The nine cultural evenings were one of the most enjoyable aspects of Community life at the Emmanuel School of Mission. For me personally the opportunity of presenting Irish culture to the other students from around the word was very exciting. It was great to be able to have an immersion of Irish food, culture, music and sport amongst the 13 other nationalities represented at the school.
The combined British/Irish Cultural Evening was held at the Domus Aurilia on the 22nd of April. Co-hosted by myself and Hannah (the English student), the room was decorated with the Union Jack and the Irish Tri-colour flag as well as various momentos from each country such as sports jerseys and images of our respectives countries. We began with presentations outlining Guests were treated to a hearty Irish Stew including the key ingredient of potatoes. Pudding or dessert was a very yummy apple crumble. There was also Irish homemade brown bread and Easter cake! The students were also shown how to make a proper Cup of Tea (note to Europeans: give time to let the tea ‘brew’ and don’t forget to add the milk!) Highlights of the night included a recital of some Irish songs, learning Irish dancing and a nightcap of Baileys Irish Cream liquer.
What I didn’t expect was that I would get the opportunity to live the experience all over again! On the 11th of May there was British-Irish Cultural evening at Centro San Lorenzo (the Vatican’s International Youth Centre). The evening began with the International Youth Mass, during which I had the opportunity of singing the Responsorial Psalm in English. After the Mass we moved downstairs for food, again a hearty Irish stew was served followed by a large amount of puddings or deserts, including a homemade strawberry and cream sponge cake as my contribution! I also gave a short presentation on Ireland and cultural display and sang Amhrán na bhFiann for the large multinational audience present. A great night was had by all as the young people and semarians who came as they enjoyed the great social atmosphere and party for the Emmanuel lay missonary who was leaving after completing her 3 year mission at the Centro.
