Holy Land

BETHLEHEM: On a visit to the friars in Jerusalem, we were privileged to spend an afternoon in Bethlehem and to celebrate Mass at the Grotto of Saint Jerome, just behind the Grotto of the Nativity. There were not many pilgrims there that day. Access to Bethlehem has been made more difficult in recent times by the wall built by Sharon, which separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem.
At Bethlehem we prayed for all parents and young people, and for vocations to the Capuchin way.
Shalom to all for Christmas. Pace e bene.

Visit to Sri Lanka

Mawila (Kinakele Estate) is where the friars have built the new novitiate for candidates from the Vice Province of Pakistan. It is situated about 60 kms. due north of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The opening ceremony and blessing was on 8th September, in brilliant sunshine, and attended by many local clergy and religious, as well as a large numbers of local residents.
My principal reason for being in Sri Lanka was to discuss a revision of the formation programme. It was a pleasant bonus to be there for the joyful and memorable ceremony. This year there are 4 novices from Pakistan. 2 from Karnataka (India) and 1 from Sri Lanka.

Feast for Mariano in the College

Yesterday in the International Capuchin College of Saint Laurence of Brindisi just outside Rome many friars gathered to say thanks and goodbye to Br. Mariano di Vito, who had been rector of the College for the last eight years.

Hello all. This is my very first blog message.

ROME - Benvenuti. This is my first time using this way of communicating. Do you have any advice for me? Greetings from Rome.