December 3 was a memorable day for the Casa Community, as they could welcome His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, in their midst.
Upon arrival, they greeted him with MABUHAY,
a Filipino greeting meaning “live”.
The singing went not as planned, but thus caused even more joy and laughter.
After a festive lunch, the Casa sisters showed their appreciation by some creative numbers,…
…among them a native dance of the Portuguese speaking sisters, a Filipino dance, a Chinese song and a song about St. Benedict by the junior sisters.
Cardinal Tagle made us very happy to sing for us with his beautiful voice a Filipino song,
accompanied by piano and flute.
Finally the sisters sang all together the Advent song: The Advent of our King.
In his words to us, Cardinal Tagle thanked for experiencing this place of peace, whereas in so many other areas people have to fear for the lives, bombs are falling, refugees are suffering in camps. Yet, this should not leave us with bad conscience, but encourage us to strive for intercultural living in community. For these small pockets of peace, even though not publicised, will have an effect on the whole world, proving that it is possible for different people to live together in harmony.
We thank Cardinal Tagle very much for taking time to visit us,
to make us feel comfortable in his presence,
to share his wisdom with us.
We promise to keep his intentions and the intentions of Pope Francis in our prayers.
