France - Pau

All sorts of beautiful handiwork from most countries where the Bétharram Fathers are working, were sold by the strongly motivated singers. Tables were reserved for Thailand, the Holy Land, Ivory Coast, Central African Republic and India. This year, the little choir had invited the members of the association au Cœur du Monde (“in the Heart of the World”). They sold the renowned jams made by Fr Beñat Oyhénart,  superior of the St Michael community and director of the association.<br />The proceeds of the sale exceeded all expectations in times of crisis.<br />The Mass in honour of the Holy Spirit, presided by Father Hervé Kouamé Kouakou, Regional Vicar of the Ivory Coast, on visit to Pau, was particularly prayerful. The vibrant and profound homily delivered by Father Hervé marked the spirits in this time of Advent. Father Hervé enjoyed the singing of the choir, and asked the assembly to close the celebration with a round of applause, although, admittedly, he was not sure that this was a common practice under our latitudes! The heat of Africa was invited to Pau.<br />To make the long story short, it was a opportunity to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.<br /><br />