Dear Friends,
This has been an extraordinary Lenten Season. The past weeks have been filled with uncertainty as COVID-19, coronavirus, wreaks havoc and harm throughout the world.
I just wanted to assure you therefore of my thoughts and prayers at this time of uncertainty. Although we cannot meet for Mass in our beloved Chapelle St Patrick until further notice, rest assured that I will continue to offer mass for everyone throughout this emergency.
As things progress, some of us may indeed fall ill, or will have to take on the role of caregiver. Please do not hesitate me for any pastoral assistance that I can offer.
Let us pray for strength and forbearance and the awareness to take care of each other and especially of our more vulnerable and fragile neighbours and friends. Please know too that you and your loved ones are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
As of last weekend I have cancelled all chapel activities, such as first Communion preparation, baptisms and Sunday mass. We all have a role to play right now in limiting our social contact to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Please also know, even if you have to self-isolate due to the virus, you do not have to go through this on your own. You can reach me at anytime by phone or email.
Yes, these times are uncertain and worrying . But our Faith tells is that Lenten suffering and sacrifice must ultimately give way to Easter joy.
We have our faith. We have hope. We have compassion. We have each other.
On a practical note I have included below a link to online masses all over Ireland. I am also posting regularly on Facebook (Irish Chaplain-Paris) throughout this time of crisis.
Take care. Please help each other where possible if you’re able and do not hesitate to advise me about any assistance I can offer.
And above all, keep safe.
God bless now and always,
Fr Hugh.
For all of us unable to participate at Mass just now there are multiple options online.
Many churches around Ireland can be accessed through this sitem please click to view:
(From now onwards many of these celebrations however will be without any congregation.)
‘Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9