Saturday, October 21, 2006

¡Viva la convivencia!

Wow! What a day it's been so far! And it's far from over!

Actually, before I get into today, a couple of words about ayer (yesterday). After holding my breath (almost literally) for several days, hoping to survive financially 'til my AHISD paycheck, it arrived in yesterday's mail. Instead of doing my usual M.O. and going to a nearby UPS Store to "quick-post" it to my USAA account, I chose to go to a neighborhood bank, so I could deposit it with a little cash back for this weekend. BAD mistake! OR to use Emmaus terminology, I encountered an obstacle to grace -- i.e., sin -- called greed at the best and lack of trust in God at the worst. And I stumbled mightily!


As a result, I was one and a half hours late to the Northwest San Antonio Emmaus monthly gathering, billed as "Rekindle the Flame" for the 29 recent Pilgrims of Men's Walk #1327. I was too late for food and fellowship, and to be present for the introduction of the folk of Walk #1327. But I was there for the entire worship service! And I even saw a man sporting the nametag used on my Pilgrim Walk, #327!

Also, on my headset radio, after the gathering adjourned and I headed home, I learned that the Alamo Heights Mules had beaten their arch-nemesis the Boerne Greyhounds! Finally! After so many years! AH 41, Boerne 14. Whoa, Mules!!!

NOW, for today. ¡Viva la Convivencia! is a slogan used last year at San Antonio Founders Day. In Spanish it means, roughly, "Long live 'live and let live' ". Convivencia is used by historians of la patria, España, as a term for the tolerant spirit of neighborliness that prevailed in much of Spain during parts of the Middle Ages, when Christians, Muslims and Jews allowed one another leeway to exercise their respective faiths. And indeed during those times of convivencia a Spaniard of one faith might greatly assist a neighbor of a different faith with little heed to their religious differences. The great Spanish Christian hero El Cid even had FRIENDS among the Muslims!

So-o-o-o, convivencia is a very appropriate term for the tolerant attitude that flourishes in the Alamo City. Yes, small incidents of racism happen, even here. But overall there is a civic spirit of "live-and-let-live", and indeed of "let's all celebrate everyone's particular cultural heritage!" ANY excuse for a party. Right, San Antonio?

As last year, so this year's Fouonders Day celebration commenced with a concert in Mc Creless Auditorium, featuring as headline performers the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio and the Children's Chorus of S.A. Before the musical presentations, Dr. Felix Almaraz of UTSA speaks in character, dressed in a Franciscan robe fashioned like one of the 1700s, as Fray (Friar) Olivares, the founding missionary of Misión San Antonio de Valero which later became The Alamo.

The orchestra played two pieces at the start of their portion of the program, that I greatly admired. These were "Danzon No. 2" by Marquez and "Hill Country Theme" by Paxton. The Children's Chorus capped off their set of four great songs by singing a terrific song about our city, titled simply "San Antonio". It was composed when the composer visited The Riverwalk. The indoor program climaxed with Beverly Houston singing a couple verses of "America the Beautiful" accompanied by the orchestra, the chorus and us the audience.

And then it was time to process across San Pedro Avenue to the park, for exhibits and fun! There were re-enactments, impersonators -- such as one of Fray (Friar) Antonio Margil, a Franciscan missionary, founder of Mission San Jose and a great hero of mine -- and more live music. This latter included the Heart of Texas men's barbershop chorus of San Marcos. Their harmonious singing was almost matched by their striking shirts resembling the flag of Texas!


What a gr-r-r-reat day it's been so far. . . .

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