JERUSALEM: UPDATE FROM THE RATISBONNE

by Bro. Steve DeMaio

(Jerusalem – January 4) – Greetings from the Holy Land, and a happy New Year! Christmas has quickly come to an end, our first semester of classes has finished, a new year has started, and we thought now would be a good time to send a short note of update and appreciation from all of us here at the house of theology in Jerusalem: Fr. Eric Wyckoff and Bros. John Langan, Lenny Carlino, Craig Spence, and Steve DeMaio.

We have had a really blessed first semester both academically and in terms of our community life (45 Salesians from 20 different countries). It has been a beautiful experience to get to know sons of Don Bosco from all over the world, each one sharing different gifts, learning from each other, and deepening our commitment to our Salesian vocation.

We had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate both the Midnight Mass as well as a Mass on Christmas Day in Bethlehem. It was difficult at times not to become distracted by the flock of restless pilgrims, each of us vying for our precious few moments at the place where Christ was born, but what a wonderful blessing indeed!

We will go on our annual retreat at the end of January, followed by the beginning of the second semester. We should be back in the States sometime in June.

Please be assured of our prayers for the province and all of you who continue to support us. We thank you sincerely for the prayers you offer on our behalf.  Stay joyful!