I am just back in from a ‘possession’ event. These occur from time to time. Basically someone will come to the Chu8rch and tell me that such and such a young person is possessed by the devil and needs healing. I had had a few of these in recent weeks but when I was called out tonight, I saw that the 15-year old guy was shouting with more force than others so, instead of trying prayers and blessings, I tried another tack. I suggested we should go to a nearby clinic. The anxious mother agreed and we were able to get an injection and a few pills. The young guy, Ramon, seemed to settle down and was almost sleeping by the time we got him home. Possessed or what I am not sure but there are grave problems caused by lack of education and by poverty.
This week was the big First Communion week. 250 young people received their First Communion ion Saturday. I had thought earlier in the year that they would, like previous years, all receive in the one Mass. But then I realized that the Church was not big enough. So we spilt – one Mass at 8am and then again at 11am. The Mass – and the photos afterwards – was so long that the Masses actually clashed. Having said that, it was great to see the Church packed on both occasions and with everyone participating. Music was by Tito and group so we are still swinging from the rafters. The photographers do get right in your face but, unfortunately, there is no point in fighting it as they will just find another way of getting right in there. Next year proves to have even more kids for Fist communions.
These big events were followed by two youth events in Saturday evening and night. Firstly we had a youth concert at a nearby secondary school. IT was for the local youth of the various parishes and was a Christmas concert. It was very lively and lasted till about 10pm with various nativity scenes being acted out as well as Christmas songs and hymns. Then it was off to the city centre for our annual all-night vigil. I had promised that I would be the main celebrant at the Mass and thought I might be able to get a few moments of sleep but it was impossible. The event was great but everyone was shattered come 5am and the finishing Mass. Of course that was followed by three Parish Sunday morning Masses – I was nearly sleeping during my own sermon!
My new job within the St James Society calls me to go and visit the Ecuadorian guys where they are working. I have see quite a few of them already but I was glad to get out and see Liam Reilly in a rather tough area of Duran and then later in the week get out to the coast to see John Keane and Tom Bierney whoa re in La Libertad. All three are in areas of great poverty and all three are just starting out on their missions. It is great to see their enthusiasm and commitment.
So Christmas is just around the corner. And there is the big build–up here …. Though not as big as back home. There is no money so there will be no presents. But everyone wants to get something. Even if it’s a toy soldier or a turkey for their Christmas dinner…
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