TexLaMex, August 2005, Page 3
On Sunday, August 14th, Father John Korcsmar headed south for the novitiate in Lima, Peru. Each year he gives a class on the spirituality of social justice. It is especially relaxing to leave on a Sunday after saying only one of the Masses on Sunday morning, and at that, one of the deacons preached. This gives new meaning to the phrase that Sunday is a day of rest!
However, it was not all fun and games. John's plane left Austin and got to Houston right on schedule. But the plane to go to Lima was diverted from Houston to Austin. Of course, this made John wonder whether he should have just stayed in Austin and caught that one.
Eventually the plane left Houston for Lima--three hours later. Instead of arriving in Lima at 10:30 p.m. Sunday evening, the plane arrived at 1:15 a.m. on Monday morning. At least there were no lines for the immigration services. Customs went very well also. Fr. Jaime Phalan, the novice master, was waiting for John and drove him out to the novitiate. Traffic was very light in Lima at 2:00 a.m.
Fr. Bob Baker, the district superior of Peru, Fr. Jaime Phalan, and John had lunch at Chaclacao. They had a very good discussion about the Congregation, formation, and the future. After returning to the novitiate Jaime left for a committee meeting in Rome. Just as Jaime gets to Rome, the pope will be leaving. Sounds a little bit like the cowboys when one of them says the town just isn't big enough for both of them!!
Life in the novitiate has been quiet--which is what it is supposed to be. There is some "noise" from next door. There is a drug rehab program next door. They often do calisthenics and chant out military style. Sometimes they do this while we are all in chapel. It seems we too have our own form of calisthenics. They also kick their futbol (soccer) over the wall and call for Fr. Jaime to throw it back.
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Father David Farrell and Nuestro Señor de Esperanza Parish have built a Polyclinic, Brother André Clinic. It is a beauty with dental care, general medical care and a pharmacy.
There was an opening ceremony and blessing. Brother Paco was the Master of Ceremonies and did very well. There was a welcome by the president of the parish council. Father David Farrell spoke, as did Congressman Javier Diez Canseco, a former head of national intelligence, and Bishop Norberto Strotmann, MSC.
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| This is the front of the clinic as you come in from the street. | The local pastor is busy making sure that everything is just right for the ceremony and blessing. |
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| Fr. Bob Baker, the district superior, looks over the scene. | Guys, guys!! Try one more time: "Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame...." |
