Conference of Pastoral Workers with Catholic Deaf People in Asia 7-14 October, 2005 This morning we went to St. Mary Major Church, one of the four basilicas in Rome.  In the afternoon there were more reports, this time from India and Cambodia.

11 October Asian Deaf Conference, Day 5 We ate breakfast at the Hotel Ergife where the group moved for accommodations when there was a mix-up on reservations.  Lunch and supper were eaten at the Hotel Villa Rosa where we originally had planned to stay.   Fr. Cyril Axelrod arriving at St. Mary Major Basilica with his two interpreters, Valerie Stokes (l) and Tina Kaad.  They were with Cyril throughout each day, enabling him to participate in the conference.  Cyril now lives in London.  The conference participants watch as Fr. Savino explains the significance of St. Mary Major Basilica which they are about to visit.   St. Mary Major is one of the four basilicas (special churches) in Rome.  It is the main church honoring Mary in the Western church.  It was erected after the Council of Ephesus declared Mary to be truly the Mother of God.     Charlie Dittmeier in one of the small chapels of St. Mary Major Basilica. Cardinal Bernard Law, the rector of St. Mary Major Basilica, welcomed the participants to the church.  When he was in Boston, Cardinal Law strongly supported ministry with the Catholic deaf people there.   Sarah Chen from the Philippines leads the opening song of the mass.   Fr. Cyril Axelrod presiding at the mass, assisted by his interpreter Tina Kaad.

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