Fiestas are HOT!!

Santiago Chapel and the new building

Confirmation

Eucharist

My girl friend

I’m sitting in Restaurant Spoon up the road from my place, watching Costa Rica and the U. S. play their futbol game in Washington.  Ordinarily this is a quiet place, but tonight there is plenty of whooping and screaming. If Costa Rica wins, I won’t sleep tonight for the horns blowing out on the street. If the U. S. wins, I’ll have to stay in the house  tomorrow with the curtains drawn. (Costa Rica scores: pandemonium!)

On Sunday, the Bishop and I returned to Santiago Chapel in Estrada for their patronal feast of St. James. Santiago had been flooded several times by the Rio Chirripo since I was there last summer with the mission group from Emmanuel, Southern Pines (Costa Rica scores again: chaos!!). The churchyard appeared to have dried out well, but many truckloads of stone had to be dumped there so that equipment to back up to the new building without sinking out of sight. The first floor walls are finished and concrete is soon to be poured for the second floor. Hubert Maies, the layperson in charge, says that the first floor will serve as a parish hall for eleven months of the year and as a swimming pool during the other month. If I can channel what little geekitude I have, I’ll add some pictures.

These patronal feasts are a hoot! Communion and confirmation with the Bishop, followed by a big meal and party. Another great opportunity to extend my consecutive-days streak of rice and beans (I’ve lost count). These occasions remind me of parish dinners at home in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. If there is anyone you haven’ t seen in the last year, you’ll see them on this day (U. S. scores: grumbling).

The only down side to the day was the ferocious heat and humidity. Everyone present was soaking wet before the first hymn was sung.  I kept thinking that the clergy in their vestments would surely collapse. Instead, I began to unravel during the announcements. Just as things started to spin around me, I realized the vicar was introducing me as an honored guest. I kept it together long enough to mumble, “Muchas gracias,” praying hard that I wouldn’t hurl all over these kind and gracious people. I spied an empty seat in a pew, plopped down and put my head between my knees. The Lord was merciful and all ended well (U. S. scores again: groans).

St. Alban’s should consider holding its own saint’s day festival. Without the heat. I can’t remember when St. Alban’s day is, but I hope it’s in January.

Costa Rica and U. S. final score is 2-2, which I gather by the silence is as good as a win for the U.S. I’m going to creep home and close my curtains.