLE KORCE AND MIRUPAFSHIM!
30 MARCH 2010 DOUBLE KORCE AND MIROPAFSHIM!
Time to complete my previous entry!
On Friday morning, with the good support of Sister Lalini and her Shqip teacher, Nadia, I met with Dr. KORCE. Very quickly, he put on a light gauze bandage-sling and shook hands saying - "We do not set bones here. Come back and see me in six weeks"
Later, options were discussed - Greek Hospital in Thessalonica, Orhid in Macedonia or Belfast. For me, especially from the language point of view, I happily chose to go to Ireland. Travel plans have taken a little time. I leave today on the only direct flight there is to London, due to arrive there just before midnight. Please God by tomorrow I'll be at the source of help and hopefully on the road to return to KORCE. For now, its MIROPAFSHIM or AU REVOIR.
I plan to give a little update, but not many, over the next few weeks - maybe a 'Progress Report' or two! In the meantime, a happy Easter with many good moments and safe travelling too!
To be continued!
Time to complete my previous entry!
On Friday morning, with the good support of Sister Lalini and her Shqip teacher, Nadia, I met with Dr. KORCE. Very quickly, he put on a light gauze bandage-sling and shook hands saying - "We do not set bones here. Come back and see me in six weeks"
Later, options were discussed - Greek Hospital in Thessalonica, Orhid in Macedonia or Belfast. For me, especially from the language point of view, I happily chose to go to Ireland. Travel plans have taken a little time. I leave today on the only direct flight there is to London, due to arrive there just before midnight. Please God by tomorrow I'll be at the source of help and hopefully on the road to return to KORCE. For now, its MIROPAFSHIM or AU REVOIR.
I plan to give a little update, but not many, over the next few weeks - maybe a 'Progress Report' or two! In the meantime, a happy Easter with many good moments and safe travelling too!
To be continued!
COLOUR CHANGE, FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION
29 MARCH 2010 COLOUR CHANGE, FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION
About two weeks ago, I thought about a change of colour for Spring! What a surprise when past entries freshened up as well!
The feast of ANNUNCIATION brought our God of Surprises fully alive. We had had our young adults here the previous evening practising their Easter dance for two hours, so the festive season seemed very close indeed.
During Thursday morning my apartment companion stumbled on the road, managing some minor damage to one knee and an ankle. In the afternoon, just as she returned with this news, I was leaving for our Communion Service. We spoke a little, so then I made haste. Seeing a little length of footpath, I decided to leave our cobblestones. In making the transition, I tripped/slipped and hit a wall! As I walked on, I decided to changed direction and head for the nearby hospital! Some minutes later, armed with an X-ray, I met Dr. Korce. His nurse assistant sewed my blouse onto my T-shirt and I arrived home literally in stitches, much to the amusement of the Sisters. I also had an invitation to return on Friday morning! So, this entry is necessarily incomplete due to "Work in Progress" - watch this space!
Every blessing for Holy Week.
About two weeks ago, I thought about a change of colour for Spring! What a surprise when past entries freshened up as well!
The feast of ANNUNCIATION brought our God of Surprises fully alive. We had had our young adults here the previous evening practising their Easter dance for two hours, so the festive season seemed very close indeed.
During Thursday morning my apartment companion stumbled on the road, managing some minor damage to one knee and an ankle. In the afternoon, just as she returned with this news, I was leaving for our Communion Service. We spoke a little, so then I made haste. Seeing a little length of footpath, I decided to leave our cobblestones. In making the transition, I tripped/slipped and hit a wall! As I walked on, I decided to changed direction and head for the nearby hospital! Some minutes later, armed with an X-ray, I met Dr. Korce. His nurse assistant sewed my blouse onto my T-shirt and I arrived home literally in stitches, much to the amusement of the Sisters. I also had an invitation to return on Friday morning! So, this entry is necessarily incomplete due to "Work in Progress" - watch this space!
Every blessing for Holy Week.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
MOUNTAIN 'RESEARCH' AND THIS WEEK!
23 MARCH 2010 MOUNTAIN 'RESEARCH' AND THIS WEEK!
On Saturday last we went on a little mountain 'research' trip. We were 500 metres higher than Korce. At 1,300 metres above sea-level we had brilliant sunshine and a fair amount of the fast-disappearing snow. I refer to the 'research' dimension of our journey - we wanted to see if this would suit for a "visitor's tour" .........!
This week is a little different as there is the Muslim welcoming of Spring. Monday was a Bank and School Holiday. We were unaware of this until it was too late to cancel our classes but we were happy to continue as usual. There were some festive fires at the weekend and also a traditional biscuit made and enjoyed mainly in the city of Elbason. We were invited to visit a Muslim family. We were welcomed by a grandmother, mother and daughter. Granny had come along specially to meet us. She spoke vividly of her difficult life during the Communist regime. She wept as she spoke - her memories are very fresh. We ate fruit and sipped a strange non-alcoholic concoction!
On my return, I opened the computer and a young teacher from Ballina, Co.Mayo had just been able to make SKYPE contact with me for the first time!. We had been on the Orientation for Mission Course together at Kimmage in Dublin. She is now in Brazil and we really enjoyed catching up with one another. She told me I am the only person from the course with whom she has contact. I began to realize the importance for us of Skype; though, in fact, we did not have it for the rest of the weekend! Even now and then it is a great means of communication.
May the blessing of Spring stay with us from now onwards!
On Saturday last we went on a little mountain 'research' trip. We were 500 metres higher than Korce. At 1,300 metres above sea-level we had brilliant sunshine and a fair amount of the fast-disappearing snow. I refer to the 'research' dimension of our journey - we wanted to see if this would suit for a "visitor's tour" .........!
This week is a little different as there is the Muslim welcoming of Spring. Monday was a Bank and School Holiday. We were unaware of this until it was too late to cancel our classes but we were happy to continue as usual. There were some festive fires at the weekend and also a traditional biscuit made and enjoyed mainly in the city of Elbason. We were invited to visit a Muslim family. We were welcomed by a grandmother, mother and daughter. Granny had come along specially to meet us. She spoke vividly of her difficult life during the Communist regime. She wept as she spoke - her memories are very fresh. We ate fruit and sipped a strange non-alcoholic concoction!
On my return, I opened the computer and a young teacher from Ballina, Co.Mayo had just been able to make SKYPE contact with me for the first time!. We had been on the Orientation for Mission Course together at Kimmage in Dublin. She is now in Brazil and we really enjoyed catching up with one another. She told me I am the only person from the course with whom she has contact. I began to realize the importance for us of Skype; though, in fact, we did not have it for the rest of the weekend! Even now and then it is a great means of communication.
May the blessing of Spring stay with us from now onwards!
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