We were there for ten days, and it was amazing. There were more than 100 people at most of the events, which were held in local bars and restaurants. Each day more people joined the mission team, so we were able to cover a lot of ground. The theme of the mission was, "God is Love" (Bog Je Ljubezen). It was advertised all over town.
"God is Love"
The missionaries met with many people during the mission, to discuss this theme and the importance of God in their lives. We visited people in their homes, on the streets, in the cafes, and at the church. Many people shared about how communism had removed religion from their lives, and the hurt that they experienced. A lot of people said that they didn't believe in God, but then asked us to pray for them. I heard a number of people say that the mission had changed their lives. It was amazing.
The parish priest was incredible. He organised for us to have lunch at a different restaurant each day....at no charge. We were so impressed at how generous they were. They didn't just give us sloppy left-overs, but treated us like VIPs with wonderful service and three/four course meals. We ate at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.
Hele and Kev - dining out in style
We managed to find a spare 30 minutes to visit my dear friend Mirjam, who I did the ESM with many many years ago. It was nice to meet her hubby and three cute little kids. Mirjam hasn't changed a bit. She is still 'so happy'!
Mirjam and Luca and their three kids
On the last day of the mission, we went on a trip to the mountains with the youth of the parish. We went for a lovely walk around Lake Bohinj. The scenery was out of this world!
Hele and some of the ESM students at Lake Bohinj
Then we had some dinner at a restaurant in a little village. We had time to play before dinner!
Hele on the swings - before dinner
Hele and Kev - this is a real photo...no trick photography!
On the way back to Rome, we stopped in Venice for the day. It was good to be able to relax after an intense mission schedule. Everyone was free to do what they liked. Kev and I spent the day with five of the students. We had a ball.
Kev bought a new hat
Kev and Hele on the Rialto bridge
Firstly we went to a cafe for a coffee. Then we wandered around. Then we bought some strawberries and sat by the water.
Resting by the water
Then we wandered around. Then we stopped at a bar because Kev announced that it was beer o'clock. Then we wandered around.
"Beer O'clock"
Wandering around
Then we stopped for gelati. Then we wandered around.
Hele and Kev
Then we met the rest of the group for Mass in St Mark's Basilica. Then we returned to Rome....tired but happy.
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