This morning there was a special event. For the last 17 years, in Panama City, they hold what they call a Eucharistic Appointment. People are invited from over the country and, essentially, they hold a large open air Mass in a football stadium. To facilitate this many parishes drop a Mass or two to encourage people to travel.
I was expecting to see pretty much what you would see every Sunday here, just on a bigger scale. In fact, there was a lot more to it. This event is geared very much for young people and there were well over 10,000 of them present at the Mass, and very engaged with it. Last night they gathered for an all night vigil at the stadium which consisted of an extended sort of holy hour, a lot of singing and an awful lot of cheering and clapping - one of the things that Central and South Americans do very well is noise, very often very musical, but, sometimes, just noise. I didn't go to the vigil as I didn't fancy spending all night sitting on the ground in the heat - while it does cool down at night it only cools down to 26 degrees or so.
This morning when we arrived at the stadium there was already a huge amount of people who had taken their seats - those who arrive there earliest get the seats in the shade. A large number of priests, religious and quite a few of the country's bishops were also there. But the star of the show was the Panamanian youth. It's actually amazing to see 10,000 young people all singing and clapping together - really enjoying the whold experience. In my estimation, young people made up approximately 90% of the congregation.
Next year, Panama will host the World Youth Day Event with Pope Francis in attendance. On today's evidence, they will have no shortage whatever of very willing, and very capable volunteers. The day really was a credit to the organisers.
As we arrived they had laid on a really lovely breakfast for the priests, seminarians, and workers. This was followed up after the Mass by another feed, for lunch. But, in fairness, we needed it by the time the three-hour Mass in the sun was over (including a homily that lasted 46 minutes!). Since I was one of the ones asked to distribute communion, I was in one of the hospitality boxes for a lot of it but, when I went down to do my job I was in left in no doubt as to the fact that it had got extremely hot in the meantime.
It was an enlivening experience that also left me worn out by the end of it - enlivening because of the sheer enthusiasm, exhausting because of the heat.
In the afternoon one of my past pupils came to visit me. He had to leave the seminary due to health problems two years ago. He has now got the all clear and is considering returning to take up where he left off. A very fine guy - I was sort of hoping he might go for the Augustinians.
Sunday, 15 April 2018
Saturday, 14 April 2018
Home for Handicapped Children - Hogar San José
I was asked to say Mass this morning for the sisters that run a centre for handicapped children. These
are the Mother Teresa's sisters who came to Panama some years ago. The centre they run, called Hogar San José (St. Joseph's Home) is a very big operation. I'm not sure how many residents they have in the centre but it must be somewhere between 75 and 100. Many of these children have very severe handicap of one type or another. Most seem to have both physical and mental handicaps.
If it weren't for this centre, which is really a lovely place, I'm not too sure how these children would survive. Most Panamanian families just don't have the financial resources to provide for these children and the state is not in a position to help.While they do have a good public health service here, it doesn't appear to be working very well. People pay in to a social insurance scheme which, in theory, will ensure that they receive medical care for only a small fee. However, as I was reading in the newspaper here yesterday, the Seguro (the Social Insurance) has been the victim of corruption on more than one occasion. Most recently, it has come to light that a group of employees have creamed off more than $300,000. The paper makes the point that, once again, this has happened without any consequences other than the damage it does to the health service. Basic medicines are not available, the state can't afford to provide the basic medical and surgical services that are needed by so many, and people have no choice but to go to private clinics whose prices are beyond the means of most.
All of this means that the services provided by the sisters, and so many other church organisations, are absolutely vital for many Panamanian families. If the church were to withdraw from healthcare and the care of the elderly I can only imagine that things would quickly degenerate into social chaos. As it is, although the sisters do receive some state support, they are mostly reliant on donations to run their centre.
Many individuals and businesses are very generous in contributing but it does mean that the sisters are constantly on the lookout for help.
The sisters I met this morning are from India and the Phillippines. There common language is English but it is not easy to get an English-speaking priest to say Mass for them. That was the reason I was invited and we had a nice gathering. I will probably go back before I leave Panama.
If it weren't for this centre, which is really a lovely place, I'm not too sure how these children would survive. Most Panamanian families just don't have the financial resources to provide for these children and the state is not in a position to help.While they do have a good public health service here, it doesn't appear to be working very well. People pay in to a social insurance scheme which, in theory, will ensure that they receive medical care for only a small fee. However, as I was reading in the newspaper here yesterday, the Seguro (the Social Insurance) has been the victim of corruption on more than one occasion. Most recently, it has come to light that a group of employees have creamed off more than $300,000. The paper makes the point that, once again, this has happened without any consequences other than the damage it does to the health service. Basic medicines are not available, the state can't afford to provide the basic medical and surgical services that are needed by so many, and people have no choice but to go to private clinics whose prices are beyond the means of most.
Many individuals and businesses are very generous in contributing but it does mean that the sisters are constantly on the lookout for help.
The sisters I met this morning are from India and the Phillippines. There common language is English but it is not easy to get an English-speaking priest to say Mass for them. That was the reason I was invited and we had a nice gathering. I will probably go back before I leave Panama.
Friday, 13 April 2018
Lots to do
Today has turned in to a busier day than expected. I began with three hours of one to one teaching with a student who has fallen quite a bit behind. The hope is that he might do better in this tutorial type situation. He is a very fine guy but when it comes to academic things, it is all uphill for him. He'll get there, but it will take a lot of work for him.
After class was finished I had a meeting where I was asked to teach another course - this time to a group of 87 lay people who work as catechists in their various parishes and communities. I have worked with this group before. They are really lovely. They do their day's work and then come to spend two and a half hours twice a week listening to lectures. I will be guiding them in an introduction to Theology. I'm looking forward to it, although I know it will be a challenge.
After the meeting we had to go to the opening of the monthly retreat for the seminarians. I will be giving the retreat next month but I certainly won't be as energetic as the man they have this time. He was full of beans - but he also preached for a very long time.
I'm off now to hear confessions in a university. I have done this before, too, and I know it will be busy. The chaplain of the university is a past pupil of mine so it's nice to be able to help
After class was finished I had a meeting where I was asked to teach another course - this time to a group of 87 lay people who work as catechists in their various parishes and communities. I have worked with this group before. They are really lovely. They do their day's work and then come to spend two and a half hours twice a week listening to lectures. I will be guiding them in an introduction to Theology. I'm looking forward to it, although I know it will be a challenge.
After the meeting we had to go to the opening of the monthly retreat for the seminarians. I will be giving the retreat next month but I certainly won't be as energetic as the man they have this time. He was full of beans - but he also preached for a very long time.
I'm off now to hear confessions in a university. I have done this before, too, and I know it will be busy. The chaplain of the university is a past pupil of mine so it's nice to be able to help
Thursday, 12 April 2018
When Art is not Beautiful
The fabric of the building of the seminary has seen better days. There is none of the buildings that
would not benefit from refurbishment and some of that work has already begun. Over the past year the chapel has been renovated. Previously, it was a dark and really pretty grim place. Now they have certainly brightened it up by putting in a new floor, a new sanctuary area, and a much brighter colour on the walls. Of course, as with any property, once you do up one part of it, the state of the other parts becomes evident.
I am told that they will be painting the main building over the coming months although it seems that the priority is being given to the outside of the building even though much of the inside has peeling paintwork and shabby walls. I'm sure they will get around to it eventually, but, I suspect that the facelift that is currently taking place may have something to do with the upcoming World Youth Day celebrations that are to take place in Panama next January. Pope Francis is expected to attend the celebrations and, while it is unlikely that he, personally, will visit the seminary, I imagine that there will be a lot of international visitors looking for accomodation around the time of the gathering.
One more word on the chapel: the patron of Panama is St. Mary, the Ancient (Santa Maria la Antigua). This is a picture that has quite an interesting history.
It began its life in one of the chapels of the cathedral of Seville (Spain). When this cathedral was remodelled in the 14th century the old building was largely demolished. However, one of the walls that remained standing was the wall on which this particular image hung - hence, the ancient. Out of devotion for this image, with the discovery of America, two men called Enciso and Balboa, founded a city called Santa Maria la Antigua del Darien (Darien is a province of Panama) and, having vanquished the local "Indian" leader in battle, they consecrated his house as a chapel under this advocation.
This was the first chapel to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin in the new world.
In 1671 the city was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt close towhere modern-day Panama City lies. Having been the patron of the diocese of Panama City since the 16th century, Santa Maria la Antigua was named as patron of the Panamanian nation in the year 2000.
Practically all churches here have a copy of the image in one form or another. In the new chapel for the seminary they decided to have the image made as a sculpture. Unfortunately, the sculptor's considered view of what is beautiful doesn't correspond with the opinion of most other people. You judge for yourself. I apologise for not being able to insert the picture the right way up.
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| New Chapel in Seminary |
I am told that they will be painting the main building over the coming months although it seems that the priority is being given to the outside of the building even though much of the inside has peeling paintwork and shabby walls. I'm sure they will get around to it eventually, but, I suspect that the facelift that is currently taking place may have something to do with the upcoming World Youth Day celebrations that are to take place in Panama next January. Pope Francis is expected to attend the celebrations and, while it is unlikely that he, personally, will visit the seminary, I imagine that there will be a lot of international visitors looking for accomodation around the time of the gathering.
 |
| The Original Santa Maria La Antigua |
It began its life in one of the chapels of the cathedral of Seville (Spain). When this cathedral was remodelled in the 14th century the old building was largely demolished. However, one of the walls that remained standing was the wall on which this particular image hung - hence, the ancient. Out of devotion for this image, with the discovery of America, two men called Enciso and Balboa, founded a city called Santa Maria la Antigua del Darien (Darien is a province of Panama) and, having vanquished the local "Indian" leader in battle, they consecrated his house as a chapel under this advocation.
This was the first chapel to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin in the new world.
Practically all churches here have a copy of the image in one form or another. In the new chapel for the seminary they decided to have the image made as a sculpture. Unfortunately, the sculptor's considered view of what is beautiful doesn't correspond with the opinion of most other people. You judge for yourself. I apologise for not being able to insert the picture the right way up.
Wednesday, 11 April 2018
When you just can't get enough chicken...
From when I got here on Sunday evening (it is now Wednesday) all the meals, with the exception of
one, have been the same - Chicken and Rice. A piece of chicken, either fried or roasted served with boiled rice which sometimes has some corn through it. While it is certainly fine as food goes, and is definitely a lot more than many people have, it is, I'm afraid, a bit repetitive. But that's only for me. To the Panamanian palate - and indeed, throughout Central and South America - it is considered to be a very good meal and is one that they enjoy very much.
Even in the very North American style shopping malls that have the usual food courts it is very noticeable that the Panamanians have little interest in the burgers and chips or the chinese food - they will, prevalently, opt for chicken and rice here too. There is a Panamanian fast food chain called Mr. Pollo (Mr. Chicken) that definitely has longer queues than McDonald's or anything else like that.
There is some variety even within the paramaters of chicken and rice. Sometimes it is as described above while at other times the chicken is chopped up and mixed in with the rice. This actually a different dish and is called Rice with Chicken.
Panama, unlike many American countries, is known for the variety of meat in its diet. In the seminary, however, where they are on a very tight budget, chicken is the default dish.
Rice is never absent from the main meals. Yesterday evening there was as special gathering of some of the seminarians who are from the same diocese - in this case the Archdiocese of Panama (City). The 13 seminarians, together with the group of Korean seminarians, gathered to share a pizza and some minerals. As the pizza was served plates of rice arrived to accompany them - if you don't have rice, you haven't eaten.
Today, at lunch time, I was told that we would be having a change from chicken. What they didn't tell me was that we were having Mondongo which is a dish made from tripe and other similar things gleaned from a cow which was served with boiled plantain and, of course, rice.
I will eat most things but I have a real problem with Mondongo. I just can't take either the taste or the texture - especially the texture. The Panamanians seem to love it but, I'm afraid, watching them eat it makes my stomach lurch - which they roar laughing about!!!
However, the ladies in the kitchen remembered my previous experiences with Mondongo and had something different for me - Chicken and Rice! And, boy, was I glad of it!
 | |
| Mondongo |
Even in the very North American style shopping malls that have the usual food courts it is very noticeable that the Panamanians have little interest in the burgers and chips or the chinese food - they will, prevalently, opt for chicken and rice here too. There is a Panamanian fast food chain called Mr. Pollo (Mr. Chicken) that definitely has longer queues than McDonald's or anything else like that.
There is some variety even within the paramaters of chicken and rice. Sometimes it is as described above while at other times the chicken is chopped up and mixed in with the rice. This actually a different dish and is called Rice with Chicken.
Panama, unlike many American countries, is known for the variety of meat in its diet. In the seminary, however, where they are on a very tight budget, chicken is the default dish.
 |
| Boiled Plantain |
Today, at lunch time, I was told that we would be having a change from chicken. What they didn't tell me was that we were having Mondongo which is a dish made from tripe and other similar things gleaned from a cow which was served with boiled plantain and, of course, rice.
I will eat most things but I have a real problem with Mondongo. I just can't take either the taste or the texture - especially the texture. The Panamanians seem to love it but, I'm afraid, watching them eat it makes my stomach lurch - which they roar laughing about!!!
However, the ladies in the kitchen remembered my previous experiences with Mondongo and had something different for me - Chicken and Rice! And, boy, was I glad of it!
Tuesday, 10 April 2018
Heat and Air Conditioning
When I arrived on Sunday evening I was met by the usual Panamanian heat which tends to be accompanied by quite a high degree of humidity. I have experienced this before, of course, but I have never really gotten used to it.
Yesterday morning was actually quite fresh by Panamanian standards. The temperature reached 32 degrees by 11am and seemed to be staying there. In the afternoon clouds gathered and there were some spots of rain. This normally means that the temperature will drop by a number of degrees but, unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case yesterday. The rain never materialised and, by 3pm the temperature had gone up to 37 degrees - and humid.
The only way to deal with this sort of heat is to remind yourself to take things slowly. That sounds easier than it actually is. It's hard not to stride out just as you would normally but, if you do, you will soon have to slow down and maybe even stop for a few minutes. The heat very quickly drains you - or at least me - of energy. This only makes it more amazing for me to see the seminarians playing football and basketball in the afternoon sun. They are acclimatised to the weather and have no difficulty running and jumping in the same heat that just wears me out.
I went with Eric, one of the seminarians, as far as the local supermarket yesterday afternoon - a walk of perhaps 15 minutes but, by the time I got there I was absolutely boiling and drenched with sweat. I have heard it said that horses sweat and people perspire - but there is no doubt in my mind but that I was sweating: more than any horse!
The air conditioning in the store was very welcome and provided a welcome respite, even though I knew I would have to do the same again in a few minutes - except this time would be uphill.
I find the air conditioning to be wonderful but all the advice is that it is not good for your health to go from hot to cold and back again. In fact, every year when I have been here I have got chest infections for this very reason. However, it's either use the air conditioning or sleep - I can't do both.
The seminarians don't like, or very even want, air conditioning. In the newly refurbished chapel they have installed air conditioning but, at Mass yesterday and today, it was switched off: I thought I was going to leave a puddle where I was standing. I'm hoping that over the coming weeks I will be better able to put up with the heat.
For the moment, I'm still in transition from 10 degrees in Dublin as I left to 32 degrees here this morning. The forecast for the afternoon is thunderstorms (which are spectacular here) which will hopefully bring the temperature down. In the meantime, I begin teaching today with a three-hour class - in a room with no air conditioning.
Yesterday morning was actually quite fresh by Panamanian standards. The temperature reached 32 degrees by 11am and seemed to be staying there. In the afternoon clouds gathered and there were some spots of rain. This normally means that the temperature will drop by a number of degrees but, unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case yesterday. The rain never materialised and, by 3pm the temperature had gone up to 37 degrees - and humid.
The only way to deal with this sort of heat is to remind yourself to take things slowly. That sounds easier than it actually is. It's hard not to stride out just as you would normally but, if you do, you will soon have to slow down and maybe even stop for a few minutes. The heat very quickly drains you - or at least me - of energy. This only makes it more amazing for me to see the seminarians playing football and basketball in the afternoon sun. They are acclimatised to the weather and have no difficulty running and jumping in the same heat that just wears me out.
I went with Eric, one of the seminarians, as far as the local supermarket yesterday afternoon - a walk of perhaps 15 minutes but, by the time I got there I was absolutely boiling and drenched with sweat. I have heard it said that horses sweat and people perspire - but there is no doubt in my mind but that I was sweating: more than any horse!
The air conditioning in the store was very welcome and provided a welcome respite, even though I knew I would have to do the same again in a few minutes - except this time would be uphill.
I find the air conditioning to be wonderful but all the advice is that it is not good for your health to go from hot to cold and back again. In fact, every year when I have been here I have got chest infections for this very reason. However, it's either use the air conditioning or sleep - I can't do both.
The seminarians don't like, or very even want, air conditioning. In the newly refurbished chapel they have installed air conditioning but, at Mass yesterday and today, it was switched off: I thought I was going to leave a puddle where I was standing. I'm hoping that over the coming weeks I will be better able to put up with the heat.
For the moment, I'm still in transition from 10 degrees in Dublin as I left to 32 degrees here this morning. The forecast for the afternoon is thunderstorms (which are spectacular here) which will hopefully bring the temperature down. In the meantime, I begin teaching today with a three-hour class - in a room with no air conditioning.
Monday, 9 April 2018
Arrived - 2018
I arrived yesterday evening after what felt like an unending day. Getting up at 3am I got an email from KLM telling me that my flight from Dublin had been cancelled but that they could accommodate me on a later flight with Aer Lingus (to Amsterdam) at 6.15am (instead of 5.55am). That was fine except for the fact that the email was in French and I wasn't entirel sure of everything in it. Anyway, I had no choice. Then, at 3.45am, I received another email from KLM telling me that my flight would now be at 2pm - this was worrying as my connecting flight from Amsterdam to Panama was due to depart at 1pm.
As it happens, the Aer Lingus staff were great and put me on the earlier flight and I arrived to Amsterdam where I had a 4 and a half hour wait for my next flight.
This flight was to last 10 hours and 50 minutes and was absolutely packed with people - it's a long time since I have seen a totally full flight going anywhere! The plane was comfortable but it was a bit of a squeeze - let's just say that the lady beside me was a similar size to myself - when we arrived in Panama we were absolutely wrecked.
I was met at the airport by the Rector of the seminary who told me that they have quite a few things lined up for me - more of that another day; and by the time we got to the seminary I was only fit for the bed.
This morning I was up at 5am for Mass and got a lovely welcome back from the seminarians. It was great to see so many familiar faces and I'm looking forward to getting down to business but I have no lectures today (the first time I didn't have class on my first morning) which is great as I am still a bit washed out after the journey yesterday.
I met some of the Augustinian students this morning. They have 16 in the first year of the pre-novitiate. They seem to vary in age but are a really lovely group. I expect I'll get to know them a bit better over the coming weeks.
I'm off now to unpack and get the room organised. This year I have been given a very nice room - a bedroom and a study, which makes things much more comfortable than in former years - and thank God for air conditioning.
N
As it happens, the Aer Lingus staff were great and put me on the earlier flight and I arrived to Amsterdam where I had a 4 and a half hour wait for my next flight.
This flight was to last 10 hours and 50 minutes and was absolutely packed with people - it's a long time since I have seen a totally full flight going anywhere! The plane was comfortable but it was a bit of a squeeze - let's just say that the lady beside me was a similar size to myself - when we arrived in Panama we were absolutely wrecked.
I was met at the airport by the Rector of the seminary who told me that they have quite a few things lined up for me - more of that another day; and by the time we got to the seminary I was only fit for the bed.
This morning I was up at 5am for Mass and got a lovely welcome back from the seminarians. It was great to see so many familiar faces and I'm looking forward to getting down to business but I have no lectures today (the first time I didn't have class on my first morning) which is great as I am still a bit washed out after the journey yesterday.
I met some of the Augustinian students this morning. They have 16 in the first year of the pre-novitiate. They seem to vary in age but are a really lovely group. I expect I'll get to know them a bit better over the coming weeks.
I'm off now to unpack and get the room organised. This year I have been given a very nice room - a bedroom and a study, which makes things much more comfortable than in former years - and thank God for air conditioning.
N
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