Every 2 months or so, St Alphonse hosts the Divine Liturgy (Mass) for the Bulgarian Orthodox community. The situation of the Bulgarian community is reminiscent of the beginnings of our English-speaking community here in Luxembourg — the community is relatively recent, seeking a home for their Sunday liturgy, and the hope is that the regular celebration of liturgy will help build and strengthen their community here.

This coming Sunday, 1st May, is the Orthodox Easter. We have offered the garden and meeting room at St Alphonse for their Easter picnic — and also our tents/awnings, given the unpredictability of the weather.

So, to the ask: we need able-bodied parishioners to give a few minutes after our Mass to help erect the tents/awnings. I’m certain we can do this, and help our friends.

Thanks in advance,
Fr Ed

At the request of our archbishop (and of Pope Francis), last weekend’s collections were for pastoral needs for the church in Ukraine. We have forwarded the sum of €1.881 to the diocese for this appeal. Many thanks for your continued generosity.

Our Parish Council have agreed that this weekend’s collection will be for victims of the recent earthquake in Ecuador. We are contacting former parishioners Phil & Tim Lane, who have worked on projects in Ecuador with the assistance of current parishioners, asking their advice as to how best we ensure our donation is best directed.

Fr Ed

A parishioner of ours is being joined here in Luxembourg by his family, and is looking for a 3 bedroomed apartment. If you know of somewhere that might be suitable, or hear on the grapevine that such an apartment is becoming available, I will pass the information on.

Thanks, as always,

Fr Ed

On Wednesday last, 27th April, we had our International Mass as part of the Oktav. The weather was foul! The procession from St Alphonse to the cathedral consisted of members of the Music Group, an altar server (Thank you, Liam) and a couple of other hardy parishioners. We sang ‘Veni, Spiritus Sancte’) all the way, and arrived wet and almost frozen…

The Music Group animated the liturgy superbly, P. Guillermo presided, and I concelebrated and preached. The congregation numbered maybe a hundred or so (sensible people stayed at home in the warm).

Concluding the Mass with ‘Lord of the Dance’ meant, inevitably, moving with the music. I heard several comments afterwards about the sense of joy and real celebration people found — a tribute to our community, and, thank God, something we have each week when we come together for Mass.

To those of you who came to the Mass (especially the Music Group), thank you and congratulations. To those of you who didn’t, I don’t blame you at all!

Fr Ed

This Wednesday, 27th April, we have our annual International Mass as part of the Oktav. The Mass will be celebrated in English and Spanish (Padre Guillermo and myself) and the music will be provided by our very own Music Group (in English).

This used to be the Mass of the Paroisse Européenne, but now is much simplified. It would be great if we could all be there at the cathedral for this Mass, praying and singing as we do so well on Sundays.

The plan is that we meet in the garden/parking at St Alphonse at 18:45, so the servers can robe and find their candles, the cross etc. Then at 19:00 we will process together from St Alphonse to the cathedral, making our presence felt en route!

A procession of 12 people doesn’t always have the same witness value as a procession of 112… so let’s all do what we can to be there, to witness to our faith, to pray together, to support the archdiocese in its pastoral work — and to avoid yet another evening in front of the tv!

So, Assemble 18:45, Process: 19:00, Celebrate Mass together 19:30, and then informally process to the Place Guillaume for Grompelchirchelker/Grompelkirchelcher/Grompelkirshelsher (potato cakes – google is no help with translation here), and any other refreshments being offered!

After the Mass, the rosary is being recited during a procession from St Michel to the cathedral, starting at 21:00. All are welcome to join this event. Cheryl Kouba is the contact person.

See you 19:00 at St Alphonse ! Fr Ed