You Gotta Have Faith - Along with 1,000s Others!

If I would have been any closer to the altar, they would have asked me to co-celebrate the mass.... At least, that was the main thought running through my head this Sunday morning, December 14.

Our friend Fr. Tom McCluskey (you may remember him from previous posts) invited us to attend Sunday mass with him at one of the Redemptorist. And, by mass, I should quality that by saying it felt like we walked into a rock concert! It is all due to the monthly celebration of the Miracle of Buga which also occurs on the 14th.

The Setting: A local parish that quadruples in size on the 14th with pilgrams arriving from around the country. As a mass occurs every 90 minutes, there is a constant line of people outside eager to get in...even after they have removed all of the pews!

The Feeling: Unbelievable! There is an energy in the crowd that only true faith can generate. Everyone is just so excited to be present and to share with one another.


The Hospitality: Once again, Colombian hospitality rings true and we are not only welcomed with open arms...we are sat directly to the right of the altar (right between the massive paper mache nativity scene and the donation of children's christmas gifts). I am sure that the three gringos were barely noticed:)

The Emergency Personal: What rock concert, I mean Eucharistic celebration, would be complete without EMTs? Yes, no fewer than five people fainted during this unique faith journey and many crossed our path as they were passed to the front of the crowd to be excited through the side chapel.


The Most Memorable Moment: Just when we thought it couldn't get any better...the priest actually invites a woman and her child to take his sit during the service. God Bless him! It didn't even seem strange at the time...it was just a natural progression of the day. (And, of course, we beamed with pride to hear Fr. Tom read the gospel in Spanish - bien hecho!)



While this experience may have been a far cry from Assumption Parish in Callaway, MN, I do have to give my parents props for giving me a solid introduction into my Catholic faith. I mean, I really think that, if the need should have arisen, I could have just jumped in and provided whatever assisted was needed to ensure that this mass was a complete celebration.

The Fruiting - Delicious Highlights of Colombia

Saborrrrrr!

Yes, it's time to introduce you to the true flavor of Colombia: the fruits! The fruit here is unbelievable...and quite unforgettable. I admit that there are varieties that I have never experienced. Here are just a few that I have enjoyed:

Que Maravilla es la Granadilla!
The granadilla is the ugliest fruit that you will instantly love. As you peel away the eggshell exterior, you are exposed to this alienesque glob of seeds encased in a gelatinous substance (is your mouth watering yet?!). The best way to eat it is to suck down this sweet glob in one fail swoop. Its sweetness just slides down the throat and awaits another.






Lulo Juice - Delicious!
The lulo creates the ultimate juice experience. While not recommended eating directly, this sweet nector creates an exquisite beverage that goes well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I am amazed how this orange gem becomes a green liquid when turned into juice. It is something you don't want to miss on your next visit!


Mazorca en la Calle!
Ok, while corn is technically not a fruit, how could this corn-fed farm girl miss the opportunity to highlight such a delicious treat. I have to admit that one of my indulgences here is a piece of grilled corn on the street...prepared with the delicate touch that only an open-fire grill and a piece of cardboard fanning the flame could produce. Add a touch of butter and salt and - perfecto!
I mean could that satisfied face provide any better testimony.

Now, that your mouths are watering, here are a list of other delicacies I suggest you check out.

Buen Provecho!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

'Tis the Season...for lights, food, and general revelry. And Bogota is not shy in expressings its Christmas spirit. I mean, we have been about 2 months in preparation for this special day: Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

This Catholic feast day is celebrated through out the country with the lighting of candles (to light the way for the Holy Family) as well as to mark the official lighting of the Christmas lights throughout the county.

This year, Bogota's theme is The Seasons. In four parts of the city, we experienced the light interpretations of:
Summer in Parque Virrey








Spring en Usaquen








Winter en Plaza Simon Bolivar








And Fall in the south...sorry, I missed that part of the city but you can just imagine how spectacular it looked.

Of course, the lights didn't stop in these four destinations. We had some great displays throughout the city. Including:

Parque 93-brought to you by Bavaria beer company with a special highlight on barley and the local farm producers!