My dear Friends
I am beginning to unwind from the last 2 journeys. In Pomeyrol I was able to share a little of my mission and ask them to pray for me. The prayer of everyone is the 'petrol' which keeps me going on my journeys. but the inner journey is the most important, and I felt the grace of being close to God and hopefully doing His will.
On the second evening, I was invited to an ecumenical prayer meeting in the old Protestant church of Arles, an extraordinary building with columns which dates back to the French Revolution. This meeting occurred on Kol Nidrei, the eve of Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish religion, when people fast and pray, asking for Atonement for themselves and for the world.We sang in Hebrew, hinay ma tov uma naim, behold how good and pleasant a tribe of brothers living together. This is the psalm I always invite people at the end of my concerts for Peace and Reconciliation to sing with me.
At the end of this meeting with Christians of different denominations, I was able to describe what Yom Kippur means to the Jewish people, and point out that all of us present were praying in solidarity with them.
Arles is a beautiful town-I only saw it in the dark and would like to revisit it. I felt something very good happened that night, the fruits of which will hopefully ripple out in the future.
Shabbat Shalom
Sister Gila
(to be continued.)
Saturday, 29 September 2007
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Paris and St Etienne-du-Gres
My dear Friends
It 's 9 pm and I am exhausted, having only returned from my trip in the early evening. But it has been truly amazing, rich in experiences, all them of happy, I am delighted to say! It was a wonderful idea to take my guitar: I met a group of retired American ladies on the Eurostar, who asked me to play, and as the train set off, I already had my foot on the seat to balance the guitar and I was playing and singing! It was an incredible feeling of freedom and lightness and the trip continued that way.
We spent a lovely musical evening at Alexia's house, with her parents and neighbours, reminiscing with 'old' modern French songs by Jacques Brele and others. My bedroom overlooked the church in Villecresnes, and Alexia and I had a walk by the river close to the woods, which are abundant in that part of the world, about 30 minutes drive from Paris.
Going back to St Etienne-du-Gre in Provence, near Tarascon, was very moving for me. It was there, with the Sisters of Pomeyrol, that the grace happened in 1998 for The Little Sisters of Joy to be born. Retracing my steps, I remembered almost every detail of the landscape, quite a unique one, a kind of golden light everywhere, with cypress trees - Les Cypres.
The first night in the community I was quite cold in the middle of the night. In the morning I didn't want to get sick, so I took myself off to the bar in the village and had a coffee and a stiff brandy - this story went round the village, as I discovered when I went to the mass in the Catholic Church the following Sunday Sunday!
So much more to tell, but its getting late and I need to sleep so will finish tomorrow.
Sleep well, dormez bien
Sister Gila
It 's 9 pm and I am exhausted, having only returned from my trip in the early evening. But it has been truly amazing, rich in experiences, all them of happy, I am delighted to say! It was a wonderful idea to take my guitar: I met a group of retired American ladies on the Eurostar, who asked me to play, and as the train set off, I already had my foot on the seat to balance the guitar and I was playing and singing! It was an incredible feeling of freedom and lightness and the trip continued that way.
We spent a lovely musical evening at Alexia's house, with her parents and neighbours, reminiscing with 'old' modern French songs by Jacques Brele and others. My bedroom overlooked the church in Villecresnes, and Alexia and I had a walk by the river close to the woods, which are abundant in that part of the world, about 30 minutes drive from Paris.
Going back to St Etienne-du-Gre in Provence, near Tarascon, was very moving for me. It was there, with the Sisters of Pomeyrol, that the grace happened in 1998 for The Little Sisters of Joy to be born. Retracing my steps, I remembered almost every detail of the landscape, quite a unique one, a kind of golden light everywhere, with cypress trees - Les Cypres.
The first night in the community I was quite cold in the middle of the night. In the morning I didn't want to get sick, so I took myself off to the bar in the village and had a coffee and a stiff brandy - this story went round the village, as I discovered when I went to the mass in the Catholic Church the following Sunday Sunday!
So much more to tell, but its getting late and I need to sleep so will finish tomorrow.
Sleep well, dormez bien
Sister Gila
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Return from Hungary
My dear Friends
Coming home is always hard and I am only beginning to readjust. But in less than 10 days time I go on another trip. This time to Paris and the South of France. Alexia has invited me to visit her home in Villescresnes, on the outskirts of the city, and I do so with joy. I will also travel to the South, to a village in Provence called St-Etienne-du-Gres, which means St Stephen of the Sandstone. I stayed there with the Sisters of Pomeyrol nearly 9 years ago and this is where The Little Sisters of Joy started. I have always wanted to return...
I will make a retreat there, spending the few days praying and living very quietly, reflecting on all that happened in Hungary. And it will be very special, as it will be Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in the Jewish calendar, following on from Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is the custom to fast, and I remember being very struck by the beauty and holiness on that day in my childhood, the Synagogue full, the music deeply moving, the men dressed in white.
The Jewish New Year (13 &14 Sep) is one of the main liturgical events in my life, even now, perhaps more so than ever. A time of new beginnings, soul-searching, apples and honey and penitential prayers. A time of renewal and reconciliation.
Please think of me as you come to the end of your summer-which I hope has been filled with many good things.
Happy New Year!
Sister Gila
Coming home is always hard and I am only beginning to readjust. But in less than 10 days time I go on another trip. This time to Paris and the South of France. Alexia has invited me to visit her home in Villescresnes, on the outskirts of the city, and I do so with joy. I will also travel to the South, to a village in Provence called St-Etienne-du-Gres, which means St Stephen of the Sandstone. I stayed there with the Sisters of Pomeyrol nearly 9 years ago and this is where The Little Sisters of Joy started. I have always wanted to return...
I will make a retreat there, spending the few days praying and living very quietly, reflecting on all that happened in Hungary. And it will be very special, as it will be Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in the Jewish calendar, following on from Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is the custom to fast, and I remember being very struck by the beauty and holiness on that day in my childhood, the Synagogue full, the music deeply moving, the men dressed in white.
The Jewish New Year (13 &14 Sep) is one of the main liturgical events in my life, even now, perhaps more so than ever. A time of new beginnings, soul-searching, apples and honey and penitential prayers. A time of renewal and reconciliation.
Please think of me as you come to the end of your summer-which I hope has been filled with many good things.
Happy New Year!
Sister Gila
Thursday, 30 August 2007
Hungary
My dear Friends
I have now been here for over a week, and every day gets more and more fascinating. Today I discovered a little more about the Jewish community who used to live in my friend's town in the foothils, thirty minutes drive from Budapest. I visted the former Synagogue, with Hebrew writing still visible at the entrance, and the space where the ark was present with the Torah scrolls. I said a prayer in Hebrew.- Later, going to the local museum, I discovered that they were still holding services in 1964.
A couple of days ago, we visited Budapest for the day. Up high in a cafe overlooking the Danube, I danced to the gipsy music. The Hebraic melodies reminded me of my mother...I bought a hand made cloth and we went to the fountain, beside the national Museum, where we had an interesting conversation about Peace and Reconciliation with a friendly American couple. The museum was beautiful, the style of hungarian art dark but beautiful, representing many historical scenes from the past.
Unfortunately I don't have a digital camera, only an old fashioned one, so I can't produce any pictures...I hope my descriptions are graphic enough for you to use your imagination...
The goulas soup in the local restaurant today was something special'
One thing leads to another, and on 18th September I will make a trip to Paris to see Alexia. Meanwhile Tunde and I continue our holiday in her home town until I return next tuesday.
Be well and have a good weekend
Sister Gila
I have now been here for over a week, and every day gets more and more fascinating. Today I discovered a little more about the Jewish community who used to live in my friend's town in the foothils, thirty minutes drive from Budapest. I visted the former Synagogue, with Hebrew writing still visible at the entrance, and the space where the ark was present with the Torah scrolls. I said a prayer in Hebrew.- Later, going to the local museum, I discovered that they were still holding services in 1964.
A couple of days ago, we visited Budapest for the day. Up high in a cafe overlooking the Danube, I danced to the gipsy music. The Hebraic melodies reminded me of my mother...I bought a hand made cloth and we went to the fountain, beside the national Museum, where we had an interesting conversation about Peace and Reconciliation with a friendly American couple. The museum was beautiful, the style of hungarian art dark but beautiful, representing many historical scenes from the past.
Unfortunately I don't have a digital camera, only an old fashioned one, so I can't produce any pictures...I hope my descriptions are graphic enough for you to use your imagination...
The goulas soup in the local restaurant today was something special'
One thing leads to another, and on 18th September I will make a trip to Paris to see Alexia. Meanwhile Tunde and I continue our holiday in her home town until I return next tuesday.
Be well and have a good weekend
Sister Gila
Saturday, 11 August 2007
Shabbat shalom
My dear Friends
Once again, Shabbat Shalom! It is hard to believe that the Shabbat has come round again. It as about 6am, I am in my friend's flat having a holiday cum retreat while she is away.The sunrise is gorgeous, the window next to me overlooks the recreation ground and there are streaks of gold highlighting an otherwise pale blue sky. The heatwave promises to continue...
I said goodbye to the Israelis yesterday. They are returning to Israel on Sunday. I went to the shop and bought a special challah (braided loaf) for them so that they could bring in the Shabbat somewhere behind the Round church in Cambridge. I said to my special friend that I hope I would see them again one day in the Land...Meanwhile I pray that they are kept safe, along with everyone else in that troubled place.
So, for me, a time of the 4 R's - Rest, recreation , relaxation and renewal. I will go to mass and then chill out with a little reading and in the silence try to listen to 'the voice of eternity', where all our striving will cease and there will be an everlasting Shabbat.
Sister Gila
Once again, Shabbat Shalom! It is hard to believe that the Shabbat has come round again. It as about 6am, I am in my friend's flat having a holiday cum retreat while she is away.The sunrise is gorgeous, the window next to me overlooks the recreation ground and there are streaks of gold highlighting an otherwise pale blue sky. The heatwave promises to continue...
I said goodbye to the Israelis yesterday. They are returning to Israel on Sunday. I went to the shop and bought a special challah (braided loaf) for them so that they could bring in the Shabbat somewhere behind the Round church in Cambridge. I said to my special friend that I hope I would see them again one day in the Land...Meanwhile I pray that they are kept safe, along with everyone else in that troubled place.
So, for me, a time of the 4 R's - Rest, recreation , relaxation and renewal. I will go to mass and then chill out with a little reading and in the silence try to listen to 'the voice of eternity', where all our striving will cease and there will be an everlasting Shabbat.
Sister Gila
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Hava nagila - let's rejoice!
My dear Friends
Something really beautiful happened yesterday.
On Thursday afternoon I was sure I heard some young people speaking in Hebrew. And yes! they were a group of students from all over Israel who are in Cambridge with their madricha (group leader). Somehow we got talking about the shabbat, the Sabbath celebration which always falls on a Friday evening. I suggested that I could buy the wine and the challah, the special braided bread, and would they like me to bring my guitar?
Yesterday at 5pm we all gathered for the celebration and we were able to use the green space with the silver brich trees where they have the local craft market - it is right on Trinity Street, opposite St John's. I had laid out the bread, covered with a Shabbat cloth, the wine and the candlesticks(in the end we forgot the candles but it was still broad daylight). One of the young men put a handkerchief on his head (as is the custom to cover your head) and recited the blessing over the wine. We drank. Then a young girl recited the blessing over the bread. It was a privilege to tear it off (with salt on it, it represents a welcome in many countries) and hand it round in chunks. We sang in the Shabbat bride with lecah dodi, likrat kala, come my Beloved, to meet the bride, let us welcome the face of the Sabbath...
By this time there was a wonderful atmosphere, and the cameras were clicking. Then it was time to sing again! I took up my guitar and we sang rousingly hinay ma tov uma naim (Psalm 133), Jerusalem of Gold, and many more. I gave them a rendering of Tsur Mishelo, one of the most beautiful Shabbat table hymns.
I had already told them I was a Christian. They had many questions but we were one, in the ushering in of the Sabbath. There, under the trees, in the open air, it could have been Jerusalem....
Shabbat Shalom
Sister Gila
Something really beautiful happened yesterday.
On Thursday afternoon I was sure I heard some young people speaking in Hebrew. And yes! they were a group of students from all over Israel who are in Cambridge with their madricha (group leader). Somehow we got talking about the shabbat, the Sabbath celebration which always falls on a Friday evening. I suggested that I could buy the wine and the challah, the special braided bread, and would they like me to bring my guitar?
Yesterday at 5pm we all gathered for the celebration and we were able to use the green space with the silver brich trees where they have the local craft market - it is right on Trinity Street, opposite St John's. I had laid out the bread, covered with a Shabbat cloth, the wine and the candlesticks(in the end we forgot the candles but it was still broad daylight). One of the young men put a handkerchief on his head (as is the custom to cover your head) and recited the blessing over the wine. We drank. Then a young girl recited the blessing over the bread. It was a privilege to tear it off (with salt on it, it represents a welcome in many countries) and hand it round in chunks. We sang in the Shabbat bride with lecah dodi, likrat kala, come my Beloved, to meet the bride, let us welcome the face of the Sabbath...
By this time there was a wonderful atmosphere, and the cameras were clicking. Then it was time to sing again! I took up my guitar and we sang rousingly hinay ma tov uma naim (Psalm 133), Jerusalem of Gold, and many more. I gave them a rendering of Tsur Mishelo, one of the most beautiful Shabbat table hymns.
I had already told them I was a Christian. They had many questions but we were one, in the ushering in of the Sabbath. There, under the trees, in the open air, it could have been Jerusalem....
Shabbat Shalom
Sister Gila
Friday, 3 August 2007
community and foundation for Peace
My dear Friends
Here is a little more information about The Little Sisters of Joy. Founded by myself, with the help of a Friend, Maryvonne, in the South of France and Cambridge, England in 1998-1999, it started life as a women's religious community within the Church. The aim has always been Prayer, Peace and Reconciliation. and praise- as Maryvonne once said!
On the 1st December 2004, it took a new turn and, under the same name of The Little Sisters of Joy, has become also a foundation for Peace and Reconciliation. It embraces 600 Friends from, at the moment, 22 countries, most of whom I have just talked to 'along the way' in the last 8 years. They include Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and just about everyone from every religion and culture. Among those I treasure are the people who support us in Friendship with no formal beliefs, but with a strong desire for peace, for goodness springs from the divine source into the heart of every person. Others also support us in prayer.
The original vision remains, and soon I will on my way to set up a religious community for Peace and Reconciliation in Toronto. This is where God is calling me. One person will join me shortly after, and together we will eat and pray together, working alongside our fellow Canadians in the wider community, trying to live by the Rule of Life and Constitutions that I have written over the last years. The Archbisop of Toronto, His Grace Thomas Collins, whom I had the privilege of meeting last March, has said that he is happy for us to come and see how it develops.
I hope to get some Classical Hebrew students ; hopefully it should not be too difficult, as our community will be based in The Annexe, in the heart of the city and the university neighbourhood. And I am sure that I WILL SING ON THE STREET!
The question I am most often asked is:'When are you going?' At the moment only the One who created us knows the answer! This is a real test of my patience, but it will surely all be the more worthwhile when I get there. It may be Christmas, maybe next year,there is an appointed hour.
In the meantime I enjoy the hot summer in Cambridge, and rest up for my trip to Tunde in Hungary on 22nd August.
Love and Shalom
Sister Gila xx
Here is a little more information about The Little Sisters of Joy. Founded by myself, with the help of a Friend, Maryvonne, in the South of France and Cambridge, England in 1998-1999, it started life as a women's religious community within the Church. The aim has always been Prayer, Peace and Reconciliation. and praise- as Maryvonne once said!
On the 1st December 2004, it took a new turn and, under the same name of The Little Sisters of Joy, has become also a foundation for Peace and Reconciliation. It embraces 600 Friends from, at the moment, 22 countries, most of whom I have just talked to 'along the way' in the last 8 years. They include Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and just about everyone from every religion and culture. Among those I treasure are the people who support us in Friendship with no formal beliefs, but with a strong desire for peace, for goodness springs from the divine source into the heart of every person. Others also support us in prayer.
The original vision remains, and soon I will on my way to set up a religious community for Peace and Reconciliation in Toronto. This is where God is calling me. One person will join me shortly after, and together we will eat and pray together, working alongside our fellow Canadians in the wider community, trying to live by the Rule of Life and Constitutions that I have written over the last years. The Archbisop of Toronto, His Grace Thomas Collins, whom I had the privilege of meeting last March, has said that he is happy for us to come and see how it develops.
I hope to get some Classical Hebrew students ; hopefully it should not be too difficult, as our community will be based in The Annexe, in the heart of the city and the university neighbourhood. And I am sure that I WILL SING ON THE STREET!
The question I am most often asked is:'When are you going?' At the moment only the One who created us knows the answer! This is a real test of my patience, but it will surely all be the more worthwhile when I get there. It may be Christmas, maybe next year,there is an appointed hour.
In the meantime I enjoy the hot summer in Cambridge, and rest up for my trip to Tunde in Hungary on 22nd August.
Love and Shalom
Sister Gila xx
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