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An astonishing Pentecost happened in January 95 with a lot
of rush and turmoil. There has been another one for the Jubilee,
a feast of brotherhood celebrated in a delightful atmosphere
like a breeze.
Two Pentecost's linked to each other. Between each of them, a
time for maturing, a time for overcoming the difficulties, a
time for openings. Seeing the crowd, I gave thanks for what has
been achieved.
I could not thank enough and greet all the people who made me
so happy. I felt as if I was in flight like the dove and I left
Evreux, happy to see the Gospel still having its course with
so much outcomes.
The mystery of Paul
Abraham Segal, director of the movie, invited me with Didier
Sandre, to participate in a debate with Rabbi Daniel Farhi from
the Liberal Movement of the Jews of France. It is an exciting
movie. What is the meaning of Paul's conversion for the Christians
and for the Jews? What is his role in the foundation and the
evolution of Christianity?
Paul is a puzzling Apostle. Every body has an opinion on him,
from Passolini to Freund or Nietzsche. Jews had often considered
him as a betrayer, an enemy. Today they look at him differently.
The Movie Theater was full. Young were numerous. The debate showed
a present interest for Paul. An apostle is the one who goes beyond
the law, who goes over the cultural, social, religious barriers.
The one who stands for a brotherhood without frontier, emphasizing
the dignity of all human beings: ' There is no more Jews, nor
Greeks, nor man, nor women" For many he still stands for
the Apostle of liberty.
Solidarity with Remi
I am joining a TV interview on Europe 1 with Remi. He is 23.
He was employed in a Mac Donald restaurant in Albi. He is guilty
of thinking that one can feel solidarity in France for those
having less than one has. He served five cheeseburgers on his
own meal coupons to a lady beggar in the restaurant. He was fired
as an example on the grounds: " serious failure to his work
contract and the proper regulations of the Company concerning
its policy of serving meals"
Remi is going to appeal for the unfairness of his lay off. I
am behind him with many others. This is for claiming the right
to help and to prevent the development of lack of solidarity.
Remi's case is not an isolated case. His victory will be the
victory of all that fight against poverty and for human dignity.
Illegal immigrants from Lille
On this Pentecost Monday, I am invited by their defense committee
to visit the illegal immigrants who are on their 70th day of
hunger strike. I was going to the five public hospitals where
the Administration has dispersed them, in the cities of Lille,
Seclin, Armentieres, Roubaix, Tourcoing, all miles apart.
They are 22 of them; they greeted me despite their extreme fatigue.
The Director of the Administration has let me know that he wants
to see me. We talked privately together. He was worried about
the situation and showed concern for these illegal immigrants.
If they stop their hunger strike he will consider their claim.
He asked me to intervene. But are those 22 people going to give
in on such fragile promise after 70 days? They have been disappointed
too many times by promises not held!
The first to give his answer illustrates their spirit. "Tell
the Director that I know that my health is ruined, but if he
wants to be really human, he should not hesitate to give me now
my resident permit. He wants to trap us, he gives us no guaranty
for legalization, not even a written one"
Since I visited them I cannot forget their faces. They are without
a permit but not without hope. They have no strength but are
determined. Negotiation is under way, day by day,