Premise: The Eymard chapel suffered in the course of weeks a worrying vandalism until the day (in February 2019) when the fire reached the level of the altar cloths. Resulting from the burning of the fabric, the walls of the chapel were blackened by smoke. After the insurance agent took note of the damage, the cleaning and repair of the walls were fully covered by the insurance. A camera now installed is to deter other malevolent acts.

We gathered on Friday, 19 March 2021, to celebrate Saint-Joseph and were overjoyed to find the Eymard chapel in its soft light, after seven weeks of work. The damage of the fire to the altar cloths had blackened and disfigured the walls with soot. The repainting entailed tedious and complex work. The insurance covered the entire expense for an amount of € 53,000. Moreover, since the resonance of sounds made celebrations inaudible, it was essential for the acoustics in chapel to be improved. We hope this inconvenience will be overcome by hanging 9 hassocks and 4 wall panels to absorb extraneous sounds. The use of these materials seems to work efficiently. The expense for this, amounting to € 5,300, was covered by the Eymard Spirituality Centre.

For carrying out this renovation, thus ensuring a weekly maintenance of the chapel and preparing this celebration, we want to thank all the hidden workers, who like Joseph undertake various tasks, very discreetly, with great availability of service and much dedication.

The celebration of Mass was followed by a period of adoration, thanks to Saint Joseph and Saint Peter-Julian Eymard. The prayers we addressed to St Joseph, a caring father, honest worker, attentive and devoted, relate to our daily life and our assembly was recollected and prayerful. Let us again address to Joseph this beautiful prayer Pope Francis has given us:

“Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.”

Mrs Brigitte Cassard
For the eymard Centre of spirituality