28th September 2014

Last Sunday was special to me on a personal as well as a parish level. On 28th September 2008 (6 years ago), at 4 p.m. I arrived through the front door of St Joseph's Church to begin a journey with no idea whatsoever as to where it would lead. People of all races and languages over the past six years have shown me the way forward and have cared for me. Thanks to all who have walked me over the past six years and to those still on the journey. Without these people, what happened for good would simply not have happened as it did. If any of these read this post - don't lose heart! There is only about 20 months to go before the next change for me will come from Passionist H/Q in Ireland. People who know this ask where is next for me to go - only God knows! After 50 years of Passionist Profession (27 Sept. 1964), every day is a gift to be treasured!                                                             

St Joseph's Information Day and Food Fest on 28 September 2014

Last Sunday was special. It was a brilliant sunny day and the people of St Joseph's gave us a day to remember. All the planning, all the work, all the preparations were worth it. The Parish Pastoral Council gave a lead and individuals, families and leaders of ministries at St Joseph's walked to the same drum beat. What the Body of Christ can be was seen by our own eyes as we had our usual 5 Masses and a call to mission went out to appoximately 1,500 people at those Masses.

 

Like the Gospel when Jesus got people together, He instructed his followers not to send them away but, "you feed them". And all were fed. Without counting the cost, people brought food, cooked it and served it with graciousness worthy of a Christian community. People ate foods of many nations and cultures and we rejoiced in our diversity.

At the same time over 200 children and young people were applying themselves to CCD (religious formation and instruction) under the guidance of volunteer teachers and supportive families. We were glad to welcome ACWO (American Catholic Women's Organisation) and Marymount International School Paris, as friends and fellow travellers along the way in building the Kingdom of God.

At St Joseph's we are a truly international community at peace at a time when many nations and groups are at war. May we continue to witness to peace and justice and all that makes this world truly reflect the beauty and goodness intended by God at the dawn of creation.

 

This day will remain with me for a long time to come - I saw the Body of Christ at its best. It made a welcome change from that same Body being debased by crime and sin against the most vulnerable. My sincere thanks to the huge number of people who last Sunday gave my faith and trust a huge boost. You are witnesses to Chist in all that is best among human beings.

 

On 24th November 2013, Pope Francis signed off on "Evangelii Gaudium" in Rome.

On 28th September 2014, we experienced "The Joy of the Gospel" in Paris.                   A.T.

Summer passing

Visited Belfast on Wednesday, 21st August, and was glad to visit Holy Cross, Ardoyne for a few hours while there. Belfast on a sunny day was looking great. An important meeting about the Passionists in Africa had just concluded in Holy Cross Monastery when I arrived and it was good to have lunch with those who had travelled from Rome, Zambia and Enniskillen to attend. Sad to record the death of Fr. Kieran McIvor, C.P. in Durban after a lifetime serving in Botswana and South Africa. May he rest in peace. His funeral took place in South Africa where is he is buried. Soon, my visit to Ireland will end and I look forward to returning to St Joseph's Church, Paris.  A.T.

Iraq suffering

It is heart breaking to learn daily of the suffering of so many in Iraq and to feel so helpless to do anything to help end this horror. I pray every day that there may be people who will step forward and be able to make a difference. The bravery of aid workers and voluntary agencies is a reminder that there is great goodness alongside so much evil.                                                            A.T.

Glasgow

Today will take place the second of two funerals this week of members of the Passionist community of St Mungo's, Glasgow. Fr Eustace Cassidy will be buried in Glasgow after 12.15 p.m. Mass. May he rest in peace. On Tuesday, Fr Jim Berrie was buried.

It is my hope and prayer that the present ceasefire in the Middle East will extend into a longer time to allow humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza. There is such a long road ahead. The damage done to people, especially children, will take years to deal with in any real way. We can only admire and support those who are trying to help and improve this tragic situation.    A T

Scotland

Arrived in Glasgow today to attend two funerals of Passionists of St Mungo's Community. Both died last week. May they rest in peace. Was in Paris until this morning (Monday) and followed events over the weekend relating to the Middle East from a French perspective. The tragedy goes on and especially for the children of Gaza. At Mass yesterday a minute of silent prayer was held for all who had died and that peace may be sought and achieved.              A.T.

Fr Eustace Cassidy, C.P.

Tonight in St Mungo's Retreat, Glasgow, Scotland, Fr Eustace Cassidy died. May he rest in peace. A native of Ballymote, Co Sligo, Ireland he was 83 years. This is the second death in this Passionist Community in the past week - Fr Jim Berrie died earlier this week. On Monday I will go to Glasgow for the funeral of Fr Jim Berrie. The funeral arrangements for Fr Eustace will be made in the coming days. For this community to have two family deaths in the one week is a great loss. Please keep the St Mungo's Passionist Community in your prayers. A.T.