Primera Piedra 27th September 2009

Fortunately the parish priest, Don Joaquin Carlos Carlos, had the foresight to organise a canopy for the mass and foundation stone laying last Sunday. As the thunder and lighting and heavy down pour of torrential rain continued for several hours in the morning, people were anxious about the event. Then the rain stopped, the bishop of Alicante and his representative in Orihuela arrived, followed soon after by the mayor, Monica Lorente and the local councillor, Rosa Martinez. The architect, quantity surveyor and representative of the constructor, Josh, having arrived with other dignitaries, the mass started on time, on dry seats.

As is usual in Spain the mass was introduced by a member of the parish, Myriam Profiti, as the occasion for laying the foundation stone of an ecumenical temple at which all Christian religious people could worship. The mass was said by bishop Rafael, his representative, the parish priest and five other priests, including one from England who read the gospel. An orthodox priest came as soon as his own duties were completed. The timing of the event precluded many other clergy attending, as they had done the year before at the launch of the ecumenical temple. However there were a number of other Christian faiths in the congregation.

After mass, which included both Spanish and English readers, the foundation stone was laid by the bishop. The construction company had levelled the ground used for the chairs and canopy area but the rough ground and the rain made it a muddy experience for those who flocked to see the bishop laying the stone.

Afterwards the mayor, Monica Lorente, spoke of her own pride as the mayor and as a catholic of Orihuela that this land had been donated to the community for worship as it would fulfil a need particularly in this area of Alicante. There was then the signing and a number of priests and dignitaries mounted the stairs to put their signatures on it. Stefan, Foreign Residents officer translated the mayor speech in to English and German.

After another Spanish hymn, led by Tony Sessolo, the commercial catering company staff swung into action; stacking chairs, helped by many and bringing out the tables and the refreshments. These were excellent, including ham, cold meats, tortie, pastries, cheeses, olives with both wine and soft drinks.

Every chair was filled with about ten to fifteen people standing at the back beyond the canopy with brollies aloft. It was estimated that over three hundred attended. For another hour people mingled and chatted and re established relationships.

The temple of Cristo Resucitado is now a place of integration in the community.

Fiestas de la virgen la zenia 2009

From: oriwatchtv | 09 de septiembre de 2009

On the video from the 15th of August you can see the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Mar which is a very important event for La Zenia. The fiesta starts with the celebration of the Mass, which is characterized by large active participation of parishioners and public.

In the procession that takes place afterwards all the parishioners, summer visitors, young and old are accompanying the Virgin to the seashore. Later a mix of different cultures and nationalities are celebrating fiesta in honour of their Virgin.