Tradedy in CA

Thoughts and prayers with all affected by the deaths and injuries last night in Berkeley. May they rest in peace and may the families and friends get strength to get through the coming days. No words can capture the enormity of this tragedy. For two years I lived and studied in San Francisco and know and love the Bay area. Tonight at the Irish Embassy in Paris there was a minute's silence in solidarity with all affected by the Californian tragedy. This took place during a Bloomsday celebration hosted by Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nasson and attended by Junior Minister Sean Sherlock. A. Troy

Soccer Shame

I'll never forget the night in the Stade de France, Paris, when cheating became a million dollar/euro business. What a terrible message to give people trying to live honest lives. AT

Silence Broken

It is February since I last posted anything on my blog. This happened as much by accident as by design. Lent was busy and since 2012, I have the additional call on my time being part of the Provincial Council of the Passionists. This involves a meeting every month to six weeks in either Dublin or Belfast. Excuses, excuses...........
Last weekend was great here. On Saturday there were 60 children who made their First Communion. The next day, Pentecost, 40 received Confirmation. This weekend there is the annual Summer Fair at St Joseph's. This involves a lot of preparation and planning. The generosity of parishioners who do all this is exceptional. Fine weather is all that is needed now.
The Referendum in Ireland attracted great attention. I was a panel member on France 24 on their 'The Debate' programme last week.
It is my hope to keep the posts on the blog coming at a more regular interval. A.T.

Lent 2015

May this Lent be a "time of grace" (2 Cor 6:2) as highlighted by Pope Francis in His Message for Lent  2015 - well worth a read on www.vatican.va
Today, Tuesday, I arrived from Paris to Glasgow about 1 p.m. to meet representatives of the Archdiocese of Glasgow at 3 p.m. along with the Provincial Superior as our Passionist Community there plan the future and make some important adjustments to their present situation. This will, please God, continue into the future the Passionist presence in Scotland and contribute to the mission of the Passionists for the people of Glasgow and all who seek the Lord in the heart of the city.
Because of this meeting and time spent with the Passionist Community, it was not possible to get back to St Joseph''s, Paris tonight. Being the eve of Ash Wednesday, I decided to get back from Glasgow to Heathrow Airport (arrived at 10.00 p.m.) and will get the 7.20 a.m. flight from London to Paris on Ash Wednesday morning. So, tonight I am preparing for Lent by my night vigil in the 'wilderness' of Heathrow by reading, writing and offering a few prayers in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. It's an interesting experience and so far, rich in graces. Have a good Lent! A T

Attacks in Paris

A sad and tragic day in Paris as 12 people are murdered and others seriously injured. May the deceased rest in peace and may their loved ones be surrounded by friends and family. I went to Place de la Republique tonight to be present at a vigil of presence and solidarity. A Day of National Mourning on Thursday will have Mass at 8.30 a.m. at St Joseph's Church to honour the memories of those who died and pray for the injured. At 12 noon St Joseph's Church will welcome all who wish to remember those who died and were injured and to pray for reconciliation and peace.     A.T.

New Year 2015

Happy New Year on this second day of January! Went to Bray on 26th December and got back to Paris in time for the fireworks at Arc de Triomphe for midnight on 31 December. I enjoyed Christmas including the busy days here at Saint Joseph's Church. It seems so recent when there was great excitement waiting for 2000 to arrive. Now we are into the 15th year after of this millennium! One resolution is to try to keep up a more regular attention to this blog!      A.T. 

December

December has brought a sharp drop in temperature today in Paris. At 6 p.m. it was 2 degrees. Had my first jog around the streets since July. I picked up a knee injury in early July and it has taken a long time to come right. In the meantime, I did a lot of cycling around Paris. For instance, I cycle regularly to Marymount School in Neuilly sur Seine where I am chaplain. If there were less cars, buses, trucks and scooters it would be even better. They are certainly saying, 'If there were less
cyclists, it would be great!'. Advent is under way and Christmas is only around the corner!      A.T.