27TH. AUGUST 2011 SAN DIEGO, PILGRIM'S RETURN, SUN AND MIRJAM!
On Monday, I had two visitors. The first was Amande, from San Diego. She is a fourth year student dietician who comes here to work with children during the summer. Her activities are organised by Kennedy Evangelical Church. Amande was not long here when Marieta arrived. So, instead of a more structured English lesson, Amande shared about her student life!
On Tuesday, Bea invited me to the local Creperie, to mark the return of our World Youth Day group! They arrived, extremely tired, but full of their very special experience. A great joy for Amira was the presence of eight Good Shepherd Sisters in the Eudist group. Bea came with me when I drove the group to their homes! Since then, Lawrence has also spent an evening with us to tell a little of his unique holiday in Idaho! We await his photos, but have seen the Madrid ones, via Mirjam on Facebook.
I called Mirjam on Wednesday - she was just about to begin her retreat. I was disappointed to hear she had missed her mother's birthday. Mirjam had got a little too much of the sun in Madrid and had to have that attended to instead, on her arrival in Frankfurt. She is better now, thank God.
Have a great weekend!
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Sunday, 21 August 2011
JEANETTE, PRESPA LAKE, FATHER MAREK, OFM
21 AUGUST 2011 JEANETTE, PRESPA LAKE, FATHER MAREK,OFM
Friday was a festive day for St. John Eudes. I was surprised and happy he got so much positive coverage in Facebook. Had Albanian class as usual.
As I heard that our visiting neighbour had had her birthday on the 15th, I invited Jeanette, with Bea and Donnacha, for a midday meal. We had a great time and managed well language-wise. None of the visitors had English but I think the menu provided a conversation base!!
My teacher, Ana, had spoken to me of a new road to Prespa - a local beauty spot that is divided between Macedonia, Greece and Albania. We saw the Greek part some weeks ago. So, yesterday morning, Ana and I set off and in half an hour we were at the very beautiful lake. There is an island one can visit, so as to see a little Orthodox church there. We did not take a boat as I would prefer to wait for the Sisters to enjoy it. We spent an hour and got back by noon.
I have been piecing together information and video clips - thanks, David - on World Youth Day. There was good TV coverage here. I look forward to hearing all quite soon now!
Today, we had Father Marek, OFM. for Mass. Rainer and I had arranged that I would invite Father Marek as Rainer was going to Pogradec with the Roma children. Rainer was issuing the invitation as Father Marek is Slovakian and has no English. To our surprise, Father Marek, when invited said, "Three" and then "Italians"!!! So, quite speedily, four of us were dining together here. Luckily, I had enough prepared, as I thought I might have to look for a miracle! Conversation was difficult, but continuous, and we managed very well!
Enjoy tomorrow - Feast of the Queenship of Our Lady, and have a good week.
Friday was a festive day for St. John Eudes. I was surprised and happy he got so much positive coverage in Facebook. Had Albanian class as usual.
As I heard that our visiting neighbour had had her birthday on the 15th, I invited Jeanette, with Bea and Donnacha, for a midday meal. We had a great time and managed well language-wise. None of the visitors had English but I think the menu provided a conversation base!!
My teacher, Ana, had spoken to me of a new road to Prespa - a local beauty spot that is divided between Macedonia, Greece and Albania. We saw the Greek part some weeks ago. So, yesterday morning, Ana and I set off and in half an hour we were at the very beautiful lake. There is an island one can visit, so as to see a little Orthodox church there. We did not take a boat as I would prefer to wait for the Sisters to enjoy it. We spent an hour and got back by noon.
I have been piecing together information and video clips - thanks, David - on World Youth Day. There was good TV coverage here. I look forward to hearing all quite soon now!
Today, we had Father Marek, OFM. for Mass. Rainer and I had arranged that I would invite Father Marek as Rainer was going to Pogradec with the Roma children. Rainer was issuing the invitation as Father Marek is Slovakian and has no English. To our surprise, Father Marek, when invited said, "Three" and then "Italians"!!! So, quite speedily, four of us were dining together here. Luckily, I had enough prepared, as I thought I might have to look for a miracle! Conversation was difficult, but continuous, and we managed very well!
Enjoy tomorrow - Feast of the Queenship of Our Lady, and have a good week.
Monday, 15 August 2011
FESTIVAL, BISHOP, TAURAN, WORLD YOUTH DAY.
15TH. AUGUST 2011. FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION. FESTIVAL, BISHOP, TAURAN, WORLD YOUTH DAY
Adelajda arrived, with a friend, Johann, early on Saturday morning. We had plenty of time to chat and have a send-off for her. Later, my student, Marieta, came and we worked for two hours. She really appreciates these very informal sesions. For my part, Marieta brought me up to date with a Festival here in the city! A Beer festival began on the 11th. and will continue until the 14th. evening! I declined an invitation to join her family for one evening! Instead, we walked to the Festival venue, which, thankfully, is quite far from our house!! We sat while the musicians practised for the evening and then enjoyed a festive ice-cream - akullore - in a nearby restaurant!
Our Bishop surprised us on Sunday when he arrived to say Mass. After Mass, we had refreshments - to celebrate the anniversary of the blessing of our Church. Later, I went to Nicky's village, Tauran, to bring her Holy Communion. She was very pleased and is feeling ever so much better.
Today, most of our parishoners are away, so, we changed our usual Communion Service to our house. Only three of us attended, and we enjoyed a little festive tea afterwards.
I contacted Mirjam via Free Call today. She was in the bus ready to leave for Spain. I was a little surprised she had no details about scheduled stops or ongoing programme. I was trying to ascertain the exact date of World Youth Day!
Have a great week - as we move towards the Feast of St. John Eudes on Friday.
Adelajda arrived, with a friend, Johann, early on Saturday morning. We had plenty of time to chat and have a send-off for her. Later, my student, Marieta, came and we worked for two hours. She really appreciates these very informal sesions. For my part, Marieta brought me up to date with a Festival here in the city! A Beer festival began on the 11th. and will continue until the 14th. evening! I declined an invitation to join her family for one evening! Instead, we walked to the Festival venue, which, thankfully, is quite far from our house!! We sat while the musicians practised for the evening and then enjoyed a festive ice-cream - akullore - in a nearby restaurant!
Our Bishop surprised us on Sunday when he arrived to say Mass. After Mass, we had refreshments - to celebrate the anniversary of the blessing of our Church. Later, I went to Nicky's village, Tauran, to bring her Holy Communion. She was very pleased and is feeling ever so much better.
Today, most of our parishoners are away, so, we changed our usual Communion Service to our house. Only three of us attended, and we enjoyed a little festive tea afterwards.
I contacted Mirjam via Free Call today. She was in the bus ready to leave for Spain. I was a little surprised she had no details about scheduled stops or ongoing programme. I was trying to ascertain the exact date of World Youth Day!
Have a great week - as we move towards the Feast of St. John Eudes on Friday.
Friday, 12 August 2011
CELEBRATION, 'PARIS' MOVES ON, VISITORS !
12TH. AUGUST 2011 CELEBRATION, 'PARIS' MOVES ON, VISITORS!!
Shortly after I had completed the last entry, Maltese Charlie telephoned to say that there would be a wedding in our church yesterday, and Father Jaraslav, OFM would say Mass. This was a lovely surprise and a great gift. The wedding was indeed beautiful, a girl from Pogradec returned from America, bringing her American fiance and his parents.
In the evening, there were little visits to our house. It was a special day - Mirjam's Birthday, Feast of St. Clare and my Birthday! Sister Daniela had already surprised me with a telephone call on Wednesday evening! Rainer and Charlie came when their work was finished. While here, a text message arrived from Mirjam in Paris. Our group had been visiting Rue de Bac and the Louvre Art Gallery. On today, they will travel to Normandy, where the full group will spend the next few days, until they leave for Madrid.
Today, with Bea and Charlie, I went to visit Mimosa, Mario's Mother. She is now well on the road to recovery, thank God, from surgery. I was glad to see her in much better health and spirits, ready for her visit to the doctor in Tirana on Monday next. There were visitors here too, including Bresilda, who began English classes just over a month ago. Already, she speaks in little sentences. Bresilda will make good progress as she is delighted to have an opportunity to learn and will practice at every moment! Adelajda leaves for America tomorrow and she rang asking to come to say 'Goodbye'. She plans to arrive here by 9.00a.m. My student, a teacher, will also come for a two-hour lesson tomorrow, so life is quite well-filled.
Have a great weekend - please continue to pray for the whole Eudist-Good Shepherd total group as they gather, ready for the journey to Madrid at the weekend.
Shortly after I had completed the last entry, Maltese Charlie telephoned to say that there would be a wedding in our church yesterday, and Father Jaraslav, OFM would say Mass. This was a lovely surprise and a great gift. The wedding was indeed beautiful, a girl from Pogradec returned from America, bringing her American fiance and his parents.
In the evening, there were little visits to our house. It was a special day - Mirjam's Birthday, Feast of St. Clare and my Birthday! Sister Daniela had already surprised me with a telephone call on Wednesday evening! Rainer and Charlie came when their work was finished. While here, a text message arrived from Mirjam in Paris. Our group had been visiting Rue de Bac and the Louvre Art Gallery. On today, they will travel to Normandy, where the full group will spend the next few days, until they leave for Madrid.
Today, with Bea and Charlie, I went to visit Mimosa, Mario's Mother. She is now well on the road to recovery, thank God, from surgery. I was glad to see her in much better health and spirits, ready for her visit to the doctor in Tirana on Monday next. There were visitors here too, including Bresilda, who began English classes just over a month ago. Already, she speaks in little sentences. Bresilda will make good progress as she is delighted to have an opportunity to learn and will practice at every moment! Adelajda leaves for America tomorrow and she rang asking to come to say 'Goodbye'. She plans to arrive here by 9.00a.m. My student, a teacher, will also come for a two-hour lesson tomorrow, so life is quite well-filled.
Have a great weekend - please continue to pray for the whole Eudist-Good Shepherd total group as they gather, ready for the journey to Madrid at the weekend.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
ALBANIA IN PARIS, EVANGELICAL INVITATION!
10TH. AUGUST 2011 ALBANIA IN PARIS, EVANGELICAL INVITATION, RIP.
News arrived from our pilgrims on Sunday. They had arrived safely in Paris but not all the luggage.....it would be delivered, hopefully, on Sunday! Monday brought us a video, courtesy of Mirjam, and very positive messages. So, thank God, all is well. Albania took its place in the cultural evening celebrated by the Eudist-Good Shepherd International Family now gathering for World Youth Day. I was delighted to see our three young men singing a Korce song! The group has also seen many of the sights and has even had a boat trip on the Seine!
Here, in Korce, life has continued as normal. I was at the hospital each day to see Nicky. She was happy to return to her home on Tuesday and is making good progress. I promised to take her Holy Communion on Sunday, please God. I am also continuing with my Albanian classes each day!
On Monday evening, I was invited out to tea by three girls, one an American, all working in the Evangelical Centre. I was glad to catch up on developments there as they are building a residential home for the elderly - a new, and much-needed venture for Korce. Earlier in the year, they got very substantial help from an American group towards this project. Also, one of the girls has responsibility for the woman who comes here for a few hours weekly. I was so glad to hear she will get a house very soon. It is in the street next to ours!
On a personal note, my sister-in-law, Elma's brother, died on Monday, RIP. Dan had been seriously ill for a few months. His brother was en route from Ecuador when a visa 'glitch'stopped his travel. I have not heard if this got sorted out. A nephew will replace him to say the Funeral Mass tomorrow, if necessary. Please remember Dan and his family in your prayers.
Also, give a daily thought to our pilgrims as they leave Paris at the weekend for Madrid. It is a wonderful experience and an exciting time for all of them.
News arrived from our pilgrims on Sunday. They had arrived safely in Paris but not all the luggage.....it would be delivered, hopefully, on Sunday! Monday brought us a video, courtesy of Mirjam, and very positive messages. So, thank God, all is well. Albania took its place in the cultural evening celebrated by the Eudist-Good Shepherd International Family now gathering for World Youth Day. I was delighted to see our three young men singing a Korce song! The group has also seen many of the sights and has even had a boat trip on the Seine!
Here, in Korce, life has continued as normal. I was at the hospital each day to see Nicky. She was happy to return to her home on Tuesday and is making good progress. I promised to take her Holy Communion on Sunday, please God. I am also continuing with my Albanian classes each day!
On Monday evening, I was invited out to tea by three girls, one an American, all working in the Evangelical Centre. I was glad to catch up on developments there as they are building a residential home for the elderly - a new, and much-needed venture for Korce. Earlier in the year, they got very substantial help from an American group towards this project. Also, one of the girls has responsibility for the woman who comes here for a few hours weekly. I was so glad to hear she will get a house very soon. It is in the street next to ours!
On a personal note, my sister-in-law, Elma's brother, died on Monday, RIP. Dan had been seriously ill for a few months. His brother was en route from Ecuador when a visa 'glitch'stopped his travel. I have not heard if this got sorted out. A nephew will replace him to say the Funeral Mass tomorrow, if necessary. Please remember Dan and his family in your prayers.
Also, give a daily thought to our pilgrims as they leave Paris at the weekend for Madrid. It is a wonderful experience and an exciting time for all of them.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
PILGRIMAGE, NICKY, TRANSFIGURATION FEAST!
6th. AUGUST 2011. FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION. PILGRIMAGE, NICKY, FEAST.
Today is significant! Our little group of pilgrims left before 7.00a.m. They had the car just as far as the Orthodox Cathedral and then the furgon - minibus - direct to Rinas or Airport Nene Tereze! I noticed one of our pilgrims had their 'first' address neatly typed. It began - Eglise de Sante Esprit, and ended a few lines later with Paris. I do not have any further itenerary at this point, even though very aware that Madrid is their final destination.
My own focus for these days includes the local hospital. Our friend Nicky, an Anglican missionary who attends our church, has had emergency appendix surgery. Thank God, she is making a good recovery.
And yes, I can say with today's feast, - "Lord, it is good to be here"! This date is a reminder of other days. Over twelve to fourteen years, I was at Rossnowlagh Retreat Centre in Donegal,involved in giving the Fourfold Vision Retreats, with Rev. Bill Hewett,SJ. I recall it as a time of rich ministry.
Happy feast! Have a great weekend and spare a little prayer for our pilgrims as they join the Eudist-Good Shepherd Project for World Youth Day 2011.
Today is significant! Our little group of pilgrims left before 7.00a.m. They had the car just as far as the Orthodox Cathedral and then the furgon - minibus - direct to Rinas or Airport Nene Tereze! I noticed one of our pilgrims had their 'first' address neatly typed. It began - Eglise de Sante Esprit, and ended a few lines later with Paris. I do not have any further itenerary at this point, even though very aware that Madrid is their final destination.
My own focus for these days includes the local hospital. Our friend Nicky, an Anglican missionary who attends our church, has had emergency appendix surgery. Thank God, she is making a good recovery.
And yes, I can say with today's feast, - "Lord, it is good to be here"! This date is a reminder of other days. Over twelve to fourteen years, I was at Rossnowlagh Retreat Centre in Donegal,involved in giving the Fourfold Vision Retreats, with Rev. Bill Hewett,SJ. I recall it as a time of rich ministry.
Happy feast! Have a great weekend and spare a little prayer for our pilgrims as they join the Eudist-Good Shepherd Project for World Youth Day 2011.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
KASTORIA, PILGRIM PLANS, LOCAL EXIT........!
4TH. AUGUST 2011 KASTORIA, PILGRIM PLANS, LOCAL EXIT.....!
As Mirjam and Amira leave on Saturday next, we decided to have a community outing on Sunday. We went to Kastoria, our nearest city in Greece, only 36 kilometers from our frontier Kristalopigi. Ever since we came here, people have asked - "Have you seen Kastoria yet?" So, at last we got there. It is a beautiful, small city in the mountains and it is built around a lake. This city is famous for furs! Also, there are many ancient buildings. We did not see them where we were, near the lakeside. A sad note, - they had a thriving Jewish community of more than 900 in the 30's. All were arrested and sent to Auschwitz-Birkeneau and only 35 survived. We spent the time near the lake, had lunch, and decided to return to Korce. We had a very easy border crossing as it was mid-afternoon. In the opposite direction, we saw seven buses and countless cars.
On Monday, our little group of pilgrims met here to make final travel plans. Now, I see backpacks and sleeping bags being gathered. I understand there will be little or no internet access during their two weeks. I will do my best to be with them in spirit!
The Sisters from Bilisht telephoned to say there would be Mass on Tuesday evening. Pogradec outing was already arranged and our Maltese friends also had a trip to the sea organised. I was very pleased to go to Bilisht as we had had no Mass on Sunday. Ana, our teacher came with me and I was glad of the company. Later that evening, Charlie had invited us to a meal. Mirjam and I went along. We enjoyed a lovely meal,
caught up with plans and agreed it was the first time we had a time for conversation since Rainer returned.
I must tell you that our road here is in a total mess, from end to end! It has all been dug up and a 4 foot deep trench runs down the centre. We have to cross a series of little bridges to get as far as our nearest corner exit!! Most people have left the area. I just came in a while ago and my little 10 year old pupil telephoned from the Island of Kos. Her father works there so they have gone for a month. Hopefully, all will be wel by the time they return.
Enjoy the rest of the week!
As Mirjam and Amira leave on Saturday next, we decided to have a community outing on Sunday. We went to Kastoria, our nearest city in Greece, only 36 kilometers from our frontier Kristalopigi. Ever since we came here, people have asked - "Have you seen Kastoria yet?" So, at last we got there. It is a beautiful, small city in the mountains and it is built around a lake. This city is famous for furs! Also, there are many ancient buildings. We did not see them where we were, near the lakeside. A sad note, - they had a thriving Jewish community of more than 900 in the 30's. All were arrested and sent to Auschwitz-Birkeneau and only 35 survived. We spent the time near the lake, had lunch, and decided to return to Korce. We had a very easy border crossing as it was mid-afternoon. In the opposite direction, we saw seven buses and countless cars.
On Monday, our little group of pilgrims met here to make final travel plans. Now, I see backpacks and sleeping bags being gathered. I understand there will be little or no internet access during their two weeks. I will do my best to be with them in spirit!
The Sisters from Bilisht telephoned to say there would be Mass on Tuesday evening. Pogradec outing was already arranged and our Maltese friends also had a trip to the sea organised. I was very pleased to go to Bilisht as we had had no Mass on Sunday. Ana, our teacher came with me and I was glad of the company. Later that evening, Charlie had invited us to a meal. Mirjam and I went along. We enjoyed a lovely meal,
caught up with plans and agreed it was the first time we had a time for conversation since Rainer returned.
I must tell you that our road here is in a total mess, from end to end! It has all been dug up and a 4 foot deep trench runs down the centre. We have to cross a series of little bridges to get as far as our nearest corner exit!! Most people have left the area. I just came in a while ago and my little 10 year old pupil telephoned from the Island of Kos. Her father works there so they have gone for a month. Hopefully, all will be wel by the time they return.
Enjoy the rest of the week!
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