Jesus Christ and Dostoievsky

While in prison, in Siberia, Dostoievsky wrote a letter to his friend, Mrs. N. D. Fonvizin (1854):


 "I believe that there is nothing lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic, more rational, more manly and more perfect than the Savior;... If anyone could prove to me that Christ is outside the truth, and if the truth really did exclude Christ, I should prefer to stay with Christ and not the truth." (Community Middlebury)

That's exactly the way I feel.

Rio de Janeiro, I love you!

People of Rio de Janeiro were considered the happiest on Earth, in a recent research. The beauty of our beaches, mountains and the symbol of the city must count for it, I'm pretty sure. How can you be sad if you raise your eyes and see Jesus with His arms opened to you? The Christ Redeemer statue reminds us that we are loved and must love in return.

Chilly Rio

Today is so cold in Rio! Cold for "cariocas", of course. When thermometers show 18ºC, we begin to shiver and complain. Particularly, I rejoice. Cups of tea, good books and movies are always available to help us enjoy these rare moments. A chilly breeze suggests its polar origin and I can imagine glaciers, penguins, and seals it kissed before freezing my cheeks. Lovely day!

Christ Redeemer, as he is seen from the street where we live, during a WWF campaign.

Sacred Places

Brazil's Towering Icon
By Kent Garber
Posted November 16, 2007

Gazing down upon bikini-clad sun worshipers along Rio de Janeiro's famed Copacabana Beach as well as the impoverished residents of the city's often violent slums, the imposing statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the world's best-known landmarks. Completed in 1931, the concrete-and-soapstone statue rises some 12 stories from its base to a height of nearly 2,300 feet atop Mount Corcovado. The site draws about 300,000 tourists a year. Inspiring, yes, but it was not until October 2006 that it became a sacred place. On the statue's 75th anniversary, Rio's Roman Catholic archbishop, Cardinal Eusébio Oscar Scheid, consecrated the small chapel under the statue that now is used for religious ceremonies such as baptisms and marriages.

http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/sacred-places/2007/11/16/brazils-towering-icon.html

World Aids Day in Rio

In a few moments it'll begin the ceremony of World Aids Day, at the top of Corcovado. Sergio Cabral (Rio de Janeiros's Governor) and José Gomes Temporão (Health Minister) will attend the Mass celebrated by our Bishop, Dom Eusebio Oscar Scheid.
That's what I can see from my window...