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.

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.

Bray Hero

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

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.

Clock changes

The dark days of Winter are not far away. Today in Paris it is a sunny almost summer's day! Long may it last like this. My own unscientific view is that the time should be left alone all year round. A few tourists were a little annoyed with me yesterday that the times of Masses at St Joseph's Church, Paris had not been changed by one hour to match the change of the clocks at the weekend. You don't follow that? Neither did I when it was first said nor have I gained any insight since! But, as we all know - the customer is always right! No travel this week. Last weekend I was at an Ordination of a Passionist student in Wales. During the week I attended meetings during visits to St Mungo's, Glasgow and Holy Cross, Belfast. Getting ready now for Feast of All Saints on Saturday and All Souls on Sunday. The year is slipping past. When shopping recently Chritmas fare was in evidence. A.T.