“An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman…” It’s a classic opening for a British joke. It’s very common in various parts of the world as well; in my home country, it would usually feature a Pole, a German, and a Russian, with the latter often the butt of the joke. There are also versions with different professions, such as a…
When I ask for help, I get two types of reactions. Primary school-age children instantly raise their hands up, and some enthusiastically try to draw my attention: “Choose me!” When a group of adults have been asked, everyone suddenly realises something is wrong with their footwear that requires their immediate attention and prolonged diligent visual inspection. I wonder what would…
There were fifteen of us, young men around twenty-seven years old, give or take. The group was a decent reflection of our society at the time, our origins ranging from rural areas to big cities and everything in between. Some of us had been qualified and certified for specific jobs, others had entered the seminary with a so-called “general knowledge…
A few days ago, I discovered a music band that plays interesting music with a unique, unmissable character, unlike most modern mass-produced, instantly forgettable pop music. Recordings of the band’s concerts showcase highly energetic and memorable performances, while their music videos are classy and professional; unlike many others, they don’t drip with cringy and oversexualised content. However, as usual, it…
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Those words were solemnly pronounced by a minister over each of us when we were baptised, and since then, we have been saying them daily, accompanied by a right-hand gesture touching our foreheads, chests and shoulders: the sign of the cross. Often, we utter these…