Parish Move

The parish move went more smoothly than I anticipated and I was very pleased with the response of the congregation. Over 85% of the parishioners came over and I suspect a few more will come next time as they get used to the change. I'm grateful for the generosity of many.

Temperatures were in the low 60's today and the strength of the sun is powerful enough that we could sit outside for our 2nd Sunday party at Rainbow Street Church. I was talking with a few parishioners before mass and one Filipina said that I was always happy and that I was a hands-on priest. I kept asking what that meant, and then I realized she was saying handsome. I guess I never thought of that.

A few parishioners have asked me for jobs and visas, but this past week three people suggest that I arrange a spouse for them.  I suggested they come to our Valentine's Day party next week.

I feel like I am well known in Amman. Everywhere I go, people seem to know who I am. One woman parishioner of the Arabic-speaking community says she likes my homilies because they come from the heart. Her sister knows mutual acquaintances and he brother works with a few parishioners. Even my barber ran up the street to catch me to deliver a note a local doctor wanted to give me.

I had dinner with a few priest friends and the bishop to honor the bishop of his titular feast day of Maroun. It was quite a tasty meat-filled dinner and the conversation was quite good even though it was 98% in Arabic.

As I conclude my day, I realize that I really like my parishioners and the Catholics I met in the city. Soon, I'll probably begin a monthly mass in Aqaba and at the Dead Sea. I've finally secured good contacts. O.K. Time for bed. No time for rest as the Spirituality Group starts on Monday morning.