We were delighted to have our Sunday Mass in the cathedral on 25 November, and were amazed that the cathedral was almost full. Père Erny Gillen, Vicaire Général of the archdiocese presided at the Mass, standing in for the archbishop who was in Rio de Janeiro helping plan the 2013 World Youth Day. The prayers and readings were in English and French, and Père Gillen preached in both languages. The English homily included an amusing story about a man called Pedro working in Mexico. Those who were there will smile when they recall it.
The welcome at the beginning of Mass was delivered by Mme Cheryl Kouba, Chair of the Parish Council of the English-speaking community, in Luxembourgish, English and French. Just to add to the linguistic richness, the Creed was in Latin, and everyone was invited to say the Our Father in their own tongue!

Hymns, chants and accompaniment were provided as usual by members of the parish, with the addition of the cathedral organist. A power of work and planning went into the event, and thanks are due to all concerned. If you would like to see the order of service used at the Mass, you can find it here: Messe intercommunitaire. If anyone has photos of the event, please email them to fr.ed@pt.lu and they will be posted here.

Gluten-free hosts are now available in St Alphonse and SS Peter & Paul, Hollerick. if you wish to receive a gluten-free host, please let Fr Ed know before Mass begins, and a host can be provided for the Mass.

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.

Congratulations to Antonino Versi and Renata Bujak, the proud parents of Amélie Maria who was baptised in SS Peter & Paul, Hollerich, on 17 November. And the baby smiled the whole way through!

Following the tradition of recent years, members of the English-speaking Catholic community and the Anglican church of Luxembourg have organised an Advent Quiet Day which will run from 16:00-22:00 Friday 14 December and from 9:30 until 16:00 on Saturday 15 December. Spaces are limited to 12 each day, and there will be a nominal charge of €5 per day to cover costs. The venue is in Useldange. For more details, or to reserve a place, contact Susan Bolen: s.bolen@mac.com/621 199 350 or Steve McCarthy: sjmc@pt.lu/35 97 68, stating which day you would like to attend.