«It is a time of encounter, a time of discovery for the readers of Le Pèlerin ("The Pilgrim"), an Assumptionist magazine, and at the same time an interior journey during which we want to give those who come the greatest opportunity to deepen their lives, their Christian faith, and their love of the Church. For me it is a pastoral ministry since I am the spiritual director. It's my work. I am very conscious of what such a cruise represents in the context of the economic crisis we are in, both for them and for us. As for me, I am not going "on a cruise," but on a pilgrimage, and I insist on that with the 12 members of my team on board. My experience is that pilgrims are extremely grateful for the chance to speak at length with a priest.

On Sunday, October 14, 2012 in the church of St. Hippolyte, in the 13^th arrondissement of Paris, Br. PHAM VAN DUONG (Pierre) became the first blind Assumptionist ever to be ordained. Most Rev. Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, auxiliary bishop of Paris, imposed hands on Pierre before a multinational, standing-room-only crowd, which included not only many members of the local Vietnamese and Chinese communities but also Pierre's Assumptionist brothers and a large contingent of children, beneficiaries of Pierre's religious education classes at the parish.

"O God, who in your kindness begin all good things and bring them to fulfillment, grant to us, who find joy in the Solemnity of the holy Mother of God, that, just as we glory in the beginnings of your grace, so one day we may rejoice in its completion."
(Liturgy of the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God, Prayer Over the Offerings)

A very Peace-filled New Year
to one and all!