European Cup 2008
 The European Cup 2008 was held in Austria and in Switzerland. It was a very exciting event here, with a very lively atmosphere. Almost all restaurants and bars had their TV channels fixed on the games. There were plenty of public viewings and almost every night, there was a celebration. We went to Basel and had our face painted with Germany’s flag.
What an overwhelming crowd as the German team made it to the finals. For the final game we did a body painting and we just partied around after the game. It was a very nice experience to see how the Germans showed their joy and accepted their defeat. But, of course, Spain did their best and they simply deserve the Cup.
City of Freiburg
Freiburg is one of most beautiful cities in Germany. It is the warmest city, especially during summer, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 37 °C. It’s almost like in the Philippines. People go outdoors and the city comes alive.
Here we have also the Black Forest, the University of Freiburg, one of the oldest universities in Germany (lately in 2007 it has been appointed a University of Excellence), and beautiful sceneries. Freiburg has also been home to some famous philosophers like Martin Heidegger and Hans Spemann. That is why there are a lot of tourists who spend their vacation and enjoy sight seeing here in Freiburg, which is also near France, Switzerland and Italy.
Community in Freiburg
In our community there are seven religious. Four of them, Fr. Paul Wuttke, Fr. Norbert Riebartsch, Fr. Alfred Meyer and Fr. Christian Frings, live in the hospital, where they work. Fr. Wilhelm Kintrupp does chaplaincy work at the home for the aged. Fr. Heinrich Sperlbaum is 85 years old and already very sick. And then, of course, there’s me. We meet regularly during lunch and on Mondays for community night. Aside from that, we celebrate a community Mass every 1st Monday of the month and spend together a time of adoration every 1st Thursday of the month.
Student from Poland
A Camillian scholastic from Poland, Mariusz Kwiatkowski, is at the moment with us in Freiburg to learn the German language. He will be staying with us for two months and will return to Poland on the 25th of August for the renewal of vows and for the new semester. He is now in 3rd year theology in Warsaw. The rest of his companions are also in other places like Rome, Madagascar, and Ireland for language study and exposure.
Priest from India
Our community is also blessed with the presence of a guest priest, Fr. Savio Waz, a Pallotine priest from Goa, India. He is doing his post doctoral work on moral theology at the University of Freiburg under Professor Eberhard Schokenhoff, a well known moral theologian. He had his doctoral degree at the University in Bonn. He has been living in Germany for almost nine years now. After his graduation, he will work here in one of their Institutions. We are grateful for his help in the community and in the hospital. He helps in the celebration of Masses and in other concerns.
Kamillusfest in Essen
In Essen, the feast of St. Camillus was celebrated on July 13. Mariusz and I spent a couple of days there to join the celebration and help in its preparation. I made my renewal of vows there. It was a big event in Heidhausen. The Mass started at 10:00 AM. Many parishioners attended the activity; the workers, patients and staff of the hospital joined the occasion, too. The presence of the Filipino community was also very obvious. They sang during the Mass, particularly during the rite of the renewal of vows. They rendered more songs during the salo-salo, which followed after the Eucharistic celebration. Local journalists were around to cover the event
Semestral Break
The summer semester at the university closed last July 26. During the last examination, a lot of students had their luggage with them, ready to rush to the airport after the exam for their respective flights. Some of my friends were bound for Australia, Africa, Mexico, Argentina, USA, Singapore and other destinations. They said “Jun, are you coming with us?” I said, “later.” Well, the rest, just like me, are staying in Europe. During this break I aim to finish my driving lessons so that by the end of this month I could obtain my licence and be able to drive our elderly religious for a Sunday ride around the area. I will also learn Latin in preparation for the examination early October.
Religious on Vacation
The religious in our community are currently taking turns having their summer vacation. I too am looking forward to my own vacation – next year in the Philippines!
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