Good evening everyone!
I’m brother Rafael. After these wonderful days together, I’d like to introduce you to our FORMIDABLE preparation team. They are the ones who have organized everything for your welcome, your stay, and for everything to go smoothly: Hinnie, Chanela, Dorothée, and Father Guillaume. I can assure you that they put in a lot of hard work and dedication to make you feel at home, loved and welcomed. My special thanks go to Aurélie and her family, who worked tirelessly with me to organize the event. And for all of them… a big round of applause!
Many thanks also to all those who gave of their time and their hearts: the December 28 welcome team, the parishioners, the musicians, the young people of the residence, and those who prepared this generous aperitif for us this evening. God bless you all!
As this year’s Taizé letter puts it: “I see joy on the faces of those I serve” (Brother Matthew)… and that’s enough!
I hope the warmth of our communities and families has really warmed you during these cold days in Paris. To these families, we are infinitely grateful. Only God can reward them for their generosity: they have opened wide the doors of their homes to welcome you.
I only have to thank God for all our local communities: the parish of Saint-Stanislas-des-Blagis with Father Michel and the Spiritan community, the parish of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul with Father Christophe and his curate Father Guillaume, and the chapel of Sainte-Rita with Father François and the Oblate community. Each of you has done a remarkable job in your own field. Our heartfelt thanks to you all!
And to all you young people… you are the future of humanity, the pilgrims and witnesses of the hope our world so desperately needs. I wish you a very happy New Year, and may the light of these days of meeting, sharing and prayer illuminate all our steps in 2026!
Thank you very much.
Fr. Rafael
