Aidan Troy

As Easter approaches it is sad to read of violence around our world with so many deaths. May all who have died rest in peace and may peace on earth be worked and fervently prayed for. Recent murders and disruption around Belfast and other areas in N. Ireland are regretable and worrying. Some channel has to be opened to reach and challenge people behind these killings and disruption to attempt to lead them to a path of peace. Such a call will be rejected by politicans for various reasons that I appreciate while others will see such a move as giving credibility or status to such people. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gospel values urge me to risk suggesting this step being taken to turn the perpetrators of these sinful events to a better way of life. There must not be further death or destruction. Words of condemnation may make a speaker feel better and be seen as reassuring. But  I wonder if those who would kill or destroy are reached by such words. In saying this I am in no way suggesting that I am an acceptable intermediary, but there are surely people of good will who could be encouraged to at least attempt this work of peace. If such a move should fail at least we have done something positive, pro-life and not just talked. My prayers this Holy Week and Easter are for peace.                                                                                    AT

The annual Lenten Project this year got a great boost when Philip McTaggart, founder of PIPS, spoke at all five Masses last weekend at St Joseph’s. He spoke very well on the topic of suicide and how he, the family and the community were all deeply affected by his 17 year old son’s death by suicide in April 2003. Many people wished to speak to him and he was ’surrounded’ after each Mass. It was good having Philip with us and you can contact him by visiting www.pipsproject.com
Whatever boost this gave the collection for the Lenten Project will also increase the amount going to the Maternity Unit in Democratic Republic of Congo. There are a few weeks left in Lent and the generosity to date has been outstanding especially in the present economic climate. More can be learned about our Lenten Project by going to www.stjoeparis.org                                                                 AT

Feast of parish is celebrated on 19th March. Also, on same day it will be 45 years since my Mother’s death. Rest in peace.
Provincial Visitation begins also on 19th March and will be conducted by Fr Patrick Duffy, Provincial.
A transport strike has been called for 19th March and it will be interesting to see what the level of disruption will be.
Sad to read about St Patrick’s Day disturbances in Belfast and Dublin. BBC Radio Ulster on ‘Sunday Sequence’ this Sunday will include an item recorded at St Joseph’s Church on St Patrick’s Day.
Temperatures are rising at long last - the past few days have been beautifully sunny. Long may it last. The only slight drawback is that it maks jogging a bit more exhausting!                               AT

Happy St Patrick’s Day from Paris where we had a great celebration with people from around the world marking this feast of a saint of the whole Church. After Mass a big crowd was welcomed to a reception in the church hall. Shamrock was worn by all alongside a purple ribbon of remembrance for those murdered recently. May they rest in peace.

When approached by the Irish Catholic Newpaper for a reaction from this parish and the congregation of people here about recent murders and injuries I sent the following comments:

“The killing of two soldiers, a policeman and the serious injury of others within the last few days is a frightening reminder of how fragile peace remains. There is no justification for these killings. Prayers were offered at the three Masses I celebrated in Paris last Sunday and there were quite a number of people of different nationalities who expressed their sadness that killing has returned to the streets again. 
I wonder if more is needed than the response of saying that these  people who murder have no great support. Of course the law must pursue anyone who kills no matter what the motive may be. This is without question. But some channel to make contact must be opened to explore with those who perpetrate such deeds to help put an end to these murders before even more lives are lost. There is an urgent need for such it would seem to me from, I admit, this distance away. I have received so many phone calls and texts from people who are genuinely afraid again because of these developments”. (End of email to Irish Catholic)

These comments were made in support of all that had been said by way of condemnation but with an added Gospel dimension of trying to find a way to prevent possible further loss of life. At no stage did I see myself as being called upon to act in this role.

Slán tamaill,                                                                                            AT

Still keeping going in Lent! Today addressed a group of American Catholic Women in Paris who wanted to know more about the Holy Cross School Protest of 2001. One of their members was an Internatioal Observer at that time. We had a great discussion and their questions showed a great awareness of the background. They have suggested a follow-up session in September - as we would say ‘divils for punishment’!

Am invited to join the alliance of Catholic English Speaking parishes of Europe. Am delighted to do so. The next meeting when I will meet my coleagues in European ministry will be in Madrid during May.

On domestic scene we had a Parish Council meeting tonight. They are a great group of people and I enjoy their sound advice and the encouragement they give me.

Weather a bit warmer at long last!                                           AT