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| Hipolito "Hijo" - a member of San Lucas, the mother church of La Anunciacion where I work, was ordained to the transitional diaconate this past weekend at the Diocesan Convention. Although I know his parents, sister and his daughter really well, I don't know Hipolito very well, but since my first encounter, I've been impressed and awed by his spirituality and faith. he's one of those people you just know are going to be a good priest... Felicidades Hipolito! |
| Diocesan Convention: La Romana |
| in the beginning of february, i made my first "real" trip to the south side of this island... by bus to santo domingo, taxi to another bus and bus to la romana, we arrived at the diocesan convention 11am friday morning. after some confusion as to whether there really was a missionary in santiago and whether or not my priest really paid for me, i was sent on my way to spend the weekend learning more about the dominican church, meeting people and having fun with new friends. during the weekend, the son of my friend was ordained to the diaconate, a "seasoned" man was ordained a priest and numerous people were confirmed in their faith. i will be honest, the spiritual side of the convention - mass and prayer - was lacking and definitely far from what i've come to expect from church here. for some reason, we sang along traditional american hymns, translated to spanish, with an organ. in a country this full of diversity and with such a beautiful culture, it confused me as to why we would be praising God in the "American" culture.Some day I think we'll all get over the fact that the "white" way to worship is NOT the only way. |
| at the sunday eucharist, i had the great pleasure of seeing and HUGGING! my friends Jackie Robe and Joan Kline from the Diocese of Southwest Florida. These two women have been nothing but supportive of my mission from the beginning. Southwest Florida AND the Dominican are lucky to have them :). Jackie came with presents that will help to enhance my ministry with children who live in the neighborhood. i am infinitely grateful to this woman for all she has given me. (she also came with tons of CDs from my friend Mandy). Dr. Bob Stevens, another friend from Southwest Florida, was also in attendance and it was great to catch up with him and chat. |
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| this is a picture of everyone getting ready to process to the church for the ordination on saturday morning. what an event! the color guard from the local episcopal high school, every priest vested in red, three bishops and every delegate and visitor to convention marched from the park to the church, filling up the street! |
| Dia de la Independencia |
| the 27th of february marks the independence of the dominican people. the founding fathers, Duarte, Sanchez and Mella are exalted during the entire month of february... or "mes de la patria." the 27th also marks the biggest carnaval celebration, an old tradition similar to carnaval in brazil. the kids in the school marched through the neighborhood singing and chanting Click on the photos to view them larger.click here to see more photos. |
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