The last three days in Cairo we stayed with the Comboni Missionaries who have a large Center at Corde Jesu Church. We got a warm welcome and by sharing the meals with them we often had the chance for interesting talks and meetings. As Fr. Pauls mother had passed away just in October a crowd of people came to celebrate with him the 40th day after her death. Almost a whole day of celebrating a mass, talking and eating together.

There the Sudan Catholic Community has also its meetings. So its a mixture of nations, languages and cultures! Sudanese people have their very charismatic service and meetings. There where also some volunteers from Italy who worked with the Sudanese people. Egyptian people come for different workshops and their services. The House is right on Ramses Street very close to Nasser Metro Station, Ramses Train Station and Tahrir Square. Just around the corner there is the Supreme Court House where there was a large demonstration while we were there. Opposite of the church is the headquarters of the Journalists syndicate.

One evening Fr. Paul took me to the Latin Cathedral (roman-catholic) for the mass starting the “Year of Faith”. So I had a short meeting with Bishop Adel Zaki who is very much concerned about the future of Egypt with its mixed society. By his experience the moment the scope for the Christians is getting more and more limited. In his homily he supported the people to engage in all groups off the civil society for building up the new Egyptian political system. It was a pleasure to hear the young people singing enthusiastic in French and Arabic. The first time in my life I heard the “Hallelujah” by Händel sung in French by an Arab choir!

Thank you Paul, Giovanni, Diego and the whole community!