In March last year, 2013, I was invited to speak to Scala, a Dutch association following the spirit of St Alphonsus (Alphonse). I was asked to address the subject, ‘Alphonsus and Intimacy‘. I struggled, I researched, I made an attempt… and here is the result. I only discovered recently that it had been uploaded to YouTube.  I offer this not for my own sake, but simply that the Founder of the Redemptorists, and the Patron of our church, be better known. St Alphonsus & Intimacy. Fr Ed.

The weather was perfect, the church was beautifully decorated, and the 31 children finely dressed for the celebration of their First Holy Communion. It is difficult to put into words what a wonderful celebration we had, prepared by so many people, and closely involving the First Communion children themselves. We had over 600 people at Mass (I counted the chairs and did the maths just to be sure!); the Music Group led the singing, and in one memorable moment, the children sang the Alleluias of the Gospel Acclamation waving yellow kerchiefs. The organ provided additional solemnity, and congregational singing was superb. Our celebration was a family celebration, a social occasion, but above all, a spiritual event, where we were united in faith with the children who were receiving the Lord in Holy Communion for the first time. It was a privilege and a joy to be there with them.

So, thank you to so many people: those who catechised the children over many weeks, those who arranged the flowers, saw to the catering in the after-Mass garden celebration, the Music Group, the Organist, who prepared the booklets, organised the candles and rosary beads, who arranged the sanctuary, did the considerable administration, ministers of the Word and of Holy Communion (the first time we have needed 9 Ministers at one Mass), altar servers… and the many others who played their roles on Sunday.

We will post photos as and when we receive them.

One comment received reads ‘Thank you to a truly remarkable First Communion Mass! So very special indeed. I didn’t have a chance to thank you each in person following today’s mass. Several American families were speaking in the garden afterward and we all agreed nothing of this caliber occurs stateside. A true blessing you’ve given to our families and children here as we live as ex-pats.’

Another comment: ‘This must be as good as it gets; congratulations on a fantastic First Communion Mass and a record crowd…’

Read the story in the Chronicle: http://www.chronicle.lu/categorieslivingreligion/item/7293-international-parish-first-holy-communion

Again, many, many thanks to all. Fr Ed

Our Mass for the Octave is at 19:30 in the cathedral next Wednesday, 21 May. Traditionally we walk from our church to the cathedral, with the First Holy Communion children leading the way. Last year, we walked from Hollerich: it was a lovely evening, and an enjoyable meander; this year, we are much closer, and we can profit from this. I suggest we all meet in the church of St Alphonse at 18:50 on Wednesday, ready to depart at 19:00 exactly. The parking at St Alphonse will be open. Please make this celebration a priority so that we can be together as a parish community. Thank you. Fr Ed.

As part of the Octave celebrations, there will be a Blessing of Couples after the 18:45 Mass in the cathedral on 23 May. Details may be found here.

Allan Yn Y Fan, group of Welsh folk musicians, are giving a concert of Welsh Folk Music on 31st May in Gasperich Parish Hall at 8pm. The poster for the event is here, and further information about the group (their story and a review) can be found here and here. The event promises to be good, even though it might stretch the linguistic muscles of those who don’t understand Welsh! Music itself, of course, is truly international.