THE MARYKNOLL MISSION, HONG KONG 1941-46
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ed his own case, asking for release on the score of his being a representative of the Vatican. Rice rations increasing a little in quantity, and we are also informed that we are to get less rice and more other food.
2- Holy Thursday. Low Mass at 8.30 in the "Club Chapel" with Bishop O'Gara officiating. At three in the afternoon in St. Stephen's Great Hall, there was the ceremony of the Washing of the Feet, when His Excellency washed the feet of twelve men. It was the first time that most of us had witnessed this ceremony. Three Lamentations were also sung. Father Bauer returns from Tweed Bay Hospital, though not cured.
3- Good Friday, Mass of the Pre-sanctified at 8:30 with Father Murphy as celebrant. Stations of the Cross and Sermon in the afternoon, the latter being given by Father Haughey. New primary rations announced: 6-37/100 of an ounce of rice; 2 ounces of flour, about 1/50 of an ounce of sugar, about 1/100 ounce of salt, and 10 ounces of firewood; 1/100 ounce of peanut oil per person per day. In addition to this, of course, we shall continue receiving the two ounces of fish or meat and two ounces of vegetables (usually lettuce) as heretofore.
4- Holy Saturday. Solemn services at 8:00 a.m. with Fathers Hozen, Dutch Salesian, Father O'Connor, Vincentian and our own Father Gaiero as ministers. The Paschal candle (made up of two vigil lights) was blessed. The eleven Americans to be repatriated are segregated into two rooms. Rumor now has it that all the Americans are to be repatriated!??
5- Easter Sunday. Solemn Mass at 9:30 on the verandah of the Prison Officers' Club, with the congregation assembled on the lawn. Fathers Meyer, McKeirnan and Siebert, ministers of the Mass, with Bishop O'Gara preaching. At noon, a children's party was held on the lawn between the American and British blocks, and each child received three eggs, a doughnut or two and some coffee or cocoa. In the afternoon at St. Stephen's, Rosary, Litany, Sermon and Benediction.
6 Our American cooks threaten to resign-too much criticism of their work. The undercurrent of opinion is that they are living pretty high, considering all things, and the crew of this good ship Stanley also threatens to mutiny. A 3-day entertainment schedule