On August 15, 2019, thirteen Canadian Jesuits will note their 60th Anniversary as members of the Society of Jesus. Two members of this group – Charlie Pottie Pate, SJ and David Eley, SJ – have chosen to make a special pilgrimage to mark the occasion. They have graciously agreed to share their journal entries and photos with igNation which will post them once or twice a week.
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# 3 June 8, Saturday
Hello all,
Today began slowly – I am still jet lagging. David was tired as well. But we had breakfast with the eldest member of community, Fr. Gerhard, who is from German province but has working in Copenhagen for 50 years. Retired now but was rector of school, superior, etc. He entered 2 yrs earlier than David and I. Nice fellow.
Then we got ourselves oriented on how to get to the central city with help of one of young Jesuits. Went there by bus and decided to take the Hop On, Hope Off bus to see the central spots of Copenhagen. It had rained early in the morning but then it stopped it was a pleasant day, part sunny and cloudy but very comfortable about 15-17 C.
The Hop On/Hop Off bus in a two layered bus. We sat on top to get a better view. It began at the river bank where you could also go for a boat ride of city. We got the Classic tour of Copenhagen which is a mix of medieval, modern and contemporary architecture, side by side. On this ride we had someone commentating on the important sites: Hans Christian Andersen’s house, City Hall, the Palace, the famous little Mermaid,, Tivoli amusement Park, etc.
The bus stopped for 10 mins to see sculpture of Little Mermaid (who was waiting for her charming Prince). But otherwise we had the view from the bus of these sites. Our ticket is good for 48 hrs so we will go back tomorrow and stop at a few places.
Finally after a few hours of this tour we had lunch at a Fish place, and had their famous pickled herring on dark bread with a Danish beer. Delicious. We went inside because wind was strong. Met a group of Corsicans who were speaking French with their own language. They were very friendly and gave us the rest of their Rose wine! The waiters and waitresses very friendly.
Then we headed back to Jesuit residence to rest a bit before dinner. We cooked our own dinner, since the others were busy – chicken, pasta, broccoli and zucchini as side dish plus the two Danish pastries we had bought for the meal. With a nice Italian wine, of course.
It was a good time for us to chat about events, places and persons that were part of our 60 years as Jesuit. So we spent a few hours at table doing that. Lovely evening. The other 3 young Jesuits were with the English community of Copenhagen celebrating a Vigil for Pentecost in the church followed by an agape meal. They are very involved with the Danish, Polish and English communities here. Quite impressed by them.
So it was blessed day and now time to retire. We have plans for tomorrow. But will write more on that tomorrow night. Happy Feast of Pentecost to all of you. Come Holy Spirit…..fill our hearts with your love……