Again I start by saying sorry for my long neglect of this blog. The intentions for it are good, but........ The Christmas and New Year celebrations at St Joseph's were a joy to be part of and to see the determination of big numbers of people to get to church in difficult circumstances due to the transport strike that began on 5th December 2019. One couple walked for three hours to get to Mass at Christmas. The Carol Service had a memorable Pageant presented by CCD students that took the story of the Birth of Christ from the perspective of Saint Joseph. Last year we marked 150 years on this site beside the Arc de Triomphe. The church was sinking and had to be demolished in 1985 and rebuilt, reopening in 1987. Since then St Joseph's has served all who come to us from near or far. We are delighted to welcome a great number of visitors in Paris. This year, we move on to another year of remembrance when the 300th anniversary of the foundation of the Passionists by Saint Paul of the Cross will be launched. From very small beginnings in Italy, the female and male Passionists have carried his charism and vision to the ends of the earth.
At Christmas I was overwhelmed to receive greetings from so many parishioners who are now living in countries near and far away. It is such a joy to hear from people who were part of St Joseph's community but for family or employment reasons have moved on from Paris. It is lovely for me to think of these people carrying something of St Joseph's spirit to their new parishes. Sincere thanks for the privilege of having met you.
Well, at least I am now writing on the blog again and hope that I will not let it slip for as long as I often have done in the past.
A Happy New Year to all who read these few words. Aidan
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