NOTIZIE INTORNO ALLA VITA QUOTIDIANA DELLA NOSTRA CHIESA

31 Ottobre 2020 News Flash of Antioch: OCTOBER 2020 Another month has passed, but the Covid-19 emergency continues. The figures from the Ministry of Health about the situation here in Turkey are probably not that reliable. Experts suggest multiplying them by at least five. On 31st October there were 2,200 cases and 75 deaths. The schools have partly reopened while the universities operate through the internet. Mask wearing is mandatory but unfortunately many do not comply and, at least here in Antioch, there is no enforcement. In our region many are infected and the hospitals are full. Our church remains closed to visitors. For the faithful we open for morning Mass and the celebrations of Wednesday evening (celebration of the Word), Saturday evening (evening Mass) and Sunday afternoon (Sunday Mass). The outlook is not good and we are hoping there will be no further restrictions. I don’t think Turkey can afford a lockdown at all! I present to you the news for the month of October, which by the way has been clear and warm ! It hasn't rained for 6 months. October 4th. This Sunday was the feast of St Francis of Assisi and we celebrated with a large number of the faithful. Also present was the new Polish father Fr Mari who is preparing for the mission in Turkey by studying the language. During the Mass he gave a brief testimony about his Franciscan vocation. October 11th. Six young Italians working for a humanitarian organization in Gaziantep visit our church: three girls are veiled being of Arab origin ... October 12-15th. Every year, usually at least twice, we “Turkish” Capuchins get together for a few days. This year we were not able to meet in May as we had planned due to the pandemic but during these few days we had a meeting in Cappadocia. It was a beautiful time. The place is always fascinating. We were in a pension with a beautiful garden where we met and where we celebrated… and ate too. Every afternoon we visited some archaeological sites led by our confrere Br. Hanry (amongst his other accomplishments, he is a renowned tour guide. ) October 17. This morning at 10 a.m. a very popular channel, HALK TV, broadcast a meeting with City Mayor Doç.Dr. Lutuf Savas and the representatives of the various religious confessions. Here Fr. Domenico is with the mayor and the Mufti. The interviewer was Serhan Asker. October 28. The Christian community of Antioch had its first victim of covid 19; the brother of the parish priest of the Orthodox Church. He was 55 years old, a goldsmith. His funeral took place today amongst great emotion. October 31st. Fr Francis Dondu, an Indian Capuchin, will join Fr. Domenico in the Catholic Church of Antioch from next month.