30TH. APRIL 2011 EASTER WEEK, P.A.T., URAT AND WEDDING!
We have omitted Albanian classes for the past week and this has given time to relax and a change of focus.
On Tuesday, Lalini and I began Practicioner Audio Training! We began this with our Anglican friend, Nicky. It is a way of storying Scripture. Our first session was good. It may be some time before we can continue as Lalini goes to Brussels on Tuesday.
We were in Tirana on Thursday for our URAT meeting. We saw a film on the reality of women here in Albania. Also, a young Sister in the group shared her experience of growing up in the mountain area of North Albania. This was helpful for us so as to better understand the culture. We also made plans for further awareness-raising for the group over the coming months.
Yesterday, we managed to see THE WEDDING! It was great to see Kate's arrival at Westminster and the actual Marriage Ceremony. I managed to catch a few other glimpses as I had moved two hours of work to Wednesday and two hours to today!!! I was glad to see something beautiful and positive.
Have a happy, festive weekend!
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Monday, 25 April 2011
EASTER, SHARING FAIR AND IRELAND !
25TH. APRIL 2011 EASTER, SHARING FAIR AND IRELAND!
We have had a beautiful few days of enjoying the Ceremonies. On Saturday night, our little church was well-filled. Then, all went to the Cathedral space for the traditional - "Christ is risen" - very dramatically said as the candles were lit. Next, we broke red hard-boiled eggs, each one with the person nearest to them. I was near a small girl and we almost had a game, it took us so long! Afterwards, I walked to the city-centre to accompany an American girl to her hotel. Returning, I was almost enveloped in a sea of candlelight. All denominations walk home, carrying the "Light of Easter". This created pathways of light in all directions - a very simple, yet powerful symbol.
We were very fortunate to have had a priest from Elbason for the few days. He completed his commitment yesterday. We had Mass here and then he said an afternoon Mass at Pogradec. Amira went with Mirjam and 30 attended. Mass is a rare event there.
Meanwhile, Lalini and I were "open for visitors" - another tradition! Initially, we had 13 adults and some children. We used the moment to introduce St. Mary Euphrasia. Lalini showed a very suitable powerpoint - a brief history of her childhood and Angers. Then a global focus on our work and, with more detail, on Europe. The visitors loved it and both Shqip and English were used. Later, a few more neighbours
came to visit.
Throughout the few days, the Sisters spoke a lot of last Easter, when Sisters Brigid and Daniela were visiting. For me this was my first experience of Korce Easter. Also, we heard ripples of Sharing Fair AGM at Amersfoort today, and then the European Meeting of Provincials in Ireland in the coming days - hopefully with lots of sunshine for all!
Enjoy the Paschal Season!
We have had a beautiful few days of enjoying the Ceremonies. On Saturday night, our little church was well-filled. Then, all went to the Cathedral space for the traditional - "Christ is risen" - very dramatically said as the candles were lit. Next, we broke red hard-boiled eggs, each one with the person nearest to them. I was near a small girl and we almost had a game, it took us so long! Afterwards, I walked to the city-centre to accompany an American girl to her hotel. Returning, I was almost enveloped in a sea of candlelight. All denominations walk home, carrying the "Light of Easter". This created pathways of light in all directions - a very simple, yet powerful symbol.
We were very fortunate to have had a priest from Elbason for the few days. He completed his commitment yesterday. We had Mass here and then he said an afternoon Mass at Pogradec. Amira went with Mirjam and 30 attended. Mass is a rare event there.
Meanwhile, Lalini and I were "open for visitors" - another tradition! Initially, we had 13 adults and some children. We used the moment to introduce St. Mary Euphrasia. Lalini showed a very suitable powerpoint - a brief history of her childhood and Angers. Then a global focus on our work and, with more detail, on Europe. The visitors loved it and both Shqip and English were used. Later, a few more neighbours
came to visit.
Throughout the few days, the Sisters spoke a lot of last Easter, when Sisters Brigid and Daniela were visiting. For me this was my first experience of Korce Easter. Also, we heard ripples of Sharing Fair AGM at Amersfoort today, and then the European Meeting of Provincials in Ireland in the coming days - hopefully with lots of sunshine for all!
Enjoy the Paschal Season!
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
ST. POLTEN, BUDAPEST AND SERBIAN DAYS!
20TH. APRIL 2011 - IN KORCE!! ST. POLTEN, BUDAPEST AND SERBIAN DAYS!
I write in our familiar surroundings of Korce and internet connection!
In St. Polten on Sunday, we gathered in a huge courtyard. All had little bunches of 'pussy willow' and palm. Many had coloured ribbons with the palms and a few chilren had Easter Eggs with theirs! The bishop arrived to the music of four wind instruments and song. After the Blessing, we processed through the town to a very fine church. It was packed and we had a beautifully sung Mass.
We then took the road to Budapest. On Saturday morning, with help from Sr. Daniela, our Provincial at Wurzburg, Mirjam had made contact with Sister Maria Dutra. Sister invited us to overnight at Good Shepherd, Budapest. Thanks to Sat-Nav, we crossed the city of two million persons, without a hitch, and arrived at 4.00p.m. Soon, we were joined by Sisters Maria, Gilma and Susanna all of whom we knew previously and we felt very much at home, telling of of Albania and our reason for travelling!
On Monday morning, Maria, accompanied us the short distance to Good Shepherd Parish Church. A priest serving there for 27 years celebrated the Mass. Afterwards, Maria led us through the sanctuary to our old convent. There were handworked wall hangings and books. These had escaped - petrol had been poured on the church and it was destroyed. The Sisters were dispersed and Russian soldiers came to live in the house. The walls had escaped and were part of the rebuilding. Sister led us down a stone staircase and we saw two very impressive 'tombs' - belonging to the Prince and Princess of Hungary, who had presented us with the lands in 1892. These lands were returned to us once again when the National problems were resolved 28 years ago. The Sisters and some members of the public are also buried there. Sister pointed out to us that this room was the only "safe place" where the Sisters could converse with one another when gatherings were forbidden, as they emerged from Communism.
Sister Gilma, from Guatemala, who is in Budapest for 10 years, drove us to the city centre to see a new ministry. This is called "Only One" and is open less than six months. A housewife, mother of five, whose husband is a deacon, had this idea and asked Good Shepherd to consider it. They organised support and it opens 8.00a.m. - 2.00p.m., welcoming those who live on the streets. There are refreshments, three computers to enable job-search, counselling rooms and a spirituality space where the Alpha Course is given. The Centre has 200-250 users of the service each day. We met and mingled with them and they really appreciate what is being done. Ana, whose idea it is, is Director and the project is being further developed.
Gilma then drove across one of the Danube's oldest bridges, Bridge of Chains, towards the huge Chruch of Coronation, with the Castle nearby. Both were crowded with tourists. As we viewed the city from a vantage point, Gilma explained it is divided in two by the Danube, one side is Buda and the other is called Pest, with an island - "Marguerite", a leisure space, in the centre of the river. Our convent is in Obuda - the oldest part of the city. We had a good tourist dimension to the remainder of the morning and then enjoyed a traditional meal at the convent. We then visited Susanna's ministry to mothers and families in difficulty. Thirty-six persons reside there at present, remaining up to a year or a year and a half. A block of ten apartments has just been completed for this work, which is a well-used service.
Mirjam and I then left to continue our journey. We were anxious to exit Hungary and the EU in daylight and enter Serbia, where we planned to stay overnight. We went as far as the city of Novi-Sad - a fine city, full of life. We got accommodation very close to the Catholic Church. There was no indication of Mass, so we left early as we had a long day ahead. We drove through Serbia, exiting to Macedonia in the afternoon. We were tired on arrival at Skopje and rested before going to the Cathedral for Mass. We then went to the Sisters of Mother Teresa to overnight.
This morning, we visited the birthplace of Mother Teresa and saw through the Museum that has been set up to honour her. Her home was completely destroyed, with a lot of the city centre, in the earthquake of 1963. It was a wonderful morning, especially when accompanied by a Sister who knew both Mother Teresa and her city so well. After, we were delighted to attend the Chrism Mass, held today for the Latin Rite clergy. The bishop celebrates with the Eastern RiTe priests tomorrow. There were just seven priests with the Bishop and we knew two of them, both Croatians whom we greeted afterwards.
It is time to say Goodnight and a very happy and joyful Easter to each one of you. I prayed for you today in both settings in Skopje. I had better not finish without saying we had a very enjoyable journey through Macedonia this afternoon and our exit of the country, via the Border Control at Tushemisht, was smoothly completed, thank God.
I write in our familiar surroundings of Korce and internet connection!
In St. Polten on Sunday, we gathered in a huge courtyard. All had little bunches of 'pussy willow' and palm. Many had coloured ribbons with the palms and a few chilren had Easter Eggs with theirs! The bishop arrived to the music of four wind instruments and song. After the Blessing, we processed through the town to a very fine church. It was packed and we had a beautifully sung Mass.
We then took the road to Budapest. On Saturday morning, with help from Sr. Daniela, our Provincial at Wurzburg, Mirjam had made contact with Sister Maria Dutra. Sister invited us to overnight at Good Shepherd, Budapest. Thanks to Sat-Nav, we crossed the city of two million persons, without a hitch, and arrived at 4.00p.m. Soon, we were joined by Sisters Maria, Gilma and Susanna all of whom we knew previously and we felt very much at home, telling of of Albania and our reason for travelling!
On Monday morning, Maria, accompanied us the short distance to Good Shepherd Parish Church. A priest serving there for 27 years celebrated the Mass. Afterwards, Maria led us through the sanctuary to our old convent. There were handworked wall hangings and books. These had escaped - petrol had been poured on the church and it was destroyed. The Sisters were dispersed and Russian soldiers came to live in the house. The walls had escaped and were part of the rebuilding. Sister led us down a stone staircase and we saw two very impressive 'tombs' - belonging to the Prince and Princess of Hungary, who had presented us with the lands in 1892. These lands were returned to us once again when the National problems were resolved 28 years ago. The Sisters and some members of the public are also buried there. Sister pointed out to us that this room was the only "safe place" where the Sisters could converse with one another when gatherings were forbidden, as they emerged from Communism.
Sister Gilma, from Guatemala, who is in Budapest for 10 years, drove us to the city centre to see a new ministry. This is called "Only One" and is open less than six months. A housewife, mother of five, whose husband is a deacon, had this idea and asked Good Shepherd to consider it. They organised support and it opens 8.00a.m. - 2.00p.m., welcoming those who live on the streets. There are refreshments, three computers to enable job-search, counselling rooms and a spirituality space where the Alpha Course is given. The Centre has 200-250 users of the service each day. We met and mingled with them and they really appreciate what is being done. Ana, whose idea it is, is Director and the project is being further developed.
Gilma then drove across one of the Danube's oldest bridges, Bridge of Chains, towards the huge Chruch of Coronation, with the Castle nearby. Both were crowded with tourists. As we viewed the city from a vantage point, Gilma explained it is divided in two by the Danube, one side is Buda and the other is called Pest, with an island - "Marguerite", a leisure space, in the centre of the river. Our convent is in Obuda - the oldest part of the city. We had a good tourist dimension to the remainder of the morning and then enjoyed a traditional meal at the convent. We then visited Susanna's ministry to mothers and families in difficulty. Thirty-six persons reside there at present, remaining up to a year or a year and a half. A block of ten apartments has just been completed for this work, which is a well-used service.
Mirjam and I then left to continue our journey. We were anxious to exit Hungary and the EU in daylight and enter Serbia, where we planned to stay overnight. We went as far as the city of Novi-Sad - a fine city, full of life. We got accommodation very close to the Catholic Church. There was no indication of Mass, so we left early as we had a long day ahead. We drove through Serbia, exiting to Macedonia in the afternoon. We were tired on arrival at Skopje and rested before going to the Cathedral for Mass. We then went to the Sisters of Mother Teresa to overnight.
This morning, we visited the birthplace of Mother Teresa and saw through the Museum that has been set up to honour her. Her home was completely destroyed, with a lot of the city centre, in the earthquake of 1963. It was a wonderful morning, especially when accompanied by a Sister who knew both Mother Teresa and her city so well. After, we were delighted to attend the Chrism Mass, held today for the Latin Rite clergy. The bishop celebrates with the Eastern RiTe priests tomorrow. There were just seven priests with the Bishop and we knew two of them, both Croatians whom we greeted afterwards.
It is time to say Goodnight and a very happy and joyful Easter to each one of you. I prayed for you today in both settings in Skopje. I had better not finish without saying we had a very enjoyable journey through Macedonia this afternoon and our exit of the country, via the Border Control at Tushemisht, was smoothly completed, thank God.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
STADL-PAURA AND MAUTHAUSEN MEMORIAL.
We would now speak of 'trauma'\and post-traumatic stress16TH. APRIL 2011 IN AUSTRIA. STADL-PAURA AND MAUTHAUSEN MEMORIAL
Our work appointment was on Friday morning, so Mirjam and I left early. Our journey to Stadl-Paura took about one and a half hours and we arrived in good time. Everything was completed by 11.50a.m. - luckily, because both offices concerned closed at noon for the weekend!!
On our return journey to St. Polten, we both wanted to visit Mauthausen Memorial. It was on our road. We arrived in mid-afternoon at the Memorial to Mauthausen Concentration Camp. For two hours, we made separate journeys, each in our own language. For both of us it was an emotional experience. Most of the time, the actual words of survivors were used. Also, there were comments from people like Victor Frankl on the effects of the 'shock of admission' for newcomers to the violence in the Camp. Nowadays, we would speak of 'trauma' and post-traumatic stress'. The pictures, actual photographs included, were horrific. A perpetual lamp and a fresh rose cheered the entrance to the execution oven. There was no other positive sign. It was good to see several acknowledgments of the liberation of the prisoners by the American Army on the 5 May 1945. I valued having the opportunity of seeing and hearing the stark reality of this dark time, just where it all took place. We were a little late returning here and so we did not plan for today until this morning.
With our business completed, we took to-day to see Vienna! We parked on the edge of the city and took the shuttle train, that ran every five minutes, into the city centre. Tourists seemed to converge on the magnificant Cathedral and we arrived just in time for midday Mass. This was not long, but beautifully sung, using many familiar airs. The centre of the Cathedral was well-filled. Fot the rest of the day, we just admired the Danube, saw thousands of visitors and soaked in the atmosphere. We recalled too the many times we had seen snippets of the city used in the New Year Viennese Concerts over the years.
To-morrow, being Palm Sunday, we will go to the local Parish Church for Mass and afterwards begin our return journey to Korce. So, please God, another update will follow over the next few days.
Every blessing for Holy Week.
Our work appointment was on Friday morning, so Mirjam and I left early. Our journey to Stadl-Paura took about one and a half hours and we arrived in good time. Everything was completed by 11.50a.m. - luckily, because both offices concerned closed at noon for the weekend!!
On our return journey to St. Polten, we both wanted to visit Mauthausen Memorial. It was on our road. We arrived in mid-afternoon at the Memorial to Mauthausen Concentration Camp. For two hours, we made separate journeys, each in our own language. For both of us it was an emotional experience. Most of the time, the actual words of survivors were used. Also, there were comments from people like Victor Frankl on the effects of the 'shock of admission' for newcomers to the violence in the Camp. Nowadays, we would speak of 'trauma' and post-traumatic stress'. The pictures, actual photographs included, were horrific. A perpetual lamp and a fresh rose cheered the entrance to the execution oven. There was no other positive sign. It was good to see several acknowledgments of the liberation of the prisoners by the American Army on the 5 May 1945. I valued having the opportunity of seeing and hearing the stark reality of this dark time, just where it all took place. We were a little late returning here and so we did not plan for today until this morning.
With our business completed, we took to-day to see Vienna! We parked on the edge of the city and took the shuttle train, that ran every five minutes, into the city centre. Tourists seemed to converge on the magnificant Cathedral and we arrived just in time for midday Mass. This was not long, but beautifully sung, using many familiar airs. The centre of the Cathedral was well-filled. Fot the rest of the day, we just admired the Danube, saw thousands of visitors and soaked in the atmosphere. We recalled too the many times we had seen snippets of the city used in the New Year Viennese Concerts over the years.
To-morrow, being Palm Sunday, we will go to the local Parish Church for Mass and afterwards begin our return journey to Korce. So, please God, another update will follow over the next few days.
Every blessing for Holy Week.
Friday, 15 April 2011
SKOPJE, CHANGE OF PLAN AND SZEGED!
15TH. APRIL 2011 - in Austria. SKOPJE CONTINUED! CHANGE OF PLAN AND SZEGED.
An unexpected 'glitch' ended my last entry - now I continue! Skopje is a city of almost one million people and it is 30 kilometers in length. Without a hitch, Mirjam took the city roads. We passed the Cathedral and a little later, thanks to Mirjam and Google, we entered the street where Mother Teresa's Sisters live. A brief phone call on Monday evening had brought us an invitation to overnight with them. They live in a house, bought Mother Teresa 32 years ago, and refurbished four years ago. It serves for their residential ministry to children and they also have a Soup Kitchen. We went to Mass at the house of the Sisters of Eucharist and after, enjoyed hospitality with Mother Teresa's Sisters. They even gave us the loan of a Sat-Nav that has truly shepherded us safely here to Austria.
A 7.15a.m. Mass at the Daughters of Charity, four of whom I had met in Ohrid, gave us an early start. We left in glorious sunshine led by the Sat-Nav and clear words from the Sisters. We had just a little meadow, with lots of daisies, on either side. Just behind, there were mountains to the right and hills to the left! Mixed with chat, we listened to - "The Priests". As they sang -'May the road rise to meet you', I recalled to Mirjam the last thing we did before leaving Korce, was to sign a copy of that Celtic Blessing for our Maltese friend, Laurence. He was due to call as it was his Birthday! We reached the Border Control and entered Serbia in the late morning.
In the early afternoon, we changed our travel plan. Our new course would take us to Hungary and we would exit Serbia to the North. We got through the Border Control to Hungary before 7.00p.m. We then travelled a further 24 Kilometers to the city of Szeged. This is a beautiful University city with a wide river and pleasure boats plus marvellous buildings. All this we saw en route to getting accommodation. We had Mass at 7.00a.m. in a colossal, very ornate Cathedral and passed "The JOHN BULL Pub" when returning for breakfast! Mirjam very carefully place the required ticket on our vehicle so that we would have an hour before leaving. To our amazement, we had a "Fine Summons" that had been placed there just ten minutes into our hour. On principle, I would not pay! Mirjam took care of the vehicle while I went to three offices accompanied by Noemi, a student with English and Hungarian! Finally, the adminstrative staff accepted that an error was made and all was well! We left and had a very enjoyable journey to Budapest! No Border Control for a change. We got a little rain instead.
Our journey continued onto Vienna, which we bypassed, promising ourselves that, if we got our business successfully completed, we would return to visit the city at the weekend. More than an hour later, our Sat-Nav informed us we had reached our destination. We had arrived in a little village, at the home of Mirjams' friends. This was on the direct route for our appointment today and left us with 130 kilometers for this morning!
Auf wiedersehen!!!
An unexpected 'glitch' ended my last entry - now I continue! Skopje is a city of almost one million people and it is 30 kilometers in length. Without a hitch, Mirjam took the city roads. We passed the Cathedral and a little later, thanks to Mirjam and Google, we entered the street where Mother Teresa's Sisters live. A brief phone call on Monday evening had brought us an invitation to overnight with them. They live in a house, bought Mother Teresa 32 years ago, and refurbished four years ago. It serves for their residential ministry to children and they also have a Soup Kitchen. We went to Mass at the house of the Sisters of Eucharist and after, enjoyed hospitality with Mother Teresa's Sisters. They even gave us the loan of a Sat-Nav that has truly shepherded us safely here to Austria.
A 7.15a.m. Mass at the Daughters of Charity, four of whom I had met in Ohrid, gave us an early start. We left in glorious sunshine led by the Sat-Nav and clear words from the Sisters. We had just a little meadow, with lots of daisies, on either side. Just behind, there were mountains to the right and hills to the left! Mixed with chat, we listened to - "The Priests". As they sang -'May the road rise to meet you', I recalled to Mirjam the last thing we did before leaving Korce, was to sign a copy of that Celtic Blessing for our Maltese friend, Laurence. He was due to call as it was his Birthday! We reached the Border Control and entered Serbia in the late morning.
In the early afternoon, we changed our travel plan. Our new course would take us to Hungary and we would exit Serbia to the North. We got through the Border Control to Hungary before 7.00p.m. We then travelled a further 24 Kilometers to the city of Szeged. This is a beautiful University city with a wide river and pleasure boats plus marvellous buildings. All this we saw en route to getting accommodation. We had Mass at 7.00a.m. in a colossal, very ornate Cathedral and passed "The JOHN BULL Pub" when returning for breakfast! Mirjam very carefully place the required ticket on our vehicle so that we would have an hour before leaving. To our amazement, we had a "Fine Summons" that had been placed there just ten minutes into our hour. On principle, I would not pay! Mirjam took care of the vehicle while I went to three offices accompanied by Noemi, a student with English and Hungarian! Finally, the adminstrative staff accepted that an error was made and all was well! We left and had a very enjoyable journey to Budapest! No Border Control for a change. We got a little rain instead.
Our journey continued onto Vienna, which we bypassed, promising ourselves that, if we got our business successfully completed, we would return to visit the city at the weekend. More than an hour later, our Sat-Nav informed us we had reached our destination. We had arrived in a little village, at the home of Mirjams' friends. This was on the direct route for our appointment today and left us with 130 kilometers for this morning!
Auf wiedersehen!!!
Thursday, 14 April 2011
SKOPJE, CHANGE OF PLAN AND SZEGED!
14TH. APRIL 2011 SKOPJE, CHANGE OF PLAN AND SZEGED!
Mirjam and I left Korce on tuesday morning. We took a lakeside picnic lunch at Pogradec. Then, we went onto Qafe Thane or Kafasan Border Control. Soon after, we were in Macedonia hill country; along the road we saw many villages clinging to the steep mountainsides. There was scarcely any meadow until we neared the end of our journey for the day. An impressive cross on a hill heralded our arrival in Skopje.
Mirjam and I left Korce on tuesday morning. We took a lakeside picnic lunch at Pogradec. Then, we went onto Qafe Thane or Kafasan Border Control. Soon after, we were in Macedonia hill country; along the road we saw many villages clinging to the steep mountainsides. There was scarcely any meadow until we neared the end of our journey for the day. An impressive cross on a hill heralded our arrival in Skopje.
Monday, 11 April 2011
BLOGGER'S MEETING! EMMAUS JOURNEY......
11TH APRIL 2011 BLOGGER'S MEETING! EMMAUS JOURNEY.....
I had just finished that last entry when Sister Roswitha, Wurzburg, alerted me to the Radio Vatican announcement of a Blogger's Meeting. This is being organised by the Pontifical Council for Culture and Social Communication and will take place on the afternoon of the 2nd May. The reason given for it -"If we look today where culture is strongly formed and shaped, it's the blogsphere." Apparently, there were more than 300 applicants in the first day! Tne plan is for -"A very simple encounter, a first step along the road of dialogue in which we seek to know each other better". I have asked Sr. Roswitha to watch the blogspot and hopefully I will hear of developments!
While still savouring Sister Brigid's Easter letter with its lovely Emmaus theme, word arrived that Mirjam and I were to set off for Vienna, to regularise the minibus. Hopefully, in the Emmaus spirit, it will be a very special journey. I may even manage to keep you in touch with it as I plan to take my computer along too!
Let's be united in spirit this week!
I had just finished that last entry when Sister Roswitha, Wurzburg, alerted me to the Radio Vatican announcement of a Blogger's Meeting. This is being organised by the Pontifical Council for Culture and Social Communication and will take place on the afternoon of the 2nd May. The reason given for it -"If we look today where culture is strongly formed and shaped, it's the blogsphere." Apparently, there were more than 300 applicants in the first day! Tne plan is for -"A very simple encounter, a first step along the road of dialogue in which we seek to know each other better". I have asked Sr. Roswitha to watch the blogspot and hopefully I will hear of developments!
While still savouring Sister Brigid's Easter letter with its lovely Emmaus theme, word arrived that Mirjam and I were to set off for Vienna, to regularise the minibus. Hopefully, in the Emmaus spirit, it will be a very special journey. I may even manage to keep you in touch with it as I plan to take my computer along too!
Let's be united in spirit this week!
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