May 2019 215

• Charity Calendar Fundraiser • Sending Funds to the Philippines • On Praying with COURAGE • May Day Marian Meditations • Inside: The Cornerstone Bookshop, 300 Main Street

Editorial selected by Fr. Stuart Chipolina

Do you pray

Courage?

During Lent Pope Francis invited us to pray courageously pointing out how Jesus is the ‘great intercessor’ before God the Father.

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n his homily at Mass in the Casa Santa Marta last month, Pope Francis invited us to pray courageously to the Lord.

Pope Francis invited the faithful at Mass on Thursday to pray face-to-face to the Lord, bringing all our lives to Him with courage.

Prayer, he said, is one of three ways – along with fasting and acts of charity – with which we prepare ourselves for Lent.

Pray with boldness

“Much courage is needed to pray. And we are often lukewarm… True prayer is this: with the Lord. And when I need to intercede, I need to do so with courage. In common parlance,

people use an expression that I really like when they have a goal: ‘I put it all on the line’…

But perhaps the doubt may arise: ‘I do it, but how do I know the Lord listens to me?’

We have a certainty: Jesus. He is the great intercessor.”

Pope Francis said prayer requires parrhesia – boldness or freedom of speech – to address the Lord with courage.

Biblical guides

The Pope gave the examples of several Biblical figures who excelled at intercessory prayer: Moses, Abraham, Hannah, and the Canaanite woman.

He said they laid it all on the line to obtain their desires. “At times, when we see how these

Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor: Fr. S. Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.gi. Production Editor: A. Sargent: angela@europeaxess.com. Upon this Rock magazine is entirely supported by advertising and donations. It is run in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar by EuropeAxess Media Ltd. as a not-for-profit project. For Advertisers: This magazine is handdelivered to homes, churches, hospitals and many businesses around Gibraltar every month. To discuss your advertising requirements, or promote your church group or charity, call Tel: +350 200 79335 email: • Charity Calendar Fundraiser • Sending Funds to the Philippines angela@europeaxess.com. Editorial is selected by EuropeAxess • On Praying with COURAGE Media in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar. Neither of • May Day Marian Meditations • Inside: The Cornerstone Bookshop, 300 Main Street these parties is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor do the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the views and opinions of either party. Advertisers are not endorsed by virtue of advertising in this magazine. EuropeAxess Media Ltd. reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements. Efforts have been made to establish copyright owners of images, but if we have used your material, and have not credited you, please contact us to discuss restoration.

The magazine is online at uponthisrock.gi.

Cover: Pope Francis surprises former street kids, Manila. Photo © thecatholiccatalogue.com

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with people struggle with the Lord to obtain something, we think it’s as if they were arm-wrestling with God, but they arrive at what they are requesting.”

They pray so forcefully, said the Pope, because they have faith that the Lord can fulfil their desires.

Jesus intercedes for us

Pope Francis reminded the faithful that Jesus has ascended to Heaven and intercedes for us before the Father, just as he had promised Peter before the Passion.

“Jesus prays for us, in this moment. And when I pray – whether I am convinced or pray like a mercantilist or stutter or struggle with the Lord – it is He who takes my prayer and presents it to the Lord. Jesus has no need of speaking before the Father: He shows Him His wounds. The Father sees His wounds and extends His grace.

When we pray, let us recall that we do so with Jesus. Jesus is our courage. Jesus is our security, who in this moment intercedes for us.”

God Bless, Fr. Stuart Chipolina.

Thanks to Vatican News and Devin Watkins, for the original article from Casa Santa Marta. tinyurl.com/UTR-pray-courage

About the artwork

‘Jesus Ascending to Heaven’ is an oil painting on canvas, 81cm high by 73cm wide, painted by John Singleton Copley in 1775 It illustrates the narrative from Acts of the Apostles “As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky?”

Copley was an Irish-American who was entirely self taught, but was making anatomical studies in his notebook from an early age.

This painting hangs in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

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Forthcoming Events around Gibraltar

Annual Diocesan Procession of Our Lady of Europe

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he Annual Diocesan Procession of Our Lady of Europe will take place on Wednesday 22nd May at 6:30pm.

“Our Lady of Europe has

watched over the efforts of countless men and women undertaking hazardous journeys in order to spread the news of God’s Kingdom to people in far-off lands. In the present day,

Outreach Day

her intercession is especially needed for a spiritual renewal of Europe, in order that its Christian heritage may continue to be properly valued and appreciated in this third millennium. I pray with you, and with all the pilgrims who visit the Shrine, that their faith may be deepened and that Our Lady of Europe will lead them to a greater knowledge and love of her Son, our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” According to Pope Benedict XVI.

The late Bishop Charles Caruana said “May the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe continue to be a House of prayer and devotion.

May we fulfil the successive requests from the Chair of Peter to commend Gibraltar and Europe to the loving embrace of Our Lady of Europe.”

As usual the Diocesan Procession will start from St. Bernard’s Church and then process to the Shrine where, upon arrival, the Eucharistic Celebration will take place.

On Saturday 18th May, 10am outside the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned, Live Music, Dancing, Live feed to Social Media.

More details to be announced – keep the date free in your diary!

Rosary Around The Rock Rescheduled Due to scheduling difficulties the “RosaryAround-the Rock” has been postponed until the autumn.

The event has been rescheduled for Monday 7th October which is The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, formerly known as Our Lady of Victory and Feast of the Holy Rosary. This feast day marks the anniversary of the decisive victory of the combined fleet of the Holy League of 1571 over the Ottoman navy at the Battle of Lepanto.

JOIN US FOR ART AND CRAFTS, SINGING AND STORY TELLING. 4 - 5PM EVERY THURSDAY AT THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CENTRE BOOKSHOP

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Bomb damage inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Jolo, Philippines.

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The Bishop Carmel Zammit Lenten appeal

Charity helps to support interfaith work in Philippines F

Bomb attacks on Christian and Muslim communities in the Philippines are part of an attempt to incite conflict between the two faiths, according to a priest who has worked in the country for 40 years.

r. Sebastiano D’Ambra of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need: “I do believe that this is once again the work of those extremist groups whose violence is on the increase and who are sowing confusion.

“They want to divide Christians and Muslims and take advantage of the situation to provoke chaos throughout the country and challenge its balance – a balance that is largely based on harmonious relations between believers of different religions.”

According to the priest, a night-time grenade attack on a Mosque in Zamboanga City was not a retaliation attack for the bombing of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Jolo three days earlier.

Fr. D’Ambra said: “I do not think we should see a connection between the two attacks. “I cannot imagine Christians wishing to avenge their dead by attacking a Muslim place of worship.”

The region’s force commander Colonel Leonel Nicolas agreed that the Mosque

Maria Lozano writes…

attack was “not a retaliatory act” for the earlier church bombing.

Daesh (ISIS) affiliated Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for the twin bombing of the cathedral but the two assailants in the mosque attack remain unidentified.

Fr. D’Ambra said that it was not just the Christian minority who were increasingly targeted, but added that Muslims told him Islamist extremists threaten their community because they are not the “same kind of Muslims”.

He said: “Groups such as Daesh, Maute or Abu Sayyaf share the goal of causing trouble in the country and may gain more strength in the times to come.

“I don’t say we have to live in fear, but we have to be realistic, and I don’t see them defeated. I believe they will continue to test the friendship we have with our Muslim neighbours.”

Promoting religious dialogue has made Fr. D’Ambra a target several times.

He said: “Once I was ambushed and the bullet intended for me killed one of my friends.

“At that time, I was mediating with the Muslim rebels… we

had managed to establish a relationship of mutual respect and I suppose that the idea that one priest alone could be more effective than a thousand soldiers in making peace must have surprised those who did not want the end of the conflict.”

He added: “This attitude is repeated today. Some Muslims tell us that our programme for dialogue between Christians and Muslims is not to the liking of extremists.”

ACN is supporting the Church’s interfaith work in the Philippines.

Fr. D’Ambra said: “I thank ACN for being so close to Christians in difficulty in the world, and I ask all Christians to promote dialogue in their own sphere in order to get out of the logic of conflict.”

Images: Page 6, Bomb damage inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Jolo, Philippines. This page, Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions; Both photographs © ACN www.acnuk.org Aid to the Church in Need is a Pontifical Foundation directly under the Holy See.

The world is largely silent in the face of Christian persecution. The scale of the problem is so great, silence is no longer acceptable. Persecuted Christians need YOU - and all of us! Together our prayers and actions can make a difference.

You can PLEDGE YOUR SOLIDARITY by: • Praying ACN’s Prayer found in leaflets in your local Church, or your own prayers for Persecuted Christians in danger.

• Sharing this article and Christian Persecution facts with others so that all understand the need.

Donation Details:

Bishop Carmel Zammit Lenten Appeal for‘Aid to the Church in Need’, Gibraltar International Bank, Account Name: ‘Trustees RCC/CAN’ Account Number: 00812022, Sort Code: 60-83-14.

215 main street

T: 20071717

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Inspirational Resources at the Diocesan Bookshop

An Attitude of

Gratitude Last month Fr. John pleased to facilitate the of a recently published resource at the The Bookshop.

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he recently published My Gratitude Calendar is a 28 page workbook, printed in full colour throughout, which gives a weekly space for the reader to write out those things they wish to give thanks to God for in their lives and in the wonders of Creation.

Each month opens on a beautiful image and a short meditation, the introduction tells us with great humility that these are ‘Simply the thoughts and words of a wife, mother and artist.’

However when one listens to

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Pardo was presentation inspirational Cornerstone

the way in which the book came about, one cannot help but be inspired by the story of that woman.

The presentation was hosted

by Volunteer Staff of The Cornerstone Bookshop, when AnaMaria Hayden introduced the author of the new perpetual calendar, local artist Olympia Reyes, who is at once surprised and a little overwhelmed by all the attention.

By way of explanation of how it all came about Olympia relates how, when she was being treated in hospital, she knew

that there were so many people praying for her, and that she believes in the power of prayer and she believes in miracles, and that even though she was suffering from one of the worst things there is, that God can do whatever he wants and that she has Faith.

And even though the doctors did not have much hope for her recovery, she underwent one operation and then another, and surviving each procedure built up her gratitude. She tells of how the meditations in the Calendar started when she was writing down her prayers and thanking God for having brought her through a whole list of medical complaints spanning the past ten years. Olympia explains that she also used the prayer of St. Theresa of Avila. ‘Nada te turbe,

nada te espante todo se pasa.’

(Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things pass away) to console herself when she was most stressed, and how the prayer ends, ‘quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta, solo Dios basta (He who has God, Finds he lacks nothing; God alone suffices.) And that helped her to be calm and to even crack jokes, sparking surprise and amazement amongst the medical staff who had never known anyone in her predicament to be so calm and cheerful.

Apparently, she responded so well medically, that after the first operation the surgeon came to see her afterwards and told her ‘you are so well you can go home tomorrow morning’!

The Calendar was written and complied in memory of the late Fr. George Grima, who inspired

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Christine Loddo, left and Rosemarie Isola, right, both received cheques for over £1,000 from Olympia Reyes for their charitable causes from the whole sales of ‘My Gratitude Calendar’.

A pen that writes with removable ink is available separately from The Beacon Press, so each page can be used for many years to come, making this a truly ‘Perpetual’ Gratitude Calendar. the author in many ways.

Funds will go to help continue his ‘GibMission Africa’ work in Ethiopia, Kenya and Brazil.

Christine Loddo was present to accept the funds raised so far, £1,085 for GibMission Africa.

We hope to be able to give an update on how things are going with the charity in a forthcoming issue of Upon This Rock.

The second charity to benefit is the little known ‘La Pieta’

a group of local grandmothers who pray together. Rosemarie Isola accepted a further £1,085 on behalf of this group who will send it to His Lordship Luis Antonio Gokim Cardinal Tagle, D.D., S.Th.D. the Archbishop of the Philippines to be distributed in the form of alms to the ‘street children’ of the Philippines.

Fr. John Pardo particularly wished to convey his thanks to Olympia Reyes for making her

charitable presentation at The Cornerstone Bookshop.

The Calendars are priced at £5 and can be purchased from The Cornerstone Bookshop at 300 Main Street (next to Jury’s Café) see overleaf.

As the printing costs for the calender were covered by a Sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous, the whole proceeds from sales are being donated to the two charities.

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The importance of spiritual reading - for all the family.

New Opening Hours Monday - Friday 11.00am - 2.00pm.

The Cornerstone Bookshop next to Jury’s Cafe on Main Street not only stocks Catholic / Christian literature but also children’s books, CDs and DVDs.

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Fr. C. John McCloskey is a Church historian and NonResident Research Fellow at the Faith and Reason Institute which aims at bringing both Faith and Reason to bear on all the issues that confront us. He wrote the following about the importance of spiritual reading.

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ver the years, I have often written on the importance of spiritual reading for growth in holiness. Good Catholic books are also a great outreach to family, friends, and multitudes of ignorant and fallen-away Catholics, not to mention the millions of our countrymen who are pagans at best and atheists in practice.

But in addition to what we might technically consider “spiritual” reading, I would like to offer some recommendations of a rather different kind of book. Many people are not fully aware of the depth and breadth of Christian literature covering two millennia and every genre of writing.

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Of course, Christian literature goes back to the Scriptures and the first centuries of the Faith. A lot of that is well enough known or at least appreciated. My emphasis here is on recommendations from Catholic poetry and fiction, including great novels from all over the world that are generally available in translation and easily accessible.

Blessed John Henry Newman gave a classic justification for paying attention to such works.

In his lectures to the students at the Catholic university that he founded in Dublin in the mid-1800s (later published as The Idea of the University), he discusses the meaning and purpose of Catholic literature.

And he draws very interesting distinctions – and lessons from them: When a “Catholic Literature in the English tongue” is spoken of as a desideratum, no reasonable person will mean by “Catholic works” much more than the “works of Catholics.” The

Photos: the Cornerstone Bookshop Volunteers

phrase does not mean a religious literature. “Religious Literature” indeed would mean much more than “the Literature of religious men;” it means over and above this, that the subject-matter of the Literature is religious; but by “Catholic Literature” is not to be understood a literature which treats exclusively or primarily of Catholic matters, of Catholic doctrine, controversy, history, persons, or politics; but it includes all subjects of literature whatever, treated as a Catholic

would treat them, and as he only can treat them.

Newman was clearly trying to stake out a particular kind of writing that would not be the usual apologetics or spiritual works or theology. In his day, he could assume most people would understand what he was getting at: “Why it is important to have them treated by Catholics hardly need be explained here…

The full article can be read at https://frinstitute.org/about/

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Queen

May day, delightful day when “a delicate fabric of birdsong floats in the air, and the smell of wet wild earth is everywhere”.

(Sara Teasdale 1888-1933).

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es, the earth is exulting, laughing one could say in the Springtime, as birds call wild and free, the grass is crisp and juicy for lambs to graze, meadows come to life with a myriad of blooming flowers, and the sun gleams through the fresh green leaves of the trees.

The lilac tree, lavender blue and often purple, holds a special place in my heart and it too has long awaited this month which conquers our hearts and minds with the promise of Summer, hope and new life in the northern hemisphere.

From the Latin “Maius” goddess of blooms and flowers the Romans honoured this month calling her Queen of

of the

Ma y

the May for they believed plants and flowers gathered round her to obtain strength for their growth. Lots of customs abound at this time of year and one I liked growing up was for us girls to wash our faces in the May day dew to get rid of blemishes and ensure a glowing complexion! Other celebrations include the gathering of wild flowers to weave floral wreaths for the crowning of the may queen.

“Oh Mary we crown thee with blossoms today”, a line from a favourite hymn sets the tone for the centuries old tradition of May devotions the Blessed virgin Mary as we crown her our own Queen of

the May. This whole month is dedicated to Mary and it is right and fitting that it should be so as she has been venerated for centuries.

Perhaps this month is a time to adopt the habit of saying a daily rosary (garland of roses) the prayer Our Lady herself asked us to pray to unite ourselves with her son.

It’s exact origins may not be clear but according to some catholic traditions the rosary was given to St. Dominic in a vision by the Blessed Virgin in 1214. Whatever the origins, it has become one of our most cherished prayers. American

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Words by Anne Mesilio Archbishop Fulton Sheen (1895-1979); “The Rosary is the book of the blind, where souls can see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known. It is a book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men, it is the book of the aged whose eyes close upon the shadows of the world, and open them on the substance of the next. The power of the Rosary is beyond description”.

Pope Leo X111(1810-1903) “The Rosary is an effective weapon against the ills afflicting society”.

Reflecting on that we must ask ourselves how this ‘weapon’ is even more urgently needed in these days of conflict and strife.

Ruth Rees, Jewish convert to Christianity and author of “The Rosary in Time and Space” in her enlightening and contemplative book tells us; “when we pray the Rosary we are placing ourselves at Mary’s side as she leads us to ponder, to meditate, on the major events of Our Lords life, death and resurrection is not an occasion for speed but for reflection”.

Pope John Paul II, now a Marian saint; “the Rosary is my favourite prayer”, whos devotion to Our lady while on earth was a leading light in

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Oil Painting: Our Lady of Europe, by Angela Sargent

Rosary Meditation

his life, exhorts us all to pray it daily.

Praying the Rosary has a long tradition in Ireland. Well I remember my mother getting us all on our knees every evening no matter if we grumbled, and we did, but it was no use! In August last year Pope Francis visited Ireland and the Shrine at Knock. This is Ireland’s national Marian shrine in Co. Mayo in the west. It is visited by over 1.5 million people annually and commemorates the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin in 1879. In the Pope’s words; “As a remembrance of my visit, I have presented the shrine with a Rosary. I know how important the tradition of the family rosary has been in this country. I warmly encourage you to continue this tradition.

Who can tell how many hearts, of fathers, mothers and children alike, have drawn comfort and strength over the years from meditating on Our Lady’s participation in the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of Christ’s life!”

There are other evocative words which echo down the centuries from that incredible Good Friday. Christ is dying in agony, but he sees his mother, heartbroken, weeping, and he is deeply touched. His mother who had cared for him through childhood cuts and bruises and never failed to comfort him. Now, as he is dying, in

excruciating agony his last thoughts were with his beloved mother; “Woman, behold thy son…

Behold thy mother.” Jn. 19:26-27 What a remarkably beautiful and unselfish gesture on our

behalf. Yes, Mary became our mother through all eternity. Her son is never indifferent to her prayers on our account.

What better reason to say a daily Rosary as we crown her our Queen of the May.

The Christian Mission Trust provides local Christians with donations for evangelistic initiatives and outreaches.

The Trust is ecumenical and has provided money to many groups, individuals and churches during the last 12 years.

It is run by a Board of Trustees.

We invite applications for funding from anyone who wishes to launch an evangelistic initiative or who needs support for an existing Christian missionary activity.

Please write to: The Chairman, Christian Mission Trust, 4 South Pavilion Road, Gibraltar.

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SAMUEL

The continuing serialisation of a story by Manolo Galliano.

- God’s Special Gift

This is the story of Samuel, a child with a mental disability and his encounter with Jesus, who became his very special friend.

Continuing from Issue 214

Chapter 5

Samuel, his sister Rachel and Mary Magdalene have hired a fisherman to follow Jesus to Bethsaida Julias…

Despite feeling rather cramped, seated in the stern in between Mary Magdalene and his sister, Samuel was nevertheless tremendously enjoying being in a boat for the very first time in his life. The boat, which was not very large and had seen much

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better days, was manned by two fishermen, one of them being the owner who had spoken so disparagingly about Jesus.

Although it was equipped to have a sail and mast, which was at present lying in the bottom of the boat covered by a jumble of nets, the men were forced to row, as the wind had dropped and there was hardly any breeze at all.

As they moved steadily towards the centre of this part of the lake, the town of Capernaum slowly receded in the distance and, before too long, they could see the flat-roofed houses

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of Bethsaida Julias, a whitewashed little town situated at the inlet of the River Jordan.

The rowers now began chanting an age-old song as they worked the great oars in and out of the water and, to their great surprise, Samuel joined in by playing his own reed flute. Soon everybody was singing merrily and the apparent surliness shown previously by the fishermen disappeared completely.

“Are you coming with us to see Jesus?” Samuel suddenly asked them. The owner, whose name was Aaron, stopped his rowing and looked at him with a twinkle in his eye, “You know, young lad,” he replied, “I might very well join you after all and see what that fellow has to show me, that is, if the ladies will allow me”.

Rachel glanced at Mary and smiled knowingly, thinking that once again God had used the simplicity and joy of a child like Samuel to soften even the hardest of hearts. “We’d be delighted if you would accompany us,” she said, “I’m sure that you will never regret it, and in any case, we would feel far safer travelling with you.”

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Shortly after, they reached their destination and alighted at a small wooden jetty which appeared to be quite deserted.

Aaron tied up the boat and then made his way up one of the narrow alleyways leading to the market square, returning a few minutes later. “Come on quickly!” he shouted, making frantic signs to them to follow him. “The miracle-worker is just leaving town with his friends, followed by what appears to be a very large crowd of people, and they are heading towards those hills yonder.” The only sound that could be heard was that of their sandals echoing on the cobblestones as they hurried through the almost empty town with Rachel holding Samuel tightly to make sure that he did not sneak away again. As they turned a street corner on the outskirts, an everincreasing murmur of voices came distinctly to their ears, culminating in a loud babble of noise. Suddenly they stopped and stared in astonishment at the spectacle of the many thousands of people winding their way into the open countryside.

As they got closer and finally

Story so far can be found at uponthisrock.gi/articles

mingled with the crowds, they realised that everybody seemed to be there, following the Master; the old and the young, the humble and the rich, the curious and the fanatics rubbed shoulders with the lame, the crippled and the sick. There were tax collectors, farmers, fishermen, mothers with babies at their breast, Pharisees and scribes, and even some Roman soldiers.

They tried to wend their way closer to the front of the multitude, but this became quite impossible due to the huge numbers of people and they were therefore forced to trudge on and follow wherever they were being led.

After what seemed like hours, they arrived at a big open meadow, located between some low hills and, to their great relief, they realised that they were finally making a stop.

People were soon spreading their cloaks over the green grass which grew plentifully there and were making themselves as comfortable as possible.

However, Aaron decided to continue a bit further on, up the gentle slopes of one of the hills to where a small sycamore tree was growing. There they squatted under the welcome shade of its branches. They gazed down at the sprawling crowds which seemed to resemble a vast, multicoloured mosaic and then up towards

the crest of the adjoining hill, where they could easily make out the imposing figure of a tall man standing in complete isolation. Samuel recognised him immediately and pointing at him, exclaimed: “Look, there he is! There, over there, it’s Jesus!”

There seemed to be a sudden hush in the air and all movement and sound ceased as the clear, resonant voice of Jesus was clearly heard: “Happy are you poor; the Kingdom of Heaven is yours!

Happy are you who are hungry now; you will be filled!

Happy are you who weep now; you will laugh!

Happy are you when people hate you, reject you, insult you and say that you are evil, all because of the Son of Man! Be glad when that happens,

and dance for joy, because a great reward is kept for you in Heaven!”

The crowds listened mesmerised to the teachings and parables of Jesus and they were astounded by the authority with which he spoke.

After preaching for a long while, he sat down and his disciples who were near him, started to sing psalms and play the tambourines. Everybody joined in and this appeared to be the sign that they were waiting for to bring the many people who were sick and crippled to the Master for him to lay his hands on them.

Aaron was quite surprised to observe that the people there were not being unruly or making a mad dash towards Jesus.

Instead, he saw that the disciples were forming the crowds into

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queues and they were all being very good-natured and patient whilst they awaited their turn.

Very often, he would hear loud clapping and shouts of joy, as apparently more and more people were cured of their ailments. However, from their position opposite, up the hill, it was almost impossible to see what was really happening and he longed to get nearer.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by Samuel’s shrill and insistent voice, “I can’t see anything! I want to go over there where everybody else is!” he shouted, jumping up and down. Aaron looked at Samuel and felt rather sorry for him, thinking what a shame it was to have come so far and not to be able to get nearer to where such wondrous things were apparently taking place.

To be continued…

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