School Class

Tomorrow, Friday, I am invited into a Paris School to take a class for one hour. Some months ago, the class watched the film, "In the Name of the Father" with their teacher. This tells the story of the Guildford Four who were wrongly imprisoned for 15 years for offences they never committed. Gerry Conlon's Father, Giuseppe Conlon, died in prison. Prime Minister, Tony Blair, apologised for the miscarriage of justice in 2005. One of the class told her teacher that the priest in their parish had lived in Belfast before coming to Paris. Her parents had told her this, as I have never spoken publicly in this parish of my time in Holy Cross parish in Ardoyne. The teacher contacted me some time later and asked if I would come into the class who had watched the film. She asked if I could offer some background to the Northern Ireland situation and take any questions the students may have. For better or worse, I am going into this school tomorrow morning for a class lasting one hour. This is a first for me in France and I don't mind admitting that I am apprehensive. If the students benefit and grow in understanding and appreciation of life and its challenges, I will be so happy. It is totally about them and not about me.                                         AT

Back Again

This is to show that yesterday's post was no 'flash in the pan'! 

Yesterday in Paris there were some clashes following May Day gatherings. Having seen some street violence in Belfast, there is nothing pleasant about violence from any source. It happens, but at the end of the day, dialogue is the only path to conflict resolution. This may sound defeatist or being afraid of facing issues, but the force of a water canon, the stinging sensation of tear gas or the throwing of missiles will never lead to a lasting peace. 

Early next week, I look forward to welcoming to St Joseph's, Paris, a group of priests and deacons from English-speaking Catholic parishes in other European countries. This network of clergy gets together every second year to learn from each other and to have a support network. 

In the past at St Joseph's, the Passionists had a community of at least three priests to serve a parish of 45 nationalities who worship here in the English language. Now we are two and when one is away, as at present, it leaves a lot to be done. This includes 200 children every Sunday morning for preparation for 1st Communion and Confirmation. With a separation of church and state in France, families make a choice about the religious future of their children. There is great freedom in this choice with no compulsion to follow any particular course of action. When it comes to the celebration at St Joseph's Church of 1st Communion on 19th May and Confirmations on Pentecost Sunday, 20th May, the joy and happiness are tangible. This model could work in other countries?

Hope to be back with you soon!                                                  AT

First in 2018

It is hard to believe that I have ignored this blog since last Christmas 2017! No excuses. Of course, I could suggest reasons for my absence, but that would change nothing. Life goes on well here at St Joseph's, Paris. I had a great Christmas and Easter and now looking forward to First Communions and Confirmations. Hope to be a more regular blogger from now on.    AT

Christmas 2017

Paris is looking a lot like Christmas these days. Schools are winding down and those due to travel have their plans made. People sometimes ask me if I am going home for Christmas. Well, not really, as there are a few Masses to be celebrated, carols to be sung (not by me, thank God), mulled wine to be made (and imbibed), and people of many nationalities to be welcomed. But, on St Stephen's morning I will be on the first Aer Lingus flight from Paris to Dublin. I love arriving into Dublin Aiport at Christmas time - so welcoming and festive. On Thursday after Christmas, I hope to be at Leopardstown Races for the Lexus Chase. This is an annual visit with a great group of people who get together each year for this great day out. Then back at the end of the week for the final Sunday of 2017. New Year's Eve in Paris is exciting and draws crowds onto the streets.

Police and Military have been visiting to check on Mass times over Christmas. This is a reminder that recent attacks have brought about a greater awareness to be alert. My prayer and wish for all people everywhere is that Christmas will be a time of peace not just for a day or two, but the beginning of a year of peace and safety.                                                                                                     AT

Back Again

Ready to start Advent and another year of liturgy. A parish retreat this weekend will launch this season here at St Joseph's. I like the season of Advent and the joy of preparing for Christmas. On 10th December there will be a Carol Service at St Joseph's, part of which will be the Pageant with the children.

It is not as peaceful back home - the Irish Government missed having an election before Christmas. I'm surprised that the timing of a possible election - near to Christmas - was raised as such an issue. If justice is delayed, it is being denied. The Garda Sergent at the centre of this whole matter is surely entitled to being treated at least decently and justly, even if politicians have their own concerns. The lessons of the Catholic Church's past failures in being open and transparent on serious matters, does not seem to have been learnt by the State and its servants. 

'Brexit' will test Europe, Britain and most of all affect Ireland. I am alarmed at the prospect of the return of a 'stop/go' border. It was a 'miracle' to get the 'Good Friday Agreement' across the line. It could take very little to turn the clock back to days that nobody would want again. Of course, I am living a distance away but I have wonderful memories of years spent in Crossgar, Co. Down and Holy Cross, Belfast. I lived in Crossgar from 1971 - 1974. Those were dark years of violence and it is so great to leave them behind. I lived in Belfast from 2001-2008. These were years when all was not great, but also of great joy and happiness. It is always great to go back there and simply walk the streets and see how changed the city now is, bustling with life and laughter. AT

"Beginning of the Year"

The last entry on this blog that I made was in June and entitled, 'End of the Year'. It seems that I took it to heart and now that summer is over, in one sense 'a new year beginning' seems appropriate. At least, that is how it feels. The schools are open again; St Joseph's Church has gone back to its normal schedule of five weekend Masses and our young people are starting on Sunday next their preparation classes for First Confession, Holy Communion and Confirmation. It is always good as they bring extra life to our community each weekend. We had the shock of the sudden death in July of the Head of Marymount School, Johanna Bambridge. May she rest in peace. Julio, at almost 92 years of age, was one of our oldest parishioners and he died in Spain while on holidays. May he too rest in peace. There were also weddings and baptisms during the summer months, bringing new life to our community. There is so much to catch up on - including your news if you would care to share it with us - but I will leave it at this for the moment. For better or worse, the blog is active!
A.T.

'End of Year'

Blog has been neglected - no excuses! These days have an 'end of year' feeling. The schools are closing for the summer break; First Communions and Confirmations have been celebrated; the Summer Fair at St Joseph's has passes; 'Irish in France' Ball went well; the 'Irish in France' Sports' Day is taking place on Saturday and people are moving around on holidays. I like this time of year.

Am not sure about deal done to keep Tories in government. My hope and prayer is that it does not have an adverse effect on peace in North. Brexit gets more and more problematic. French government seems to be settling in and getting on with the work. Pope Francis says, 'he is going nowhere'. I say, 'thanks be to God.' Irish Ambassador to France is leaving us soon to take up her new post at U.N. Best wishes to Geraldine and family.

Happy and restful summer!                                                                                          AT