Wafaa’s first engagement in Sion and Mary’s Carmen Golden Jubilee.

It was a great pleasure and wonderful experience to be in Egypt to celebrate Wafaa’s 1^st engagement in Sion and Mary Carmen’s Jubilee. I was asked by PLT from Mediterranean Province to join them and go to Berba for this celebration.

For me it was the first time in Egypt so I asked for a couple of days also in Cairo to be able to see the work of our sisters there.

Rita and I went to Egypt on the 3^rd of January. Of course already we knew about the situation of Christians in Alexandria and in the whole country and this atmosphere marked my stay there. Soon after arriving in Cairo Carina and Mona were sharing with us how difficult it is now in Egypt. And we could feel it. There was no Christmas atmosphere, no joy (Christmas was celebrated on the 7^th). On the 6^th, vigil of Christmas pope Shenouda III and all the bishops have asked for having the Mass earlier and to go home as soon as Mass is finished. Many Christians went for the Mass. They said that the terrorism can not stop them in practicing their faith. That morning Mona had invited us to see her kindergarten and when we were sitting and chatting in her office one Muslim woman in niqab came crying and saying how sorry she feels about what has happened in Alexandria. Many Muslims  condemned what has happened and there were voices that they want to support and protect Christian communities. The churches in Alexandria where surrounded by Muslims and police during Christmas Mass to be sure that nothing else will happen. But it was very very hard for everybody.

I wanted to see also a little of Old Cairo so we went to old city, to the suk, and we had a chance also to see the Pyramids with Rita. Also one morning Carina took us to the school where she works and apartment when she prepares a meal for 100 people once a week.

It was good to see also Darlene in a good condition after breaking her arm and that she is doing so well.

On the 7^th we went by train to Minya and than by car to Berba.

In the Community were waiting for us: Carmen, Darlene, Diane, Juliana, Nargis, Trudy, Wafaa, Victoria and many friends from the village. The next day Mary Carmen and Faiza joined us who had a long trip by train from Alexandria and Carina and Mona from Cairo. How wonderful it was to see the village where sisters live and work! On the 8^th of January sisters prepared for us a big surprise: a visit to a monastery Abo Fana in the desert (IV century) and a pharaonic place where we could see tombs with hieroglyphs and mummies.

And than the 9^th came - the DAY. Wafaa seemed to be happy and very peaceful. At 9 am we went to the parish church in Coptic – Catholic rite. She and Mary Carmen had a beautiful celebration which lasted 3h with lots of essence. We had actually two homilies –two priests said warm words on this occasion, based on the words “Peter do you love me?”. Wafaa said the vows in Arabic, Diane received them and gave her the Cross and Constitution. Faiza was translating to Arabic that everyone in the church would understand what is being said. Than Mary Carmen renewed her vows. Next both of them gave a peace sign to the sisters and people in the church. It was so great that both a first profession and Golden Jubilee could be done at the same time! It was very moving. Faiza said that when Emmanulle had her Golden Jubilee she also made her first engagement is Sion. During the Mass we had two choirs: one of four men that where responding and singing the regular parts of the beautiful Coptic rite and Darlene played guitar and sang with a few young girls.

After the ceremony in the Church everybody was invited to the garden and then the closest family, priests and sisters went to the house for a nice meal prepared by the friends of the Community in Berba.

I feel deep gratitude that I could participate in this great event. I wish Wafaa and Mary Carmen God’s blessing on everyday of their journey.

Kasia