Assumpta Est Maria

Yes, I am still alive, but opportunities for blogging are rather limited since I'm conducting a private retreat for some Carmelite sisters in a country far away from home. My day consists of Mass, two 40 minute conferences, Holy Hour and individual sesions with those who want them - and that's quite enough in the oven-like heat. In fact, it's so hot that I haven't even been for any walks yet.

Thank God for air conditioning and for the white cassock that I'm wearing. Don't get too excited - it is not exactly Gammerelli style, basically a sort of alb with buttons, with no Roman collar as such. It's what they wear in these parts and it keeps me cool, although it makes me look very Indian!

As I write this, the muezzin is calling the people to prayer from a nearby minaret. In fact, I'm woken up by this at 4.30 every morning - I suppose I should use it as an opportunity to recite Matins but I'm pretty useless at that time. The call of the minaret is heard throughout the day, including during our Holy Hour. How different it is from my home parish!

Great excitement here because tomorow is not only the Solemnity of the Assumption but also Indian Independence Day (I hadn't realised before that they both fall on the same day). So I'll be celebrating an especially solemn Mass for my Indian sisters - and they have a box of chocolates ready for afterwards.

To wherever you are in the world - buona festa!