SS Peter & Paul, Hollerich, English-speaking church

Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich visited our community on Sunday 18 November, and was welcomed at the door of the church by members of the parish council. He celebrated Mass, along with Fr Ed, newly appointed parish priest of Hollerich parish.

During the Mass, Père Evêque announced that from now onwards, the church of SS Peter & Paul, Hollerich, would be the home of our community. Up until then, it had been ‘loaned’ to us for Sunday Mass, being used at other times by the local Luxembourgish community. The archbishop paid tribute to the English-speaking community of what had been set up as the Paroisse Européenne. He noted that it was now one of the most international parishes in the country, reflecting the rich national mix of the Grand Duchy, and the city of Luxembourg in particular. It was no longer appropriate to speak in terms of ‘European parish’ when members of the community came not only from Europe, but from the United States, different parts of Africa (including Kenya, Uganda & South Africa), different Asian countries (including India, Pakistan, Philippines). We are now the English-speaking community of the International Parish — people from many countries, united in the one faith. The move, said the archbishop, signalled that the English-speaking Catholic community, which had its origins almost 50 years ago, were no longer visitors, but were truly at home.
On behalf of the parish, Cheryl Kouba (Chair, parish council) thanked Père Evêque, and a presentation was made.

The Luxembourgish community will continue to celebrate weekly and occasional Mass in SS Peter & Paul, served by priests from Leudelange and Gasperich. Père Hone and the parish look forward to the opportunities the change presents: the ability to expand parish activities, increase the number of Masses and other liturgies, and generally make good use of our new home. We look forward to maintaining good relations with our Luxembourgish neighbours, and with Père Kroeger, the previous parish priest.