BISHOP PAUL AND THE ROMAN CATHOLIC MILITARY CHAPLAINS VISIT PARIS FOR CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 6 - 11 JULY 2025

Paris in July was the venue for this years' gathering of Bishop Paul and his Catholic Military Chaplains for a week's conference and period of continuing professional development.  The conference is a vital opportunity to ensure cohesion and unity in the delivery of the Bishopric mission.  

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The week balances the spiritual with the practical.  The programme combines liturgical celebrations, guided reflections, and the consideration of theological and chaplaincy issues.  All this allows chaplains to be better supported to meet the needs of those in their care.

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The Cercle National des Armees in Place Saint Augustin proved to be an excellent venue to host the attendees with its close proximity to the Church of Saint Augustine where daily prayer and Holy Mass took place.  Thought provoking reflections were provided by Fr Jim Walls, a priest of the Diocese of Dunkeld and former Spiritual Director of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome.  Fr Jim is a long-standing friend of military chaplaincy, having led retreats for the Armed Forces in the recent past.  He gave talks on the nature of priesthood.  Fr David Smith also gave a talk on Moral Injury.

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The French Ordinariate to the Military were also very gracious in hosting us for Holy Mass in the magnificent Cathedral de Saint-Louis-des-Invalides at which both Bishop Paul and Bishop Antoine de Romanet, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of France, concelebrated.  Deacon Jeremy Wynne had the honour of preaching at the Mass only 4 days following his ordination to the permanent diaconate.

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Another highlight of the week was a visit to the British Embassy where we learnt of the roles and responsibilities of the Ambassador, the Defence Attache, and of the Embassy staff.  A Q&A session followed.

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There was also time to relax, reflect and to socialise.  Bishop Antoine was guest-of-honour at the Gala Dinner on the final night.

The considerable service of Commander (Rtd) Ian Crabtree to military chaplaincy was recognised at the dinner as Ian approaches retirement from his role of Pastoral Administrative Assistant to the RN PRCC.  

Deo gratias et bon chance!