We are back home
in Axminster now, and catching up on grass cutting, dealing with mail etc.
After seven weeks ago, we were quite tired, but we had some good experiences,
and enjoyed our time with the good people of St Peter’s.
Becky’s flying visit was great – lovely to see her again (our last
meeting was at Christmas.) And after she caught her train, we used our free
tickets to join the crowds of locals in the ‘village’ at the racecourse for the
prestigious Prix de Diane. There was quite a
festival atmosphere, with children’s funfair, street food, music (and betting
points!)
Our last couple of weeks were quite busy. We visited or
met several church members, and enjoyed a concert of Renaissance English music
in the church. We paid our second visit to Paris in the
week, re-visiting some of the ‘tourist-y’ sites, including the delightful
Jardin du Luxembourg (very close to the hotel I stayed in on my very first
visit nearly 60 years ago.) We enjoyed the sort of lunch that Paris restaurants
are so good at, sitting in the shade on the terrace,
overlooking the street.
Our final Sunday
was the (anticipated) feast of St Peter. We had a joyful celebration, with
excellent musicians and singers leading the singing of a balance of old and new
hymns. There was a good bring-and-share lunch to complete the proceedings,
which made an enjoyable opportunity to take our leave of the congregation. We
hope and pray that things go well with them, as they decide whether or not they
can employ a
full-time chaplain. (Finding someone prepared to accept a half-time post is
difficult in France, where supplementary employment opportunities are limited –
especially post-Brexit.) There are real possibilities of growth and development
at Chantilly – though inevitably that will also involve change, something
many of us find challenging!
It is since we
left that the problems in France erupted, following the shooting by the police
of a teenage driver. The riots that have taken place nightly since then reflect
deep dissatisfaction, especially among young people, about conditions in the
high-rise banlieues on the margins of most large cities in France, but notably
in Paris. There is also a feeling of racist
attitudes in the police – most of the young people who are stopped and searched
are black or Maghreb (ie North African) males. And since French police are all armed, the possibility of
such ‘institutional racism’ resulting in injury or death is always present.
Poverty and unemployment add to the causes of discontent. The French seem to love an opportunity for a manifestation. Following
the recent long campaign by unions against the raising of the age or
retirement, it means France is at ongoing risk of division, and right-wing
reaction. We pray that there can be some healing and reconciliation
- and some positive changes in police practices.
Back here, I have
celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of my ordination as a deacon in Chichester
Cathedral. Time has passed quickly, and
(whilst there have been some problems and difficulties on the way) I
thank God for the opportunities that ordained ministry brings, and the
privilege of sharing so many aspects of people’s lives. And we have been
blessed with ministering in some very varied places, including our eight years
in Aquitaine, and the joys of post-retirement locum ministry in the Diocese in
Europe. It’s great to be able to continue in active service (without the burden
of administration and fund-raising!) And I couldn’t have done it without Jo’s
constant love and support.(I
also need to thank our children for enduring life in a vicarage!) May we be able to continue for a few more years.
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