Wrapping Up

The time has come to wrap up this year of 2011. It has been my custom for many years now (after my late parish priest who used to do the same on the last day of each year) to present a report to the parochial community of the passing old year and projection of the incoming new year. Looking in retrospect with the grateful but also contrite heart, and looking ahead with hope in the heart and prayer on our lips - all wrapped in the form of the expose or the annual report of the state of the matters and our plans for the imminent future... 

Nativity Of Our Lord

All of us here in Kiabakari wish you, our Friends and Supporters, a blessed and joyful Christmas and a prosperous and satisfying New Year 2012! God bless us all!

Smile

Moments like these today brighten my weariness as we close on the Nativity of Our Lord. This last week of Advent has been extremely challenging and loaded with important matters and took its toll on me. The oral individual examinations of all catechumens and those receiving their First Communion which lasted for five days altogether gave me imminent insight in the quality of the religious education done by my catechist and pastoral Sister, and the direct look into the world of faith of the pupils (school children and adults alike).

I was very happy to notice that teachers in general did a good job, and the most of examined passed well. The class of Sister Jennipher stood heads and shoulders above the rest. This speaks volumes of a great work Sister did. Respect to her!

Today was the day of the Sacrament pf Reconciliation in the parish. I started with the penitential rite together, then after the liturgy I proceeded with individual confessions. The first group was First Communion class of Sr. Jennipher. I had special mystagogical classes with each group after exams - on Sacrament of Reconciliation (I gave each student a special booklet - a guide to correct confession, which I prepared and printed) and the Most Holy Eucharist, with practical sessions on how to confess well and how to receive properly Holy Communion - both on tongue and on hand. This certainly helped children to prepar themselves for today's confessions as all of them confessed very well, without any problems.

I was extremely pleased and happy to see this happening, and most of all - to witness innocent happiness, relief and bright angelic smiles of my penitents as they were leaving the confessional, as if on wings of the Holy Spirit.

Surely, moments like these brighten my life and wipe away all tiredness! Thanks be to God!

Waiting now for last penitents as they come one by one, as the main wave passed since 9am till 4pm...

Tomorrow repetition of exams for those few who failed, then I will remove myself from public and pray and focus on what lies ahead starting with the Midnight Mass of Nativity (which actually starts at 9pm here because of security reasons and lack of street lights) with Baptisms and First Communions. It will take some solid three hours to finish the Mass. My friend, Fr. Godfried from Makoko seminary, will go the outstation tomorrow night, then on Sunday he will stay in Kiabakari (the will go to one Mass in the outstation) and I will go to outstations for Baptisms and First Communions in five villages (but combined in two major Masses).

I will pray for all of you who sent lovely cards, messages, emails, phoned me or wished directly Merry Christmas! Especially during Midnight Mass which is my custom since I was ordained.

God bless us all! Very happy and blessed Christmas to you all!!!

Where Are You?

This very first question, asked by God in Eden after our parents committed the original sin, echoes throughout the history of mankind ever since. We are getting lost from tike to time and God is looking tirelessly and patiently for us. 

Reading Carefully The Signs Of This Time

As we travel along the Advent paths, cutting through the thick of our problems, weaknesses, vortexes, to get to Jesus and allow Him to come to us freely with full saving, cleansing, merciful power, I find myself focusing more and more on careful reading and decoding of the signs of this time, they it unfolds events and challenges right here in my own little corner of the world...

The Most Holy Trinity at work in three-dimensional pattern. And myself, a poor worm in the Lord's vineyard, trying my best to address the challenges of God's activity at this time...

Spiritual and pastoral responsibilities of Advent season mixed with ongoing intensive work in the educational and medical fields - preparing ways to follow in the next year for the benefit of my people in Kiabakari, writing and submitting various projects which, I believe strongly, if accepted and funded, will improve immensely our effective translation of Divine Mercy message in real life terms, embracing the whole human person in Kiabakari in Divine Mercy - spiritually, intellectually and corporally...

I ask all of you, my dear friends of this blog, to kindly say a prayer for us here and for the successful cooperation with God's grace in all three dimensions of His Divine care for the people of God in Kiabakari... Rest assured that we pray for all of you as well here all the time...

Blessed Advent to all!!!

Dividing The Time By The Spoon

Since my comeback to Kiabakari at the beginning of October, I have this prevailing feeling that the time has become densely congested, packed with numerous activities and challenges, all thrown at us at once. It feels like if the time has become a jelly which is so thick that one can divide it by the spoon...

Gratitude

It has been an action packed, blessings loaded period of my life in Kiabakari. The challenges of the past two months kept away somehow from blogging. And now as I try to wind down the rollercoaster of high emotions, stresses and withdraw a bit from the thick of the past matters and to focus firmly on Advent invitation of St. John Baptist to open up avenues for the coming Lord to our souls and hearts - I recall with immense gratitude the Lord's generosity and firm help He gave us all here in Kiabakari as we pursued simultaneously various projects at the same time. Our Foundation Kiabakari volunteers' project 'Perfect Health' supervised skillfully by our volunteer Agata (the project has been a success so far and I am amazed how mature, calm and dedicated Agata has been for the past two months) intertwined with the construction of the second classroom at our primary school with desks and chairs and school books for the standard one and teo students (books were purchased owing to the educational adoption program supported generously by people of tender hearts from Poland, Canada, USA, Croatia and Slovenia). Apart from this, it was a time to work on new development projects in Kiabakari, the construction of a bathroom needed in one of the guest rooms. All this happening while working spiritually and pastorally in the parish...

Truly, the Lord has blessed us greatly and led us safely through all these challenges up till now. What I feel I need to do is to kneel down in front of the tabernacle and with all my grateful heart to tell the Lord - 'Thank You, Jesus! Praised be Your Holy Name!'

I know too well that the Lord works through people. I embrace all my friends and benefactors who made all this possible and keep my spirits high with a grateful hug and want to tell you that I appreciate everything you do for us here in Kiabakari and especially for the little ones and the sick. Thank you so much! May the Merciful Lord grant you peace, health, faith, happiness and prosperity in the Holy Spirit...

Happy and truly blessed Advent to you all, my friends and supporters! God bless us all!

Malaria

Sisters were saying that I got a special grace after the peregrination of the Jubilee cross in my mission. The grace of freedom from malaria. Indeed, the first half of the year was my constant struggle with recurring disease. After the cross, suddenly it was over. Till yesterday. Malaria hit back with full vengeance and in the most unfortunate time - when I had a busy weekend, three Masses, the last one in the village with a sacrament of marriage and baptisms. I was able to say the first Mass this morning, then couldn't continue anymore. The catechist led a liturgy of the Word instead of the second Mass, with sister Jennipher giving Holy Communion. I was able to regain some strength in the meantime and we drove to Mwibagi for the wedding Mass of our catechist there. Thank God, the celebration was very lively and joyful, it lifted my spirits and I managed to get through, keeping my nausea and diahorrea in check. Then a huge outpour broke out. What a rain! I could not hold my stomach for longer, so after one hour of waiting for the rain to stop, we had to drive back with literally zero visibility. And now I'm in bed at last, resting as the malaria continues to fight Metakelfin drug which I took yesterday. Either it does not work or works very slowly, because I feel the worst in the whole year!

Concerned

Just got a phonecall from my Brother. My Dad has been admitted to the hospital. Situation was very serious in he morning, with a suspicion of a stroke. It seems though that it was a mild stroke. I am very concerned and worried, praying for him and asking kindly for your prayers. I do hope he recovers completely. Please. Keep him in your prayers. Get well, Dad!!!

School Books

The first shipment of school books for our Blessed Edmund Bojanowski Primary School in Kiabakari has been purchased yesterday in Dar es Salaam. Today I will load the boxes on the transportation company truck which will carry them to Musoma, then I will shuttle them to Kiabakari by my old truck. I am deeply satisfied that my students will study on a different totally level with each one having the full set of books. I purchased school books for standard one and standard two at this point of time, as I still await many sponsors' fulfillment of their committment to the educational adoption program of my Foundation Kiabakari. We have some 60 children enrolled in the program, but so far only some 10 people paid for the next year. So, I was forced to use other funds to purchase the books, but was unable to buy school books for standard three and four, as it was my plan, to make sure the books are there in the school and we won't have to bother for the next two years to buy them. Our standard one students will go to standard two class in January 2012, so for the time being we are ok with school books for both classes we will have next year. I would like to appeal to all our educational adoption sponsors to make sure they pay for the next year now, so we can move on with development of our school, as their donations not only help to keep chldreen in the class, but also help me to improve the general environment of studying in our educational facility. This time our main goal is purchasing he books for standard one up to standard four and fencing the kindergarten (the temporary fence feel down and locals devastate playgrounds in the evenings). Some of the sponsors contributed last year only, and this year they did not show up again. It is sad and makes my life as the executive director of the school so much harder. So, please, continue supporting our students and our school. Our children deserve quality education in rural Tanzania. Make it possible! If you want to join the program, please, contact us at adopcja@kiabakari.org for more details on how to become an educational adoption parent.

Serengeti National Park and Lake Victoria

Last Saturday I organized a day trip to Serengeti for my volunteers in Kiabakari and from Chief Wanzagi Secondary School. It was a great experience and a wonderful day. Here is link to photo album (click here). Then on Monday we went on a boat trip to Lukuba Island on Lake Victoria, also for a day trip. To see the pictures from our trip click here. Enjoy!

Motivation

It has become increasingly difficult for me to find a motivation to continue with regular posting on this blog. It is not that I lost things to share with you or that my life and service has ran aground. It is rather a matter pf a question - why should I continue with writing these things? A motivation, a purpose, a reason... I feel I need some time to get off a public life and think everything over anew. I will come back when (or if) I find a satisfying answer. Take care!

Bugisi

At last we have been able to come to Bugisi, to visit Fr. Janusz Pociask, Polish volunteers Monika and Jola, and to see what 50 years of organized, painstaking development of generations of missionaries and volunteers brought to this cursed area (as we were told by our hosts - the local chief gave the first missionaries this land as it was presumed to be cursed or damned) which eventually - due to the ardeous work of so many - has become a blessed land... Thanks be to God for giving us this fantastic opportunity to pay respect to White Fathers, Maryknoll Fathers and now - SMA missionaries and volunteers... Thank you Father Janusz, thank you Monika and Jola, thank you, good and hospitable people of Bugisi. God bless you all!!!

Eight Routes Up The Mountain

As the majority of solemnities of the liturgical calendar which occur on weekdays are moved to the nearest Sunday in Tanzania, today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. The Gospel of today's liturgy speaks of Eight Routes up the mountain of God (The Eight Beatitudes).

Calm Before The Storm

Friday morning, right after the Holy Mass in Our Lady of Perpetual Help chapel in the shrine. A quiet breakfast and a growing feeling of incoming storm. The calmness of the morning may be quite deceiving... In a couple of hours a 'hell' will break loose and everybody will be up to elbows deep in preparatory works, cleaning, decorating, cooking, meetings, last minute planning for the Sunday Silver Jubilee of religious vows of Sr. Mary Chongo, the superior of sisters' community in our parish. We expect some two hundred guests participating. This is a serious celebration and I gather mental strength to cope with it calmly, efficiently and professionally. Of course, the Lord is the Master of the Ceremony and we pray for His blessings so that we may do whatever we can to make this day a great success. Prayers as always very much appreciated!

Ordnung Muss Sein

The first two weeks after my return to Kiabakari were a bit stressful and overwhelming. The calmness returns finally and things look like they fall in proper places, with everybody busy in their field of responsibility. Denise and Thomas in the school, Agata and Zuza in the health center, working on the project. Myself busy with craftsmen and construction workers at the health center, the school and at home.

We meet at the table mainly, for meals and sometimes in the evening for a chat or to watch something - a movie, news on TV or a concert on DVD.

Dust settled down, calm restored, sense of purpose, sense of belonging, sense of responsibility of each one of us. There is time for everything now. Prayer, work, rest, moments together and seclusion. 

This is the way I like things to be. Ordnung muss sein!

Just a few quick photos taken today from my construction frontline. 

Busy Little Bee

Recalling words of Commodus from 'The Gladiator' movie, it feels like being a busy little bee these days (maybe not that little, but still busy!) with several things going on. I'm kinda disappointed that I cannot come here to post more frequently, as I would wish, but the reality is just this. No time at the moment...

Nyerere Day

Today is Nyerere Day, October 14th. The day Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the Father of the Nation, the first president of the independent Tanganyika, then United Republic of Tanzania, passed away. In a few minutes I will drive to Butiama to concelebrate a Holy Mass with Bishop Msonganzila and diocesan clergy for the commemoration of this day. Then, the national celebration at Butiama stadium with the president Kikwete and other top people in the country. It is drizzling, a miserable day indeed, but hopefully it clears soon. Here are links to my posts from last year Nyerere Day, please, visit them (here and here)...

Gotcha!

Z in da house. What a relief to all of us who were apprehensive ballistically if she would make it to Mwanza yesterday! Zuza arrived yesterday evening, tired but happy to reached her final flight destination. We got her at Mwanza airport and spent a night in SMA regional house at Bwiru, Mwanza. Our hosts, the superior in particular - Rev. Fr. Janusz Machota, have been extremely helpful and hospitable, making us feel at home completely. What a great people they are! We'll be driving back to Kiabakari in a couple of hours, visiting Fathers of the Congregation of the Resurrection at Kahangala, on our way, for a few minutes and a cup of coffee. Hoping to reach Kia by lunch time. Then immediately back on project tracks making up for a lost day. Prayers appreciated for our journey back to Kiabakari!

Stuck In The City

Came to Mwanza this morning, some official business and shopping. Ready to meet a volunteer flying from Krakow to Mwanza via Frankfurt, Addis Abbaba and Dar. She missed the plane from Frankfurt and will arrive tomorrow late in the evening. Ouch. Unexpected extra day in Mwanza and ruined plans for tomorrow afternoon with an important parochial meeting scheduled and some other things. Project opening delayed one day. Domino effect. Let it be. It's beyond our capability. Poor Z.

Close Encounter

The final hours of the week, the evening hours of Saturday, belong to my favorite times of every week... Reflecting upon the upcoming Sunday Liturgy of the Word day by day throughout the week, bring the culmination of this intense encounter with the Living Word of God to the finale at this time of the week... everything taken care of, being alone and withdrawn from the daily chores, I can face God closely in His Word... I love this encounter and always look forward to this moment... for me the Sunday liturgy is not only a sacred meeting with Christ in Eucharist, but first in His Word, proclaimed in the midst of the community of the faithful. Thank You, Lord, that You continue to speak to us day by day and Your Word cleanses us, fortifies us, enlightens us, nourishes and strengthen us...

Contradicting Feelings

It's been one week since I came back home to Kiabakari. I have a contradicting feelings tearing me apart. On the one hand is the feeling of resurfacing and taking control of things and plans here in the mission. On the other hand though, I feel as if I am drowning gradually in things and matters arising which I have to face and take care of one by one, helping my volunteers at the same time and organizing further steps in the school and health center development and participating in the projects running in the mission, supervised by volunteers... Prayers appreciated! Have a blessed weekend. My thoughts and prayers are always with you! God bless us all!

Intense

The last few days have been a bit on a hectic and intense side. A couple of busy days in Dar es Salaam, then flight to Musoma on Sunday afternoon, first encounter with German volunteers who arrived to Kiabakari on September 19 and have been undergoing a crash course in swahili since then...

Reactivation

Back to where I belong. Kiabakari. At least for the time being... Hard to get back to blogging having been thrown back into the thick of parochial matters and setting up things and rules for the engagement of our volunteers from Germany and Poland... It will take a few more days to get it done, so keep your fingers crossed, please! And pray for us too! After that I hope my regular blogging will be back in place.

Dar es Salaam

Feels so right and so good to be back in Tanzania! I gave my all while in Europe, had a hectic timetable and tried my best... Today was the first day in Tanzania after the short medical-family trip to Poland and elsewhere... With heart full of gratitude to all I was blessed to meet during the past 5 weeks in Europe, and hope for fruitful and fulfilling times ahead in Kiabakari, I commit myself and all I care for, especially my volunteers in Kiabakari, to Divine Mercy and the special care of Our Lady and her intercession, along with the intercession of St. Joseph and all the Saints and Souls in Purgatory. We have job on our hands. Let's do it!

United Nations Of Kiabakari

Netherlands Antilles has become the one hundredth country visiting Kiabakari Snippets. It is a heart warming fact, taking under consideration that I started this blog a year ago just as a trial and stayed online till now. Big thanks to all visiting and commenting on my posts. God bless you all!

Happy Moment

I'm extremely grateful to His Eminence, Stanisław Cardinal Dziwisz, Archbishop Metropolitan of Kraków, for his kind consent to grant the diocesan shrine of Divine Mercy in Kiabakari the Relics of Blood of Blessed John Paul II. This morning, His Eminence officially handed over the Relics to me in archbishop's palace at Franciszkańska 3...

Blue Monday

It was a tough and long day yesterday, though I feel happy and satisfied being able to meet with my home parish community and to witness the selfless service and dedication of volunteers of Foundation Kiabakari. The syndrome of the 'day after' kicked in this morning as usual in such situation (after demanding physically and psychologically job), sadly, I do not have a comfort to relax and rest. The remainder of my short stay in Poland disallows me to do so. To-do-list in my mind, mental pencil in my head, ready to tick what's on the list one by one... Keeping fingers crossed that all planned for today goes well.

Finished

Finished. The best word to describe how I feel after this long mission Sunday. Gave my all. My volunteers gave their all. Home parish community present in the church gave their all. It was a great day. And I hope it bears multiple fruit on various levels...

Home Run

The last Sunday in Poland before I fly back to Tanzania. How proper it is that I spend it in the midst of my own folk, in my home parish. Having spent the whole month on medical checkups and treatments, taking care of this and that, visiting and planning for the imminent future, now it is time for home run...

Equinox

Today is one of two specific moments in a year, called autumnal equinox, in short - the beginning of astronomical autumn (I guess in Tanzania it would be rather the beginning of astronomical spring!). Without a slightest desire to go into technical details, I prefer to simply jump into the car and drive to the countryside to enjoy the first day of autumn to the fullest and later on visiting my friends in Wilamowice, Jawiszowice and Bielsko-Biała. Looking forward to the peaceful, happy day out there...

Simply Stunning

Came back from Łagiewniki. It was my first time to visit the Blessed John Paul II Center 'Nie Lękajcie się!" under construction. Even though the most of the project is not built yet, the ground floor octagonal chapel of the Relics of Blood of Blessed John Paul II which is already done, along with the chapel of the marble grave stone of the tomb of the Holy Father brought from Vatican Basilica, is nothing but simply stunning! I was struck with awe there...

The Font

Getting ready to make a short pilgrimage to the Font - the Divine Mercy Shrine at Łagiewniki area of Kraków. Spending a couple of hours there and at the Blessed John Paul II Center - 'Nie Lękajcie się' - will be nothing less but resting at the Font of Divine Mercy and immersing myself and with me - all people I love and care and pray for - in the Ocean of Divine Mercy... If you happen to read this post now, please, state your intentions in your heart, as I will pray for you and all your intentions, dear reader of this blog. May Divine Mercy embrace all of us and keep us safe and sound, full of apostolic zeal to go to the world with the Message of God who is Rich in Mercy...

Low Note

Hitting a low note today, I reckon... Couldn't wake up as usual this morning, getting up too late and too exhausted, partially due to the restless night, partially due to the yesterday's hectic schedule and maybe partially due to the lousy foggy weather, Kraków's specialty, which brought the lousy feelings...

Round Shaped Man

Cruising around the beloved Kraków City this morning, I found myself sipping coffee with a friend of mine in her cosy music store in the Market Square. She spoke about our common friend whom she described as a 'round shaped man', because of his amicable character and good-humored approach to everyone, with no rough edges. I liked the expression... Pity people like him are rare species in our world, especially in Poland, where nerves and stresses take over the good, balanced manners, in particular in traffic and on streets where strangers interact... Way to go to be called round shaped society...

Cross-Country

What a lovely weekend it was! Saturday trip to the roots of my call to priesthood, mixed with great family reunion with relatives living in Janów Lubelski, wonderful welcome at Puławy, Holy Family parish, deep experience of Sunday liturgical living community with my homilies at all six Masses, late evening drive to Kazimierz Dolny for a calming wind down of a hectic Sunday with serene stroll in empty streets of this picturesque town and Wisla river promenade, today's meeting at medical school with attentive students in school meeting hall (I was surprised how interested they were and how idea of volunteerism in Tanzania appealed to many), then drive back to Kraków cross-country via Radom and Kielce. Lovely weather through and through, kind and caring people everywhere... What could I ask for more? God bless them all! Tired, exhausted but happy and fulfilled... Thank you, Lord!

30 Years

It's been thirty years since the Lord called me to priesthood in an unexpected turn of events. Never crossed my mind that I would be a priest someday, needless to say - a missionary priest! But the Lord's ways are mysterious and He only knows why me, why then, why...

Get Together

It was a rewarding evening. Meeting friends involved closely in the daily operations of our Foundation Kiabakari, sharing, talking about the present issues, plans for future and imminent concern in regards (in particular) to the project 'Perfect Health' which we are about to commence in a couple of weeks time in Kiabakari. I was very happy that people responded so well to the invitation. I was very grateful to Bożena in a special way for her selfless service and great help she extended to me in preparations of the meeting and the food. Thank you so much, Bożena!

It Wasn't Meant To Be

No, it just wasn't... A day that was supposed to be quiet and relaxing, resting after recent trip here and there and recovering from persisting unpleasant aftermath of the last week dental surgery, turned out be a day of havoc and hectic work. But it was ok. Feeling trashed at the moment and looking forward to hit a 'hibernate' button soon, yet kinda satisfied that we were able to make some changes in the house to allow my Dad to live more comfortably in his progressing difficulties in movability. So, after all, this kind of total weariness and waste is good and noble. Alright, time to hit 'hibernate' button. Tomorrow is going to be the same as today. Over and Out.

If I Could

A quiet evening at last, having gone through a long list of things to do today. A few hours till the next journey tonight, sitting and recollecting events, faces, words and memories of the past week. Amazed at people's goodness, warmth, hospitality and tenderness... Oh, how I would love to have all of them together with me... At least, I carry them in my heart, prayers and mind always... This is to all of you I have in my mind right now...

Looking Back

Though I am back home in Kraków, in my mind and thoughts I look back at those past few days spent with my friend and his parochial community. Overwhelming gratitude is - I would state - the right expression for my actual state of mind and heart... And a living hope that we will meet again...

Back Against The Wall

In times like this, when I have back pressed hard against the wall and struggle to overcome challenges that haunt me from every angle, it is amazingly reassuring to experience genuine friendship which bonds stronger than despair and uncertainty of the future. Again, the same way as I felt a week ago when I reconnected with my best friends in Ireland and was comforted by their love, care and warmth, I feel here with my classmate and my best friend together wih the mission group and the whole parochial community... I will leave tomorrow with Wiesiek for Poland, strengthened by this empowering experience. I will never be able to respond to their hospitality and openess, I will try though, the best I can... May Good Lord keep them safe and sound always...

It Felt So Right

Truly, it felt so right to stand in the middle of the fully packed church in Ulmerfeld and speak to the congregation. Speaking of happiness of being a part of this community in their thanksgiving feast day, speaking of gratitude for their long-standing love and support, speaking of flickering candle light of hope in the darkness... It felt so right to give these outstanding people due credit. And now back to the fest. The weather is tropical today, food is fabulous, drinks are in abundance, live brass band playing local standards... Life celebrated to the fullest... fantastisch!

Pfarrfest

God is great and merciful! What a fabulous weather today in Ulmerfeld! Hot and sunny and it should stay like this the whole day. This is my very first time to participate in parochial feast day (pfarrfest) of this kind and you bet I am excited and looking forward to this unique experience. For the past few days my hosts were extremely busy getting everything ready and today we are going to see the fruit of their concerted effort. The colorful high Mass at 9 am, wih traditional elements of culture of his land, then a street party with food stalls, wursts of all kinds, beer, wine, soft drinks, music and chatting with friends and neighbors. Blessed Sunday to everyone! Praying for all of you!

A Heart For Kiabakari

I was moved and emotional yesterday celebrating a Holy Mass in the parochial church of my classmate, with the mission support team of the parish who have been aiding me for the past few years. It was very important as I wrote before - to stand among them and say 'thank you'... So I did. And it felt so good to tell my friends how much I appreciate heir firm support and care... But what happened after he Mass surpassed all my imagnation... The way the get together in the parochial hall was prepared! A heart for Kiabakari theme of the event was ever present in the shape of baked hearts and decorations. I was presented with a huge heart which caused my heart to melt away and bring a tear or two to my eyes... It was an incredible evening of friendship, care for missions, sharing and planning for future - in particular for a delegation of the parish community to finally respond to my long standing invitation to come over to Kiabakari. I was a happy bunny yesterday to see all that affection towards Kiabakari and the willingness to visit us in Kiabakari. Thanks be to God!

Personal Word of Appreciation

Travelled all night on the train from Krakow to Vienna, switched onto a local train to Amstetten, met by my best friend and classmate, Rev. Fr. Wiesław, spending the whole day in his company, and now getting ready for he Holy Mass in the parochial church which will give me great opportunity to express my personal word of appreciation to the pastor and the parochial community for their continuous support for my mission and myself. Not even my home parish back in Krakow is up to their level of committment. And I need to stand among them and raise my grateful voice. They are a small group of people but wih a huge heart for Africa and my mission. May God reward them abundanly! My prayers and love is with them always, in particular wih Fr. Wiesław, who has been instrumental in bringing his community on board... Good to be here again. May Lord grant us all a peaceful and lovely time together...

The Source

Today was a special day...

Unpleasant Exchange

So, it is done. An unpleasant exchange - my ailing tooth for a few painful stitches - is behind me. The healing time has begun, at the moment quite painful as anesthesia is fading away and pain from stitched gum is creeping in... Anyway, it is ok, unless there is some complication ahead. I hope not as tomorrow evening I will set off for a few days visit to my best classmate and friend.

This note is a 'thank you' note for your kind prayers and well wishes for the successful surgery today. It helped a lot. Thank you!

Ancient Times

I am trying to figure out when was the last time I had my tooth extracted? Can't remember really...

Symbolism

Lena presented a special book to me yesterday as we bid farewell to each other in Warrenpoint. 'Symbolism. The Glory of Escutcheoned Doors' by Mark Patrick Hederman, Irish Benedictine monk. I've been reading it and meditating on its content ever since. It is a wonderful gift which opened my eyes on realities that were known and close to my heart but never spelt out in such a way as the author was able to achieve...

He Found Me

On Thursday Tom asked me to present San Damiano crosses to pupils in one of the primary schools in his parish. San Damiano cross is the one from which Jesus spoke to young Francis of Assisi in San Damiano church... Yesterday Jesus spoke to me from the same cross through a special place and through a special woman. I thought that I was flying to Ireland to meet St. Patrick, but this time Saint Patrick invited Saint Francis of Assisi to meet me here, in the Emerald Island...He knew I would be unable to go to Assisi this time, so Saint Francis came over here to speak to me...

In Retrospect

Friday was the second day of my short visit to Ireland. My hosts planned a full day of meetings for me. In retrospect I must say that I received more than I was able to give those whom I met in various places...

Back To The Future

The first full day in Emerald Island was full of memorable moments. Yes, I was looking forward to the planned schedule for the day with apprehension, but it turned out to be a great day after all...

Serenity

Arrived to Dublin yesterday afternoon. Was overwhelmed and totally happy spotting Tom in the arrival hall. Felt like coming home...

Back Home

It took a full week to come back to blogging. Surely, the past week was not an opportune time to do this. In short, the trip to Poznań was a very positive and fruitful, both on medical ground and social-wise. Reconnecting with my friends who took care of me in a style, going through thorough medical checks and knowing what is going on with me, great meetings with valuable persons and social moments - all this made for a rich six days spent there... I'm grateful to God and my friends for making all this possible. Now, back in Kraków, continuing  with the densely packed holiday planner. The weather reminds me of Kiabakari, hot and humid. But, being with Dad at home, and meeting friends who are closest to my heart is truly priceless...

Polite Notice

This is just to let you know that I will be going for medical checkup tomorrow and the regular service on the blog may become erratical or new posts missing for a few days or so. Please, pray for me and keep your fingers crossed so that the outcome of the checkup is encouraging. Thanks in advance for your kind support!

Hungry Shoe

These days I dislike to travel heavy loaded with suitcases and stuff like that. So I took this medium size bag on wheels and extendable handle and came Poland light. This meant coming with only one pair of shoes hastily repaired shortly before the flight in Kiabakari...

Home, Sweet Home

So good to be back home with my Dad, the family and my best friends. Priceless! I'll spend some time with them,  visiting also here and there and undergoing a medical checkup for my troubles. All in all, it is a welcoming change in this year's hectic schedule and I am very grateful to the Almighty for giving me this chance to rest and recharge my inner batteries...

Sub Tuum Praesidium...

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. / We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen...

Kigamboni

This morning I crossed the port waterway at Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, by ferry going to see the other side of the city. The unique experience of being onboard of this massive ferry vessel made me to take a few picture which I would like to share with you now...

World Youth Day 2011- Madrid

Just a quick post with link to the 26th World Youth Day celebrated in Madrid, Spain, with the Holy Father Benedict XVI. From Tanzania we have approx. 250 youth representing Tanzanian youth, led by two bishops. This is an official delegation, but there are several individual pilgrims who traveled to Madrid, some of them are my friends, who share their experience on Facebook and Twitter. Praying for all the youth of the world, may the grace of this special encounter with Living Christ through the presence of the Holy Father, His Vicar on earth, bring showers of special blessing on all the youth of the world. May they truly be “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf. Col 2:7). The message of the Holy Father for the World Youth Day in Madrid can be read here. And the special page of the Vatican website dedicated to the World Youth Day 2011 is here. Let us all pray for the success of the World Youth Day in Madrid!

Allegory

Proudly presenting to you the latest work by our 'court' artist Florian Ludovick. This is a painting (all rights reserved) commissioned by me some time ago for my Foundation Kiabakari, an allegory of what we have been doing as foundation - showing in pictures all seven fields of our activities or - if you will - areas of interest. The painting will be placed in the main office of the foundation in Krakow and, on the other hand, used also in all our official stationary and PR stuff...

Pictures, Pictures!

As promised loooong time ago, that I would post pictures from the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in Kiabakari, I wish to fulfill the promise as I finally got charger for my macbook and am able to access photos on HDD. So, here we go...without special chronology, presenting a few pictures:

Picky

Went this morning to Tanzanian Episcopal Conference headquarters at Kurasini, Dar es Salaam. The mission objective was to hand over sealed envelope I was asked by sister-in-charge of immigration matter in our Diocese of Musoma to deliver to the Secretary General of TEC to proceed with the residence permit (for my incoming volunteers Agata, Denise and Thomas) procedure via persons in charge of these matters on TEC level...

I'm Back!

This is what my macbook pro just have said when I plugged in a new charger which I bought locally (probably not an original one, but working anyhow) for quite a decent price. So, while the macbook is charging, I can go back to normal work, telling my little 10" Acer netbook - bye for now!

It Wasn't Right

In Tanzania we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady on Sunday preceding or following the August 15 (unless it is Sunday of August 15 itself). That is why we celebrated the Solemnity today in my parish as elsewhere in Tanzania. In my homily I focused on Divine Logic and God's meticulousness  in guiding life of Our Lady...

Anniversary Gift

Twenty one years ago, exactly to the day, I left my Homeland for missions via Ireland where I spent three months, practicing my English, before heading to Tanzania to join my fellow countrymen who were already there working as Fidei Donum missionaries (diocesan priests sent to help in the mission countries). Grateful to God and people for the past amazing years, in which I was blessed to taste the whole spectrum of human existence and feelings, from euphoria to despair, from victories to failures, meeting wonderful people along the way and serving to the best of my limited abilities, I am proud to present the special anniversary gift I wish to share with you.

Round Table

Children sometimes can be the best teachers, showing us the real meaning of things and ideas. Check this picture below, teaching us a lesson - what the round table idea means in children's eyes.

Applause

One of missionaries in our diocese of Musoma called me the other day, sharing with me his disappointment and disenchantment. He talked for half an hour, complaining that he did so much in his mission, spent so much money, built this and that, brought the Gospel to the people, did this and that...and nobody applauds him, neither bishop, priests, us nor parishioners...

Bearers Of The Ark

The First Reading of today's commemoration of St. Claire, Virgin, brings forth an expression which echoes profoundly in my heart. "While all Israel crossed over on dry ground, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD remained motionless on dry ground in the bed of the Jordan until the whole nation had completed the passage." (Jos 3:17). The priestly bearers of the ark is a term used to define priests in the Chosen Nation. I like this expression very  much. It drives a valid message to all of us. The Ark of Covenant of the Lord is in the hands of priests...while the whole nation completes the passage... Let us pray so the hands of priests may hold fast the Ark of Covenant always - to the Holy Scripture, to tabernacle, to Eucharist, to sacraments, to powerful interceding priestly prayer, while the Church completes the passage from this life to the House of the Father...St. Claire, pray for us!

Crisis

In London and elsewhere riots unfold. Here, in Tanzania, standoff between the government and the fuel suppliers continue, causing havoc to people's lives. Google the topic (example: click here)and you will have plenty articles to browse through dealing with the  chaos...

In The Reflective Mood

Since yesterday, when we went to celebrate fiftieth birthday anniversary of one of our Fidei Donum Polish missionaries in diocese of Musoma, I've been into a reflective mood. Looking at that guy, who just turned fifty, I recalled vividly times we spent together in the major seminary, as he was my classmate (till when we were ordained as deacons) and my roommate (at one time). Time flies so fast. It will take me two more years and I will turn fifty myself. When did all these years come and pass? Life is truly a short project and as we are on the downhill part of it at this point of our life journey, I guess this makes for a reflective mood and a serious examination of conscience... Well, fifty behind him (already) and me (almost). How many more ahead? Only God knows. I don't care but I hope we learned something by now and the remaining years of our lives will be pleasing to God and lived wisely, piously and fruitfully, working tirelessly in the vineyard of the Lord, till He comes and calls us off duty.

Lord's Dogs

In Krakow, where I come from, we used to call Dominican friars - Lord's Dogs, translating literally their Latin  name - Domini Canes (Lord's Dogs). Well, they may not bark in defense of the Lord, but surely their voice is out loud and clear in the field of preaching in the Catholic Church...

Beyond Words

Prophet Elijah met with Living God face to face in a silent intimate encounter. He walked forty days and nights to reach the sacred meeting point... When he finally met with God, he did not need to say anything. His meeting happened beyond words...on a level where only pure Love and ecstasy lives...

Big And Small

Jubilees, big and small, coming in thick and fast this year. Apart from the main celebration of the Centenary of Christianity in the territory now called Diocese of Musoma, we get invitation now and then for other jubilee events - be it a Golden or Silver Jubilee of a certain parish in the diocese, be it a Golden or Silver Jubilee of priesthood or religious vows of certain servants of God in the diocese, be it a Golden or Silver Jubilee of the marriage or baptism or the birth of our parishioners. Envelopes with invitation card come thick and fast this year! But today there will be a small exception.

Wow Factor

"Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?" (Dt 4:33nn) The Lord challenged us with this question this morning in the First Reading. He challenged our ability to see things in our lives with children's eyes and hearts. The ability, the innocence, the sensitivity of the person touched by the greatness of God's things happening in front of our eyes on daily basis, which we, adults, sadly, got used to and take for granted or allowed ourselves to never see them again...

The Grave

A few days ago a man came to my office asking for advice what to do in a case when the family members of a deceased elder decided to renovate his grave paying their respect to him. The man was buried 28 years ago in a family plot adjacent to the Divine Mercy Hill, just on the other side of the road that runs around the hill...

Issenye

Yesterday my sisters and I drove to Issenye parish, some 70 kilometers from Kiabakari, on the outskirts of Serengeti National Park. The parish covers a huge area including a sizable chunk of Serengeti itself, as the pastors attends to spiritual need of tourists and staff of a number of hotels and lodges in Serengeti, where he travels regularly to render sacramental and liturgical service. The parish celebrated the Golden Jubilee yesterday, fifty years since she was established back in July 1961 by Maryknoll missioner, Rev. Fr. John Casey, MM.

Is It Normal?

Is it normal that we are surprised and say this is NOT normal that the electricity has been supplied with no interruption since yesterday morning? And it still there... But we are sure that it will be gone any moment... Is it normal to react like this???

Pure Simplicity

So many people around here claim that they cannot reach the decision to sanctify their spousal love and relationship by the sacrament of marriage because of lack of resources to prepare a wedding party. They used to dismiss my inquiries into the possibility of this sacramental step in their Christian lives by saying that they still 'gather the strength' (bado tunakusanya nguvu). But this strength seems not to materialize any soon or never...

Some Things

A very close friend of mine sent me a message in the wee hours of the day, asking if he was correct by meditating on Christ's Passion while reciting Divine Mercy chaplet (he explained what he meant by this). His message prompted me to look deeper into the Passion of Christ and to offer a broader perspective, writing to him that Christ's Passion is much more about spiritual and psychological torture and suffering, than the physical one only. So, I continued with the meditation on the Passion and pinpointing the crucial elements of the spiritual and psychological dimensions of Christ's Passion. While doing so, I found this page, which drew my attention, though a bit off the topic but the last paragraph of the text in that link speaks volumes about my point. By the way, what I read in that link somehow correlates with my feelings when I denied at first watching the movie, only later only reluctantly doing so, as I never was and never will be a fan of biblical movies. They force, in my opinion, a certain angle of the director of the movie into my imagination, denying me my freedom to visualize the Bible content in my own way and my own sensitivity, based on what I read and reflect upon in the spiritual reading.

The Bravest Doughnut In The World

Please, visit this link (here) to meet the bravest Doughnut in the world (for non-Polish readers, please, use Google Translator). An amazing interview with a Polish lady nicknamed 'Paczek' (Doughnut) who fought in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, telling the story from her own perspective, in an unassuming, humble way. Touching testimony and a valid message for all of us living in Poland and elsewhere. Truly, she is the bravest 'Doughnut' in the whole world!

17 Hours

At exactly the same moment I started to write this post, the alarm siren sounded in Poland marking the 67th anniversary of Warsaw Uprising, its beginning at 5pm on that August 1st afternoon in occupied Warsaw. I have written on this topic last year on the same date (read it here), so no need to repeat what I have written already...

Safari Njema!

Marjanna and Marija are at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, checking in for their flight back home to Split via Doha and London. On behalf of the whole community here in Kiabakari I wish them safari njema (bon voyage), safe flight and happy reunion with their families back home. May God reward them hundredfold for their selfless service and wonderful time we shared together here in Kiabakari and may their work bear long lasting and abundant fruit. Asanteni sana na Mungu awabariki sana! Kila la kheri!

The Most Precious Blood of Jesus

 Today is the last day of the month of July, which - following the old tradition of the Catholic Church - is dedicated to the devotion of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, yet so few of us remember this or are aware of this fact. The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Savior shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it.

No Need

The Gospel of the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) narrates one of the miracles of Jesus of multiplying bread and fish in the wilderness. The disciples wanted to send the crowd away to look after their food. But "Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.""(Mt 14)...

The Connection

The liturgical commemoration of St. Martha is celebrated annually on July 29th. Today. The connection between St. Martha and Christ, the High Priest of the New Testament fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament, struck me particularly hard this morning when I was celebrating the weekly Mass at sisters' convent...

The Dwelling

The First Reading of today's Liturgy. The first part of it describing in detail construction process of the Dwelling of the Lord. Moses busy with myriads of things, putting them together exactly according to the Plan given to him by God. And then, once God has taken the possession of the Dwelling, Moses was unable to enter it again...

Two Months

In exactly two months I will be back to Tanzania. Well, I am still in Tanzania as we speak, but in the meantime, there will be long list of things to do including a relatively short trip to Poland, mainly because of a need to go through a solid medical checkup, trying to get down to roots of my recent glitches and finding a suitable remedy to keep me going further on...

Bibi Kizee

This Swahili term means 'old woman'. This is a name my old truck Toyota Hilux should be named. Having served me and others for eighteen years faithfully, she is coming to the retirement age...

Empty Desks

After consultation with MM, seeing the point they made after observing our school for almost two months and after meeting with sisters, I clearly see that our educational adoption efforts must be directed for the time being (especially with our sponsors' donations for the next year) to the procurement of school books for our students in primary school.

Switching Focus

Time to switch my focus now. MM on their way back home after fruitful and intense two months in Kiabakari, and I have three weeks left before leaving Kiabakari for six weeks trip to Poland, to hospital, to family, friends and business matters. As it has been always before leaving the mission, some tough days ahead of planning and making sure the parish stays safe and everything is going well when I am away.

Long Goodbyes

I don't like them. Don't like the outbursts of emotions, teary eyes, sobs, long stares and inability to let people go... So it was brief yesterday, to not let my emotions, tears and sadness to show. Just a few words and a quick embrace, and they were gone into the check-in in Mwanza airport.

Offer

"The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”"(1Kgs 3:5). This is the first sentence of today's First Reading. What an astonishing offer! God gives Solomon a total freedom to ask anything from Him. As I sat yesterday afternoon reflecting upon this Sunday readings, I questioned myself what I would do if God came to me with the same offer. What would you ask Him of, knowing He will not deny it nor refuse?

Discretion

What rose my eyebrows and drawn my interest in tomorrow's Gospel, as I was in the process of working on my Sunday homily was the behavior of the person who found the treasure in the field and hid it again...Then went and bought the field without hinting to anyone what he found in that field. Why?
 

LUKU

Feeling good and proud of myself as I was able to figure out all by myself how to buy electricity units via mobile M-Pesa service. Tried the whole afternoon yesteday in vain as the network was busy and the service not responding, but eventually I succeeded and was able to purchase kilowatts via Vodacom M-Pesa. Then I waited for like half an hour before the confrimation sms came in with the code to punch in the meter. So I went and did punch the numbers and the code was accepted. New balance appeared on the display and we were spared of power cut home-made (by running out of units). Amazing how technology can ease our daily lives.No need to drive to Musoma to pay bills or to buy LUKU units. Just doing all this in the privacy of the home. Great!

Peas And Cabbage

Today is a day like in the Polish saying - 'peas and cabbage'. Everything thrown together, not fitting or complementing each other. Real organized chaos...

Be There

Just a rough reflection as I was celebrating the Holy Mass this morning at sisters' convent chapel on the liturgical commemoration of St. Mary Magdalene. It stroke me that her feast is all about the Resurrection of the Lord, the readings, Gospel acclamation, Mass formula... She was rewarded by the Lord the very first audience with Him after He rose from the dead. Why she?

Old Is Not Always Gold

My old truck is refusing to obey me recently. And today she started to fall apart. When I was on my way from Bunda Carmel, after regular confessions of Cloistered Carmelite nuns, I heard a strange noise. For a moment I thought it was a chain dangling from the spare tyre below the pickup area, but then it became stronger and louder. So I stopped to see what was wrong.

Darkness Rationing

The call it power rationing, load shedding. But in fact it has become such a nuisance, such a pain in the backside that I cannot but call it 'darkness rationing'! Tanesco does not even follow their own power cuts schedule anymore. The power goes off at any time now, and we have just a few hours of electricity on average in a period of 48 hours. I don't want even think or count anymore how much this situation cost me money in terms of burnt out appliances and petrol and maintenance of the generator I run from time to time when really in need. Total failure. I don't want to think about economy implications of this state for all Tanzanians especially those who depend totally on power. I read somewhere that only 40% of all Tanzanian companies, big and small businesses run on generators these days. The rest sits and cannot do anything, they just cry and count losses. God help us all!

Primus Inter Pares

The first among equals...This ancient Latin sentence I can proudly use in a special, personal context, as on last Saturday, the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland announced that the Holy Father raised two priests of Archdiocese of Krakow to the episcopal dignity. One of them is my classmate, Rev. Father Grzegorz Rys, with whom (and more than sixty other colleagues) I studied for priesthood in Krakow's major seminary from 1982 till 1988 when on May 22 we were ordained as priests. Our ordination class of 1988 has been specially blessed with this choice of a great priest and illustrious scholar, current rector of the same seminary we were studying in years back... I am very happy and proud and must say that this choice is excellent and very correct. I admire my classmate, his qualities as a human being, Christian, priest and professor. God is great and our archdiocese is lucky to have him as its auxiliary bishop. And I think this is not the end for him. He will go to greater heights. I am honored to share the same class with him and pray for him to Merciful God that he may be richly blessed in his episcopal service for the benefit of the People of God of Krakow and the whole Church.

Who Is Who

The seventeen day long peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in my mission cast a divine light on my understanding of the parochial community. This unique experience has become like an opening of a book of life held in God's hands in which He allowed me to have a good look. The Cross has brought out what was hidden in people, good and bad. To me, this period has become nothing less than a reenactment of - or if you will - a reliving of the Paschal Triduum, where each one of us personified someone from the main actors of that traumatic time in Jerusalem... The Jubilee Cross showed us who is who in Kiabakari parish...

It Is Done

Two vehicles vanishing in the distance, carrying the Jubilee Cross and the representatives of Mugango Parish which is the next stop in the itinerary of the Cross in the Centenary Year of Christianity in Diocese of Musoma. Whispering to myself - 'it is done...'

Touchdown

I feel so relieved and overwhelmed. The Jubilee Cross has come back home from the safari lasting from July 3rd till today, visiting all districts and outstations of the parish. This evening the Cross came to my house. We had a short liturgical service with solemn blessing of the Holy Water, blessing of the house (which I renew annually) and sung Divine Mercy chaplet for all the intentions we prayed for since the very first day till now. Then we had an agape, a supper I prepared for all who helped in the successful outcome of the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross. The dinner is over now, I'm dead tired but happy and satisfied. I will use this evening time for private prayer and a Holy Mass which I will offer for all my private intentions and for the intentions of my loved ones, relatives and friends. Tomorrow the last day. Two Masses, first at 7am with sacrament of marriage for three couples and baptism of 19 children; the second at 10am - the farewell Mass of the Jubilee Cross. People of Mugango will have their turn to welcome the sign of our salvation in their midst. We wish them all God's blessing they need and deserve!

Operation Sambusa

Mama Sambusa is coming over to prepare some 150 samosas (sambusa in swahili) for tonight private dinner on the occasion of welcoming the Jubilee Cross in my house. I have invited some 100 people who were directly involved in the preparation of the peregrination of the Cross and the proceedings. It is a gesture of gratitude for their selfless service and commitment. Mare&Mare asked me to invite Juliana  (Mama Sambusa) to come over so that they can learn how to make them. Will get some picture of the sambusa making process and hope to post them here whenever I get my macbook back to live.

Finale

Being bit quiet this week, no posts since Sunday. Apologies for not fulfilling my hope and promise that I would post lots of pictures from the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in the parish, but efforts of my specialist who was trying to resurrect the charger of my macbook did not bring any results so far, and I will have to wait for a fruit of the genuine generous gesture of help of one of my best friends from California. Thank you, Lou, for your spontaneous response to this crisis situation!

The Seed

When we communicate with God, we tend to ask Him for prefabricated goods, final products, toys that do not demand much input or effort on our part, but bring us instant pleasure and gratification. Unfortunately, God has only one thing to offer. The seed...

Hard Blow

This is beyond our comprehension - us, missionaries and volunteers in Tanzania, that the government decided to suddenly rise residence permit class C fee (this is our class) more than any other class of expatriates, even those who come to work here and get paid for it. Our fee jumped more than four times from 120$ per two year permit up to 500$. Just like that. This is a bigger jump in fees than for any other class of foreigners working in Tanzania...

Unfair

Yes, we felt so disappointed last evening when we came back from the Holy Mass in Nyamongo district in Kiabakari, where there was a heavy downpour just before the Mass, messing whole setup altogether and soaking it wet completely - and here in the Kiabakari center, and Divine Mercy Hill area there was not a single drop of water. Just dust everywhere. This was unfair!

From Army Camp To Prison

The last day of the second part of the peregrination of the Holy Cross in my mission. The first part was dedicated to the communal celebrations on the parochial level, with an exception of the visit of the Cross at Sisters' convent. The second part which started last Sunday right after the Holy Mass of the Parish Feast ends today with the celebration of the Holy Mass at the last district of Kiabakari township and the handover of the Jubilee Cross to the first outstation...

Images

Just a quick info that I will post a lot of pictures from the peregrination of the Holy Cross in the parish once the charger of my macbook is working again (it is being rewired at the moment in Musoma and hopefully will work). So, God willing, by the end of this week or on Monday I will post a special photo report of the visitation of the Cross in our districts and outstations.

The Impact

As I suggested in my yesterday’s post, it’s time to gather together thoughts and reflections on what we have witnessed during the peregrination of the Holy Cross of the Centenary of Christianity Jubilee in Diocese of Musoma so far…

The Cross

The seventh day of the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in my mission. Time flies fast indeed. Too bad my macbook cannot be used for the time being until I get my burnt charger repaired or replaced (which will take time). I will write more on what has been going on during those first seven days of an intense pastoral  program. But, I can say already in this quick post that the impact of this spiritual exercise has exceeded my optimistic expectations. I pray only that its fruits lasts...Here is a handful of pictures taken in the past days...

Setback

For a few past days I have been quiet and no new posts appeared on my blog. There are two reason. First, the charger of my macbook pro went up in smoke when Tanesco restored power on Saturday. I have no spare. I type this post on my mobile. The second reason is the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in my parish. Tight schedule and no ample time to sit down and write something sensible. Bear with me, please, as I am trying to sort this out. Praying for you always!

On The Mountain

We spent the whole day on the mountaintop with the Lord in the Mystery of His Sacred Heart. Challenging day for me pastorally as a retreat master and the only confessor available for today. Thanks be to God, everything went as planned, people attended very well the second day of the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in the parish.

House Of Wonders

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is an open invitation day for all to enter the House of Wonders - the Human Heart of Jesus, True God and True Man. On the second day of the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in our parish, we will spend the whole day at the feet of the Cross, meditating on the Wonders of the Sacred Heart of the Lord...

In The Presence

The Holy Hour this evening gave us all participating unique opportunity to enter KAIROS. The time full of Christ Crucified and Risen... I explained the meaning of the this term in my other post (read here). But this is something else to understand this term and something else completely to enter its realm...

Ave Crux, Spes Unica!

Ave Crux, Spes Unica! Hail Cross, the Only Hope! The day we have been waiting and getting ready for for many days, have finally come. The Jubilee Cross visiting all parishes of Diocese of Musoma during the centenary year of Christianity in our diocese, has come to our parish in Kiabakari after a lovely handover Mass at Butiama parish...

Auguri!

Our Hoy Father Benedict XVI celebrates today (and all of us with him) his 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him, immersing him and his Petrine service to the Universal Church and the world in the Divine Mercy Ocean... Tanti auguri, Santo Padre!

Anticipation

Anticipation creeping in in bucket loads. Tomorrow it will be Kiabakari parish turn to welcome the Jubilee Cross in its boundaries. The strong representation of the parish will go to Butiama to participate in the farewell Mass in the parochial church there. At the end of the Mass Butiama will hand over the Jubilee Cross to us. The seventeen days journey of the Cross through all corners of the parish will begin...

Raised Eyebrows

It's been second instance I have been confronted by Immigration officers in the past two weeks. The first time two young fellows in their late twenties or early thirties, holding some kind of a register, came up to my car when I was parked in the street in Musoma, asking who I was, where I was living, what I was doing, for how long I've been working in Tanzania. Gave them correct answers and they seemed genuinely surprised as they never saw me before. Strange, they did not demand any means of identification, like my passport with residence permit stamp in it...

Serengeti Of The Seas

Just a quick post. Check this link. Great read!

Coming Home

Great feeling having my people coming back home. Our sole seminarian from Segerea Major Seminary in Dar es Salaam (there are no diocesan major seminaries in Tanzanian Catholic Church, only inter-diocesan major seminary in four facilities - two philosophical seminaries in Kibosho near Moshi and Ntungamo in Bukoba; and two theological seminaries in Segerea, Dar es Salaam and Kipalapala in Tabora) coming home after finishing another chapter of his theological studies, with one year only left before going for pastoral year and finally in 2013, God willing - diaconate in January, then ordination to priesthood in Kiabakari in July. Augustino Mapambano, the seminarian, reported to me this afternoon, and will spend his holidays with us till the end of July, upon which he will go for one and a half months of pastoral exercises in Musoma Cathedral Parish, as he has told me...

Chakula

This is a word for 'food' in Swahili language. For those of you who would like to know what we eat in Tanzania, they may be very pleasantly surprised how diverse, tasty and fantastic our Tanzanian cuisine is in reality. Check this link on my volunteers from Croatia blog, who have just posted new item on their blog dealing with their Tanzanian cuisine experience. Buon appetito!

Sahara

I read once somewhere about the people traveling from one location in Sahara desert to the other, and when they car broke down, they were found dead several days later. They died of dehydration, though they forgot that they had enough water to survive in the radiator of their car...

Corpus Christi

The Sunday of the Solemnity of The Most Holy Eucharist (also known as Corpus Christi) waking up slowly to the sounds of music and announcement coming from the Seventh Adventist annual camp wrapping up after whole week prayers, songs, loudspeaker noises and general nuisance caused by the disturbance to us, neighbors, from very early morning hours till late night. Thank God it's over now! I wonder if there is a law in Tanzania safeguarding the right of citizens to have a peaceful rest at night and forbidding people from making noise from certain evening hour till certain morning hour...

Out Of Range

Through with the hectic day, as Saturdays in Kiabakari tend to be. Falling into subdued mode of reflecting upon the Gospel of tomorrow's Solemnity of Corpus Christi and Gospel read at four altars. I've just finished putting cosmetic changes to my homily I will preach on Thursday during the Holy Mass of handover of the Jubilee Cross at Butiama parochial church, coming to Kiabakari for 17-day journey through our Small Christian Communities in Kiabakari and all outstations. As my mind went into mental journey itself for the past three or four hours thinking, praying and rethinking what flowed into my soul during that mediation, I traveled throughout the whole world, beginning right here in our area and covering all continents, oceans, seas and sky...

Stone Age

Yet another night in darkness. The power rationing in Tanzania is getting worse and worse day by day. In the last 48 hours we had only 7 hours of power. How can you live in a reality like this? Going backwards in the 21st century instead of ensuring constant uninterrupted power supply for the Nation's growth, prosperity and development...

Two Signs

Just a while ago I have finished the Holy Mass of the Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist. As today is Friday, this Mass was the last event of the recollection day in the shrine, which dates back, as I wrote on my occasions, to 1994 when we were about to begin the construction of the parochial church, and has been continuing for 17 years now on each and every Friday of the year without interruption till today...

Witness Shirt

Thank You, Bożena, for making my catechists happy! We have just finished our monthly meeting with catechists, planning for the reception and the peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in the parish - its outstations and Small Christian Communities. There was one surprising moment when I told them that our benefactor helped me to make special witness shirts - polo shirts with printing on them - for all catechists in the parish...

In The Mood

The second day of winter in East Africa. Another bleak, gloomy, overcast day. I'm still hoping for some rain as we run dangerously low in water supply in our tanks. As I look at these heavy, lead colored clouds and fog covering Kukirango valley, this song sprung up in my mind, so I'd like to share it with you as the wintery mood encompasses us here more and more...

Winter Has Arrived

The winter season in Tanzania, at least in our part of Tanzania, has officially arrived. We woke up to a gloomy, foggy day, with temps that dropped down dramatically since yesterday. A very slight drizzle for a while, which sometimes happen in winter in Mara Region, no wind, thick air insulating sounds of the neighborhood, making for a weird feeling of being inside a cotton layer...

Sweet And Sour

Safely back home after a quick trip to Mwanza and to Dar - with Mare and Mare staying in Mwanza for two days, to get a feeling of the second largest city in Tanzania, and me hopping to Dar for business and coming back to collect M&M and drive back to Kiabakari. Everything would be perfect if not stomach bug which first got Marjanna, then Marija and now me. But I know the reason at least...

You Raise Me Up

This song, so powerfully and beautifully sung by Josh Groban, I wish to dedicate on this day, the Fathers' Day, to my Dad, my Godfather, my Granddads and all men in my life who represented to me the God Father himself, who raised me up, formed me, advised me, prayed for me, helped and took care of me in the process of growing up, education, human and spiritual formation, to all those who for me were always the best example of father figure in my life. Love, gratitude and respect!

Sonnet 18

Just a masterpiece from the most underrated voice in the history of mankind of a mega-talented composer and musician with looks of a bloke round the corner in your 'hood, as many people loving and appreciating David Gilmour would confirm. As the evening unfolds and the week wraps down its business, sharing this little gem with you brings many memories to me... Have a blessed Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the source of all beauty and goodness...

Noone

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life". (Jn 3:16) This is an astonishing statement of the Holy Spirit through the Evangelist Saint John. Limitless love and care of God made Him to sacrifice His only beloved Son for us. Not some cows, goats, chicken or even some of us for the sake of all... Do you still doubt that God is a loving and merciful Father who is ready to do everything divinely possible - for us? There is the other side of this message...

Sitting Allowance

The Members of Tanzanian Parliament may be in hot water discussing the constitutionality or not of their sitting allowance and other benefits, dragging the whole society into the heated debate. But in my little remote corner of Tanzania and the world, I ask myself only one question this morning - will my body give me enough sitting allowance to attend the important meeting of the parochial council with some crucial agendas that cannot be postponed or moved ahead bit further...

Fathers' Day

Tomorrow is Fathers' Day in majority of countries (though in Poland it's celebrated on June 23).  I'm lucky to have my Dad alive. Not so lucky with my Mum. Last year I wrote extensively on the theme of the father figure in the family, society and the world at large. No need to repeat words I still firmly stand by and believe in. So, please visit this link to read that post. Thank you! And - a very happy Father's Day to all Dads worldwide, especially to my own Dad....

Two Months

Looking forward to my only travel home this year. Just two months left. Huge amount of work to be done before that though and the preparation of the parish and its institutions for my absence. This is the worst part - to get ready everything for my departure, so that parish and everything in it runs smoothly when I am away. I wrote on this topic last year in a separate post (here). Hopefully, this year things may not be that bad. Hopefully... But, before that I need to get well now and go back to full swing in work tomorow. Because tomorrow is a mid-year meeting of parochial council with a mega-long agenda. Who never took part in this kind of meetings, may consider himself born under a lucky star...

Lifeline

I have a confession to make. Owing to Maja (a friend of mine from London), I came to know and admire the creative, inspiring and touching music of one of the best female composers and singers the world has been graced with in the human history. Imogen Heap. I come back to her time and again, never tired of the ever fresh music and lyrics. Thank you, Majeczka! Thank you, Imogen! As I look for a way out of malaria, getting back to normal, this is another Imogen's masterpiece to start a new day...

Apart From Those Things...

In an hour or so it will be time to go to the other side of the Divine Mercy Hill and celebrate the morning Mass for sisters who are continuing with their annual retreat. The first reading of today's liturgy is an outburst of sincerity of Saint Paul, a big bang of emotions and straightforwardness. I love his frankness and the way he puts things in a passionate way. The last passage of the Second Letter to Corinthians strikes me exceptionally hard: "And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness".

No Tap

Celebrating Holy Mass on Thursdays, though every Mass in a pilgrimage in time and space to the Upper Room in Jerusalem, gives a special meaning as it is the same day on which Jesus Himself celebrated His first Mass with the Apostles and instituted the Eucharist and the vehicle to bring Him to people in three sacraments of His unique love and mercy...

Timing

Yet another time, yet another moment, yet another proof. Of global network of the Communion of Saints. Waking up to the sound of incoming texts on my mobile, reaching for it, checking mails. Yet another time meeting in virtual world with real people and their real problems and desperate calls for help...

24 Days In Tanzania

I have just came across this link shared by a friend of mine on Facebook. To me, living in Tanzania for the past twenty years, it is always interesting to learn the perspective of visitors who come here for their very first time. It has always been refreshing, unexpected, different, allowing me to reset or refocus myself or discover anew things that have become routine and invisible. Check for yourself. It is a great read with stunning photos.

Green, Green, Green!

Celebrating the Holy Mass this morning, for the first time since before the Lent season started. I like to vest in green chasuble after Christmas and Easter seasons. It is such a symbolic gesture and the color full of deep meaning. Reminding me of my duty to take care of blessings and special graces I was granted by God in His Holy Church in the just-passed festive season...

Summer School

Yet another valuable addition to the collage of activities and inputs of our volunteers to the common effort to bring Divine Mercy towards a needy human being and the human being to Divine Mercy...

While Waiting...

While waiting for the total eclipse of the moon on June 15th (link here), getting your pro photo gear ready for great shots of the lunar eclipse, preparing snacks and drinks for the occasion,  here is something to enhance your mood along the line...

Fruit Of the Holy Spirit

It's raining. It started a half an hour ago. Not a big rain, but gutters carry water to our tanks. Sisters from my convent and from Shirati will begin their annual retreat in the evening. The water is necessary. Since I fixed gutters to the half of their house and put two 5 thousand liters tanks, there was no rain. Not a single drop. Till today. This is Solemnity of Pentecost. And one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy. And we are happy to get rain just today when we needed it most and we were a bit worried what we will do if we run out of water during the retreat. I hope it rains for a while longer so the tanks can be filled... Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving us joy today!

Veni, Creator Spiritus!

On this Pentecost Solemnity I wish all of us the fullness of the Holy Spirit gifts, charismas, divine light and virtues, so that we may live the fullness of life as designed and intended by the Creator, in divine happiness, peace, love and unity with Him and with ourselves. This is the intention of the morning Mass I am about to celebrate in a half an hour or so. Ut unum sint!

Unwritten Books

"There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." (Jn 21:25b) This sentence from this morning Mass touched me powerfully. The books that would be written. Unwritten books...

Miodonka

So, today we had another special day of handover of the Jubilee Cross from one parish to another in our small Butiama deanery. This time we went to Mother-Parish of Zanaki (which gave birth to three others so far - Butiama, Kiabakari and Nyamuswa) to participate in the Holy Mass of farewell of the Cross in Zanaki and handover to Butiama parish. It was a great day of communion, prayer, sharing joy and happiness which ended though on low note of Miodonka...

Point Of View

Just found this picture on Facebook, shared by a friend of mine. Funny yet educational, a food for thought. Especially for those who live in so called Western democracies...

Earthquake Near Dar Es Salaam

Just got news from my friends in Dar that in some areas of the city the tremor could be felt this morning with chairs and tables shaking. The official confirmation of the quake can be found here. Thank God it was nothing major, just a tremor!

Vodacom Thumb Down

So, what if they can produce beautiful professional commercials and flood the market with billboards and PR stuff drawing customers' attention if the reality of their deteriorating services speaks quite a different story? Vodacom may seem to float towards the buyout by Vodafone as they already have changed their logo to what is - in fact - Vodafone logo per se, but the quality of their services is going downhill day by day. I am not sure to what factor it should be attributed, but it looks like they draw lots of new customers, but the infrastructure of their system is lagging behind big time...

Our Daily Bread

Continuing with the slow recovery from malaria, but not idle. Baking bread for tonight's supper, Polish style. One thing that we, Poles, miss most here in Tanzania, is our daily bread, Polish bread, the best in the world, I don't mind saying... So tonight at least we will part from white toast bread available around here, and indulge in home baked loaf of bread with a preserve and a nice cup of aromatic tea. Simple but stylish...

Taking It Easy

I used to commit the same crime in regards to dealing with malaria. Forgetting that the motto of this beautiful land, so many times heard and repeated - 'Haraka haraka haina baraka' (there is no God's blessing in haste) or 'Pole pole ndio mwendo' (Going slow is the right speed), is full of wisdom and maternal care of Mother-Africa, reminding me to take it easy and go slow when needed. Just like now when I got hit again by malaria and - frankly saying - should be firmly lying in bed, taking it easy and letting drugs to do the job and the body to regain the full strength...But...

Chapati

Expecting Mare and Mare to come back from school safari to Serengeti any moment now. They went with some forty plus children, two sisters and two pre-school workers this morning to visit one of the most famous wildlife parks worldwide. Of course, muffins and sandwiches went with them as well...

Again

Don't feeling well for the past two days. Checked my blood this morning and found with malaria again. Not a good news. Yet another round of strong medication to fight parasites in my body. I wonder how long  my liver will continue to accept this kind of merciless abuse... It's a price, I guess, you gotta be willing to pay for being a long-term missionary in Africa. So be it.

Announcement

Yesterday, the Polish Foreign Ministry announced the results of this year competition for voluntary programs submitted for funding to them. My Foundation was among other NGOs who applied for funding. It was our first time to do so. I was happy to share with you that our project code-named 'Afya Bora' (Perfect Health) qualified for the second round. And now we got the funding, meaning that the very first volunteer of Foundation Kiabakari will come here at the end of September to supervise the implementation of the project. A happy day indeed and a great result for all those in the foundation who contributed to the success. Well done, ladies and gentlemen! The link to the Ministry announcement is here.

Muffins

Tomorrow is the big day for children from our school. They are going on school tour to Serengeti National Park. You can only imagine how excited they are! Since I came to Kiabakari in 1991, I have never heard of any school tours in government primary schools in our area to Serengeti. So, tomorrow is a historic day. The very first ever school safari to the Pride of the Nation - the Serengeti National Park...

Desperate Housewives in Kiabakari

Mare&Mare just finishing the setup of their blog. They described themselves in their blog as Desperate Housewives in Kiabakari, hence the title of this post. The link to the blog, which I encourage all of you to follow, is here.

Over Fabulous Cake

M&M did a great job right at the beginning of their voluntary service in Kiabakari. They volunteered to cook a lunch for us and sisters. And they delivered great pumpkin soup, great biscuit-cream-jelly-fruit cake plus some other stuff like potato salad, fruit 'kompot' etc done by Aurelia, my housekeeper. It was a fantastic treat. And while I was giving the ladies company in the kitchen, serving as an ad-hoc translator to facilitate communication between Aurelia and M&M, we talked about the blog which many in Croatia, Poland and elsewhere were asking for, sharing with the wide audience the daily life and service of M&M in Kiabakari and Tanzania...

A Case Of You

Walking down the memory lane again, revisiting Joni Mitchell and her absolutely amazing song - 'A Case of You'. The lyrics are so powerful and tender at the same time, they move me deeply and shake the core of my sensitivity and feelings... Just wanted to share with you at this calm and peaceful Saturday evening hour...

M&M

Thank God Marianna and Marija arrived safely to Dar es Salaam yesterday. Thank God for Brother James and Sister Ewa who met them at the airport and gave shelter overnight and brought them back to the airport for the morning flight to Mwanza. Thank God for bringing me safely to Mwanza. Thank God for Father Janusz and the whole SMA community at their regional house in Bwiru, Mwanza, for allowing me to stay with them overnight and giving me a great company. Thank God for M&M safe flight to Mwanza and our first ever meeting and breaking ice there. Thank God for our safe journey to Kiabakari and our first ever lunch together at home...God is great. Always great!

Lighthouse Family

Their songs accompany me in the last two days as I tried to fight the clock and get everything in place and ready for the first volunteers who will give a comprehensive test to the renovated and refurbished St. Martha House and the premises...

Meetings

The day of several crucial meetings and visitors. My head is already spinning and still there is one more meeting 'sine qua non', but so far I have been very pleased and happy with the day's proceedings!

The Purpose Of Life

Just came across a video on YouTube of lake flies called in Tanzania 'sami'. These nasty tiny creatures have only one purpose in life, I reckon - annoying people big time! They life span is just a few hours up to a couple of days, but what they cause while living is beyond imagination. Not even mosquito nets can prevent them coming inside the house...

Wanawito

The title of this post is the term we use to call altar servers and all members belonging to so called Chama cha Wito in parishes - kind of vocational groups for primary and secondary schools, helping them to discover their skills, charismas, talents through sharing with their peers and also - through communal and private prayers - to discover their own vocation in life, be it priesthood, consecrated life, marriage or others vocation in their future adulthood...

Orphans

Two keywords of this Sunday Liturgy of the Word - "The Spirit of Truth" and "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you"."The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live." (from today's Gospel of Jn 14:15-21)

Symphony

This is exactly what it was tonight. A symphony of perfect football from my boys, FC Barcelona. I just can't believe how comes Man United became champions of Barclays Premier League this year with this kind of performance? They simply did not exist tonight. Well done, Barca! Cheers!

Jubilee Cross

Since October last year we have been celebrating a Jubilee Year of a Centenary of Christianity in Diocese of Musoma, since the establishment of the very first Catholic Mission in Nyegina in 1911 by White Fathers. One of the highlights of the program of the Jubilee is a peregrination of the Jubilee Cross in all parishes of the Diocese. Since two weeks the Cross has been visiting our deanery of Butiama, first Makutano Parish and today - an official handover of the Cross to Zanaki Parish. We have been there today...

Talking In The Night

After a few nights of good rest and sleep, though waking up in the middle of the night as it has become a routine since 2005 when I had my goiter almost completely removed and since then those interrupted nights begun...last night was one of those I barely had any sleep at all and found myself talking in the night...

Mother's Day

Today, on May 26, Poles all over the world celebrate Mother's Day. As I wrote in my previous post, this day is of mixed feeling, praying for my late Mum, missing her so much and also praying for all Mums all over the world, starting with my Godmother, Grandmothers and all Mums who played a crucial role in the process of my formation, education and shaping me to who I have become. Without you, dear Mums, I would not be who I am now. I dedicate this song to all of you - with love, gratitude and respect. God bless you much. Praying for you always...

Miss You...

Tomorrow is Mothers' Day in Poland. For the third year I celebrate this special day with a Holy Mass for my Mum and my spiritual pilgrimage to her grave in Rakowice Cemetery in Kraków. I miss her so much. It always is too late to love more and cherish more and care more... Too late...

Uprooted Tree

Uprooted and transferred. Just returned from Buturu, from a farewell dinner with the Resurrection sisters, in honor of Sr. Ewa, the superior, who is wrapping up her Tanzanian odyssey and after few years of selfless and dedicated work for girls and the school community of Chief Edward Wanzagi Secondary School in Buturu is getting ready to fly back to Poland...

In The Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful...

The Fifth Sunday of Easter. For me and for sixty five of my classmates from major seminary in Kraków - also  a 23rd anniversary of priestly ordination in Kraków's cathedral. Please, join us in thanksgiving today as we sing - the same way we sung on that day after ordination in the cathedral on Wawel Hill - 'In the Lord I'll be ever thankful'...

Agape

My sisters invited me to come over for the dinner tonight. It was a noble and kind gesture. The superior of the community explained that the sisters wanted to thank me for everything I did for them since the beginning till now and also to apologize for whatever mistakes and troubles they caused along the way. I was moved by this token of appreciation and apologies. I did the same in my short speech and it felt so great to connect on a higher level, after getting in terms with the past...

Signature

Job well done. What is left is to put signatures on payment vouchers for all involved in the renovation and refurbishment of St. Martha and St. Robert Bellarmin Houses i.e. the guest/volunteers house and the rectory. I'm positively happy and satisfied with the outcome of the works. Truly, my task force stood up to my expectations and standards set for this job...

Home

I laughed out loud a moment ago, when I opened an email from a friend of mine from Toronto, who sent me this video link on YouTube. I've been looking for precisely the same video for some time now, searching on YouTube, but in vain. Now, I got it! I love it, I love it, I love it! One of the best, if not the very best, short summaries of who we are as the Catholic Church. Whenever I watched it a year of two ago, it gave me goose bumps, and today, when I watch it again, the feeling is the same... Watch it, save the link and enjoy as much as I do!...

Quasimodo of Kiabakari

For a long period of time now, I meet an incarnation of Quasimodo of Notre-Dame in the church bell tower of the shrine. Whenever I go up to the shrine to ring the bell before the morning Mass, he is there, sitting high on the rail of the flight of stairs leading up to the bell, motionless and staring at me from above, as if making sure my ringing is up to standard. The thundering sound of the bell does not bother him at all as he sits and stares down, fully composed and focused on what I do...