Friday 28 November 2014

Thanksgiving

Celebrated Thanksgiving Day with two American colleagues.

On Wednesday evening I was on the panel for 'The Debate' on France 24 TV. The debate centred on the addresses of Pope Francis to the European Parliament and Council of Europe during his visit to Strassburg. A wide range of topics came up for discussion. The panel was asked to give opinions - which I did. One email to me after the programme attached a photo from the TV broadcast. Another email took me to task on a number of comments that I made. It is great when people want to continue the discussion long after the TV programme has ended. I like that.

Advent begins tomorrow - less than four weeks to Christmas. Busy few weeks ahead here at St Joseph's Church, Paris. On 26 December I hope to travel to Bray and spend a few days before being back in Paris for New Year.

Have a good Advent!              A. T.

Monday 24 November 2014

Bray Hero

Well done Katie Taylor! Ireland (especially our hometown of  Bray) is proud of you.   A.T.

Wednesday 19 November 2014

End times

Was in Dublin last week for a meeting. What rain! At one stage I wondered if I would make it back to Dublin Airport due to so much rain falling. I did. Earlier last week I was part of the congregation at Notre Dame Cathedral for Armistice Day. The ceremony of Remembrance is very moving, especially as this year is the Centenary of the beginning of World War I. Have started a series of meetings with Parents and Staff at Marymount School Paris where I'm chaplain, to explore ways of following up the Synod of Bishops on the Family. A good start has been made and I look forward to learning a lot. Was disappointed with RoI soccer team being beaten by Scotland in the European Qualifiers. Still, a win last night against U.S.A. was sweet.  The Rugby is going even better for Ireland. A.T.