This painting brings to mind how Mary and Jesus felt when hearing of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents...and to think it's still going on.
Showing posts with label world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world. Show all posts
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Feast of the Holy Innocents
This painting brings to mind how Mary and Jesus felt when hearing of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents...and to think it's still going on.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
it's not even winter yet
Was it one of the first or last storms of the year?From the other end of the world...
Our friend John, who is serving in the Peace Corp sends daily updates...this one would make anyone smile.
Good morning,
It was an unexpected interesting weekend. Saturday evening my power was out (for about 4 hours) and I went down to the little chapel to see if anyone was out of power besides me. There were a few priests having coffee on a little patio just outside the chapel. One was the Provincial for the Silesians in this part of the world (he’s based in Melbourne Australia ). He was up for the ordination of one of the Samoan Deacons that transpired Saturday morning. Also, a priest from Fiji (he runs a seminary over there) was there also (it’s his place I’ll be staying at this week when I head to Fiji ). Because there was no Mass at Don Bosco on Sunday they asked if I’d like to join them at a Mass on the other side of the country. Naturally I took them up on the offer (they drive vehicles with AC). While we were chatting the power came on by the way.
At 8:00AM Sunday morning we were headed to the other end of the island. The Mass turned out to be a big shindig. Eight priests were included in the celebration along with about 16 alter boys and of course all the flowers, decorations etc. Mass lasted for 2 ½ hrs. Everyone had to make a speech it seemed (all in Samoan of course). It was so hot in the church that many people were leaving a wet imprint of their posteriors on the pews when they stood up (that’s the first time I’ve seen that).
When Mass was finished we headed back to the truck (parked next to the priests quarters). We were invited in for a drink (coffee I expected) before going to breakfast. We got seated on the veranda and out came a couple bottles of wine and beer (there were 7 of us). After an enjoyable half hour or so of chit-chat and a couple glasses of wine we headed across the street for breakfast.
When we got across the street I was really surprised. Here was a big fale (used for meetings etc. – a roof held up by pools around the edge). There were very large tables set up (with table cloths) and everyone seated was dressed in their finest. The guys I was with were the guests of honor so naturally they were seated at the head table. Even though I protested, I was seated up front also. From then on I was addressed as Father (that’s a first except for my kids). There was another large fale next to ours that housed a band, more people, and a group of traditional Samoan dancers.
As with every Samoan get-together, food was plentiful and piled everywhere. Young adults (men and woman both) served beer (to the head table only), and different kinds of food dishes to everyone (guests are always feed first). There was taro; Oka (raw fish that is delicious) fried chicken, salads, a big platter of lobster and crab and a whole pig (about 40 lbs) almost in front of me. There were also several young women lined up in front of the head table fanning both us and the flies. It was one of the most elegant feasts that I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending (and naturally I didn’t have my camera).
At the end of the meal there were more speeches and then the gift giving started (people are always giving away most everything they have around here). The new priest had his brother hand out envelopes to everyone seated at the head table by name (including me) and evidently some close friends in the audience. When I got home I opened it and there was a 50 tala note. I was shocked. I’d only met the fellow once before when he gave me a ride to town and that’s a lot of money in Samoa . That poor young fellow will be paying for those gifts and that feed they put on for years. He certainly made a very positive impression on all those that attended though (his village probably covered the food bill). You only get ordained once in a lifetime so it should be special.
When I got back home (at about 2:30P) it wasn’t difficult in joining the rest of the country in a Sunday afternoon tradition; malolo (a nap). Another memory chalked up.
Have a great week. Fa, soifua………………..john
It was an unexpected interesting weekend. Saturday evening my power was out (for about 4 hours) and I went down to the little chapel to see if anyone was out of power besides me. There were a few priests having coffee on a little patio just outside the chapel. One was the Provincial for the Silesians in this part of the world (he’s based in Melbourne Australia ). He was up for the ordination of one of the Samoan Deacons that transpired Saturday morning. Also, a priest from Fiji (he runs a seminary over there) was there also (it’s his place I’ll be staying at this week when I head to Fiji ). Because there was no Mass at Don Bosco on Sunday they asked if I’d like to join them at a Mass on the other side of the country. Naturally I took them up on the offer (they drive vehicles with AC). While we were chatting the power came on by the way.
At 8:00AM Sunday morning we were headed to the other end of the island. The Mass turned out to be a big shindig. Eight priests were included in the celebration along with about 16 alter boys and of course all the flowers, decorations etc. Mass lasted for 2 ½ hrs. Everyone had to make a speech it seemed (all in Samoan of course). It was so hot in the church that many people were leaving a wet imprint of their posteriors on the pews when they stood up (that’s the first time I’ve seen that).
When Mass was finished we headed back to the truck (parked next to the priests quarters). We were invited in for a drink (coffee I expected) before going to breakfast. We got seated on the veranda and out came a couple bottles of wine and beer (there were 7 of us). After an enjoyable half hour or so of chit-chat and a couple glasses of wine we headed across the street for breakfast.
When we got across the street I was really surprised. Here was a big fale (used for meetings etc. – a roof held up by pools around the edge). There were very large tables set up (with table cloths) and everyone seated was dressed in their finest. The guys I was with were the guests of honor so naturally they were seated at the head table. Even though I protested, I was seated up front also. From then on I was addressed as Father (that’s a first except for my kids). There was another large fale next to ours that housed a band, more people, and a group of traditional Samoan dancers.
As with every Samoan get-together, food was plentiful and piled everywhere. Young adults (men and woman both) served beer (to the head table only), and different kinds of food dishes to everyone (guests are always feed first). There was taro; Oka (raw fish that is delicious) fried chicken, salads, a big platter of lobster and crab and a whole pig (about 40 lbs) almost in front of me. There were also several young women lined up in front of the head table fanning both us and the flies. It was one of the most elegant feasts that I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending (and naturally I didn’t have my camera).
At the end of the meal there were more speeches and then the gift giving started (people are always giving away most everything they have around here). The new priest had his brother hand out envelopes to everyone seated at the head table by name (including me) and evidently some close friends in the audience. When I got home I opened it and there was a 50 tala note. I was shocked. I’d only met the fellow once before when he gave me a ride to town and that’s a lot of money in Samoa . That poor young fellow will be paying for those gifts and that feed they put on for years. He certainly made a very positive impression on all those that attended though (his village probably covered the food bill). You only get ordained once in a lifetime so it should be special.
When I got back home (at about 2:30P) it wasn’t difficult in joining the rest of the country in a Sunday afternoon tradition; malolo (a nap). Another memory chalked up.
Have a great week. Fa, soifua………………..john
I love the 'tweedy-ness' of this, but upon inspection, I've already botched it up...argh!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
Our Lady of Sorrows....Pray for us.
...rising.
As I was rounding the bend I saw the setting sun reflected on the old water tower ...it reminded me of pictures I've seen of the Mosque in Mecca.
I've heard that Mary is one of the most highly-regarded women in Islam , so I offered a Hail Mary for the Muslims of the world.
While I headed down the road I was whining to myself about how dark it is at 7:15 pm and that I might as well leave my camera at home (poor me) if I'm going to continue to walk in the evening....then on my final lap eastward there he was...
...rising.Monday, August 18, 2008
Sweet ride
Back in the 60's the motorcycle guys wore their hair greasy, with the sides slicked back....he had a crew cut. The mode of the day in clothing was jeans, shirts unbuttoned halfway, or tight white t shirt (with the sleeves rolled up) and engineer boots...he wore khakis, short sleeved sweatshirts (they don't even make them anymore) and dark blue slip-on sneakers ( they're called skater shoes now). Things haven't changed much in 45 years...maybe one thing...he ties his sneakers now.
All conditions have to be in perfect alignment before I will mount a motorcycle...today they were. The destination, the occasion, the weather ( 84°) and the hairstyle.....(the hairstyle is a stretch). We took the back roads and, I must say, it was quite pleasant. The party was enjoyable and when I realized my date had disappeared, I figured he'd be outside, ready to go.
We even had a "little buddy" ask if he could join us for part of the trip home.
It was too hot to move by the time we got home, but I managed to go try once again to photograph the moon rising over the lake. When I consider I can just go here for more awesome pictures that I could ever get, I'm humbled into submission...almost.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lolie-Pop
When John said he was joining the Peace Corp we weren't that surprised. He's always been somewhat of a free spirit. We've known him since Jerry was hired at Reserve Mining back in the 60's and he's one of those guys who will stop in unexpectedly or call out of the blue and ask how things are going...he even called from Samoa! I'm posting one of his emails (he sends them almost every day to a host of people) so I can look back on it...it is so him. ( Lisa is the baby girl born shortly after he got to Samoa, the Mom named her after John's daughter, (he has 5 grown children) who had died a year before he joined the PC. I wish I would have saved the letter that explained that...very touching).
Good morning,
Today is Fathers Day in Samoa so naturally Monday is a holiday. There are never too many of those holidays. Long weekends are good for teachers (especially welding instructors). Talking about long weekends, Thursday morning at the staff meeting I found out that there would be no school on Friday because it’s a sports day for all the Catholic schools on Upolu (the island I live one). That’s also when I found out about Monday being a holiday. Neither of these days made it onto the school calendar. Better late than never I guess.
Saturday morning I had a chat with the longboat trainer (a Samoan woman). At the time there were 70 guys doing deep-knee bends and then running around the field with a sack of sand on their back. I mentioned that I’d never seen such a motivated bunch. She smiled and said “that’s because the cut for the crew will be coming up soon and there will only be 43 guys left when it’s over”. There’s no doubt it will be disappointing for the ones voted off. They have all put so much effort into training.
Saturday morning I stopped over to see what a longboat crew eats for a training breakfast. They each got a half a large loaf of white bread split down the middle, with loads of butter spread on it and then cold canned spaghetti poured on it. They’d compress it, roll it up, and wash the whole thing down with very sweet hot tea. Looked like a very average breakfast for Samoans to me.
Friday evening I went up to visit my host mother on the other side of Apia . Baby Lisa was there also (she had her eight month birthday last Tuesday). Naturally the kid is really growing. She still has only two teeth though. I’m never around enough for the kid to get used to me but she still climbs up in lap after I’ve been there about 10 minutes. In another year I’ll start bringing her some lolies (candy) and then I’ll bet she’ll climb up on me in a minute. She is a cute kid. I’ll send a couple pictures.
Saturday was spent sailing with the kids again. They had races in the afternoon and then a BBQ in the evening. I was out on the water from 11:00A until about 5:00P. I was beat by the time we came ashore. Fortunately, the day was mostly cloudy and that helped keep it cool. We also had a fresh breeze running 15-18 knots which really had the kids flying around the course in the Lasers and Opties. It was a good day.
That’s about it for today. Y’all have a great week. Fa, soifua………….john
Good morning,
Today is Fathers Day in Samoa so naturally Monday is a holiday. There are never too many of those holidays. Long weekends are good for teachers (especially welding instructors). Talking about long weekends, Thursday morning at the staff meeting I found out that there would be no school on Friday because it’s a sports day for all the Catholic schools on Upolu (the island I live one). That’s also when I found out about Monday being a holiday. Neither of these days made it onto the school calendar. Better late than never I guess.
Saturday morning I had a chat with the longboat trainer (a Samoan woman). At the time there were 70 guys doing deep-knee bends and then running around the field with a sack of sand on their back. I mentioned that I’d never seen such a motivated bunch. She smiled and said “that’s because the cut for the crew will be coming up soon and there will only be 43 guys left when it’s over”. There’s no doubt it will be disappointing for the ones voted off. They have all put so much effort into training.
Saturday morning I stopped over to see what a longboat crew eats for a training breakfast. They each got a half a large loaf of white bread split down the middle, with loads of butter spread on it and then cold canned spaghetti poured on it. They’d compress it, roll it up, and wash the whole thing down with very sweet hot tea. Looked like a very average breakfast for Samoans to me.
Friday evening I went up to visit my host mother on the other side of Apia . Baby Lisa was there also (she had her eight month birthday last Tuesday). Naturally the kid is really growing. She still has only two teeth though. I’m never around enough for the kid to get used to me but she still climbs up in lap after I’ve been there about 10 minutes. In another year I’ll start bringing her some lolies (candy) and then I’ll bet she’ll climb up on me in a minute. She is a cute kid. I’ll send a couple pictures.
Saturday was spent sailing with the kids again. They had races in the afternoon and then a BBQ in the evening. I was out on the water from 11:00A until about 5:00P. I was beat by the time we came ashore. Fortunately, the day was mostly cloudy and that helped keep it cool. We also had a fresh breeze running 15-18 knots which really had the kids flying around the course in the Lasers and Opties. It was a good day.
That’s about it for today. Y’all have a great week. Fa, soifua………….john
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
We rode in caravan last Sunday to a grad party for our nephew in Iowa.The trip went well despite the tornado that hit while we were staying at the hotel...someone has a photo of Nancy and Brenna crouching in the bathtub praying the rosary.
Jerry was fascinated by the ubiquitous wind mills... we figured there must be some good reason we can't use them in our neck of the woods...seems like ecology at it's best to me.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cruisin'
My first sea cruise was surprisingly pleasant. The company, food and sites...all exceptional!
The day before our departure from Florida we spent some time with the Vatican Splendors...
Splendid!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
S and G were visiting from Singapore and joined us for dinner at the local O G.
Went to Dixie Friday night for fish fry...tasted much better than I remembered.
Celebrated my birthday in style at Top of the Harbor..... lunching with daughters, # 2 and 3 and grandchildren # 13 and 14 tomorrow...that should be the end of the celebratory meals for a while.
I was reminiscing about the May Crownings of my childhood. Maybe I'll have to get the ball rolling....very nice tradition.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The trip to St. Michael to hear about Medugori is becoming a fading memory.
It's difficult to keep striving toward the level of holiness we are called ...alas, I am a lazy soul, trying to fit God into my life as though He were just one more craft project.We adore you Oh Christ and we praise you
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
My brother and his wife, who have been living in Singapore the past 4 months, spent the afternoon with us. It looks and sounds (and by all reports, smells) absolutely "foreign". They seem to be quite comfortable in a large, 28th floor apartment. I was most amazed by the fact that there are always 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night...the equator is the determining factor. She lost the entire month of September because of the constant of the weather...all I need is one more thing to confuse me...I'll take the seasons, thank you.
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