NOTIZIE INTORNO ALLA VITA QUOTIDIANA DELLA NOSTRA CHIESA

31-31 Luglio 2020 Newsflash Antioch– July 2020 For years I have returned to Italy every July ‘on vacation’. Normally, after spending about ten days in a monastery, I go to my village, Monchio di Palagano (Modena) in the Emilian Apennines. I stay in my brother's house and at the same time servethe church there because of the scarcity of priests. It is a time I look forward to; not only me but also by my family and the community where old ties are rekindled. There are many elderly people who are lonely and sick and a visit from a priest is most welcome and I have always been available and happy to do that. Unfortunately, this year, coronavirus has upset all plans and habits. Prudence and common sense have prevailed over emotion..I will be staying in Antioch so as not to abandon "my community" in this endless emergency. We missionaries have at least a double identity- the original one where we grew up and the acquired one from where we work. Mine is, in Italy, family, the parish community and especially the Capuchin religious family to which I belong. The Capuchin family is the one I have chosen and I feel a strong bond with them. In fact, more than ever, I feel like a Capuchin friar with all the obligations and privileges, although unfortunately I have had to live this in an anomalous way, but always in communion, dialogue and solidarity. The second identity comes from where we live and where we have the fruit of our work, therefore an important part of ourselves; another country, with a different language, traditions and habits whether or not we want to assimilate them. For this reason, as well as loving Italy, I also love Turkey and its people and especially the Christians to whom I have dedicated most of my energy. It is our second home and our real family! I started with this prologue to share my feelings with those who will read the news of the month of July which there isn’t much of - but still interesting. The weather is very hot, but life goes on and we go on hoping that this emergency will end, though what life will be like then is, for the moment at least, not clear. For now, happy holidays to everyone! 1st July Since 25th June we have had a new tenant, Cigdem a Turkish lawyer, who trained in France but who has chosen to return from Europe to live and work in Turkey ... a nice exception! 4th July. The Capuchins in Turkey (10) meet and share on Skype;everyone is well and facing the emergency with great faith! 11th July. Turkey has decided: Haghia Sophia will revert to being a mosque, sparking both national and international controversy.On July 24th there will be the first official prayer! 12th July. For the first time, the Antioch football team - Hatay Sport - goes up into Serie A.(First Division) Despite the pandemic, the event is celebrated ‘without brakes’ … 15th July. This is the 4th anniversary of the failed military coup to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.. It is the feast of Democracy and National Unity. I am invited by the prefecture to the evening event ... but with little participation! 17th July. 33rd anniversary (1987) of the arrival of Fr Domenico in Antioch .. 20 July. Here is the headline from ANSA: "VATICAN CITY, JULY 20 - No tariffs for Masses ... In 1978 we and the parish council of Sent Elen (St Helena) took the same position. There should be no set charges for Mass Offerings. The Mass cannot be bought. The Mass is always offered for everyone there though someone’s intention may be specifically mentioned. A set charge would discriminate against the poorer. 23rd July. It is the 81st anniversary of the annexation of our region to Turkey. The Municipality invites a small number of people, including religious leaders, to a dinner. 26th July. After the birth of the twins Daniele and Samuele, Maria comes to Mass with her husband and 2 other children . The twins will be baptized in September along with an adult who has been waiting for years. 28th July The wedding of Gulay, who took care of our guest house and looked after the small children in the Saturday evening mass for almost 20 years. 31st July. From today Friday, to Tuesday 2nd August, is the Muslim festival of Kurban Bayram (Sacrifice of the Ram - Eid al-Adha). It's hot, we are in a crisis with Covid-19 in addition to the economic one ... therefore this year the holiday will be spent mainly in the family. This month started with the pandemic seemingly under control, but in the last few days there has been a worrying increase creating serious problems for hospitals. From today we must wear a mask in public places!