May 27: Cultural Night

"Bem vindos! Bem vindas! Irmaois e Irmas das comunidades do povo de Deus! Welcome, Welcome! Brothers and Sisters of the communities, people of God!" (from a song)

Tonight, under the fullness of Brother Moon, we celebrated the beauty of our different cultures. After dinner on the terrace, the rooftop became the stage for sharing our stories....

From the U.S.- we had a good work out with the "hockey pockey" and "YMCA"! And from Germany, Sr. Franzeska led the group on a wonderful "hike" to the tune of Wanderleia. Sr. Magdalena impressed everyone with the catchy little song she composed naming the rivers of the world, and her "love of Germany the best!"

From Asia, we were graced with the melody of the fragrant jasmine flower; a folkstory about a couple fighting over an eel that led to a marriage dispute! ("They need counseling," Sr. Agnes added!) We also had a fan dance by Sr. Veronica; tai chi sword demonstration by Sr. Catherine, and tai chi by Sr. Agnes.

From Belem, we had a presentation on caring for the earth, with environmental bags presented to all made by Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Belem to remind us that at the heart of nature is life.

Salvador and Belem later joined together to show us the very lively quadrilha- folk dance!

And, we got a glimpse into life in the different tribes of Namibia through the Sisters sharing their stories!

A visit with Bishop Johannes, ofm

Today we took a 3 hour trip (one-way) to Obidos along the Amazon river to visit with Bishop Bernardo Johannes Bahlmann, OFM. At Santarem pier, our adventures began...

The Amazon is the largest green and fresh water reserve in the world! One of its rivers, the Negro River, has an average depth of 230 feet-- enought to submerge a 20-story building! Here is one of the dwellings of the people living along the Amazon river.

Welcome to Obidos!

Around 250 years old, Obidos was a former Portuguese fort. The area is 182,000 square kilometers- 1/2 the size of Germany! There are 253,000 people living here. In 1950, it had its first Bishop. Bishop Johannes, is the present bishop. He is the first German Franciscan to become bishop.

Meet another of the friars! And the wonderful women who prepared our lunch meal (and afternoon snacks before departure)! Fish lasagna or meat lasagna anyone?... :) Coke or a cool guarana cola?

The Bishop's residence and friary. In their small chapel, they have bricks supporting the cross in front of the area map of Obidos. Bishop Johannes said he has 20 priests from 8 different countries! that he is working with. Truly, a work of the church--"built brick by brick...living stone."

Bye bye Obidos! Tchau!

E Na Lima Hana: By Our Working Hands

On our first day together, Sr. Joanne Riggs led the Sisters in opening prayer using the Hawaiian song: "E Na Lima Hana." This is a song about "Our Working Hands." *Here we show Sr. Anne, our facilitator enjoying a bit of break with Sr. Bernadette. In the next picture is Sr. Mary, our other facilitator. Wonderful t-shirt!

Today's post is dedicated to those who work in front, and behind the scenes...

Sr. Wanderleria...our fabulous "commuting" technical support (and her brother) to clean computer viruses, give all kinds of support, etc !

Here are some of our typing translators...and, our speaking translators...Sr. Maria, osf (left); Joanne, Maryknoll Lay Missionary (right)



Of course, our paper runners (passers-out) and microphone runner are very important too!


And, our technical department-- sound system and battery changer for the translation equipment and microphone.

From the secretariate, Sr. Beatrice; and our time-keeper...Sr. Klara!

And, over all-- (I keep her busy as well!), Sr. Petronila, distributing our tickets to Obidos!

We praise the Lord, for those who keep our environment nice and clean as well...for all other helping hands! Thank you! Obrigada!

Natureza em Harmonia: Nature in Harmony

"The indigenous people have a lot teach us...of how to listen to the rocks, flowers, and others...of how to live together, to be sustainable, to heal ourselves...Please be small cornerstones of courage." -Fr. Amarildo, homily May 24th

Praised be the Lord, through sister light, who leads our way...

All creation, praise the Lord!

Alter do Chao is a truly beautiful peninsula! In the morning one wakes to the songs of yellow birds, green little ones, red-topped head ones, black vultures... In the afternoon, after a long discussion, it seems as if the Tapajos river is part SMIC as well, as the boats take on a life of their own, dialoguing with each other over the "clapping of the waves" of the rising tide. Here we share-- natureza em harmonia, nature photos courtesty of Sr. Paulina Tsai.