Let's Do It!

Today we attended Catholic Mass at Werner and Sieglinda’s neighborhood church. The Father, Joseph Pathalil, is from India, a slip of a man, with a smile as warm as the sun. We were introduced as the Americans and he told us that he has lived in Texas and other states and speak English perfectly. As a matter of fact, he speaks 6 languages, although he seemed to mention Texan as one of the dialects he speaks fluently.

As the mass began, two young alter boys stood beside the Father, ghostly apparition looming out of the incense smoke, towering over the priest. At one point one of the boys, leaned way over to the side, his head extended beyond the clouds, greedily drinking in fresh air. They truly appear immersed in the word.

The Father Joseph talked about the many hands of help he has recently received by the congregation. He also spoke about the need for people to be more open to new ideas and change in general. Sieglinda said that whenever someone comes up with a new idea such as periodic prayer sessions with other non-Catholic churches he said, “Let’s Do It”. Some of the ideas included: using altar boys and girls in a wide spectrum of ages and involving them in many aspects of the service; using incense only during special occasions as it cause many people discomfort due to the smoke; allowing woman a central role in aspects of the program; and finally the kneeling rail was more of a leg rest than a kneeling stand.

As he stands at the pulpit, his head arced back, body rocking side to side, open and embracing gestures, he reminds me of Ray Charles. A smile lights up face, his voice a powerhouse any Baptist preacher would desire. Beyond a few Hallelujahs and Amen’s the words were lost on me but the spirit warmed my heart. Hallelujah!

After church we returned to a German feast of roast pork, knuddles and Italian ices with fresh raspberries. Then we took a short siesta and powered on to put the finishing touches to Old Town Nuremberg where we started at the cemetery. Again German efficiency and design can be seen as all gravestones must be made of sandstone and can have bronze or stone shallow bowls where owners can design flowers arrangements. In addition, owners can plant one rose next to the head of the grave. If an ancient spot has become vacant or perhaps overly delinquent in space fees, a plastic card is draped beneath the planter bowl signifying that the spot is now available and to see the office for details. Old spin on the timeshare game.

As we strolled down the paths beside the canals I noticed a sign which read, “Mexican Beach Bar”. Gayle noticed that the sign in German said, “Smokers Welcome”. They have strict laws against smoking in bars and restaurants stated Werner. As a backlash, bars began converting to clubs by charging a very tiny annual fee and now as a private club can allow smoking. The other odd thing we learned today was that jewelry maker’s in German are called “Schmucks”. I of course am a bead maker but Gayle is a schmuck at least in Germany.