Anglican Chaplaincy
of Midi Pyrénées & Aude

On Sunday, September 28th, 2025, our Chaplaincy family gathered for a very special occasion — Chaplaincy Day, marked by the licensing of our Lay Readers and a joyful celebration of worship, music, and fellowship. It was a day that reflected the heart of our life together: faith shared across distance, unity in diversity, and gratitude for God’s continuing work among us.

 

Our Chaplaincy stretches far and wide — from Vayrac near Brive in the north to Floure near Carcassonne in the south — so considerable distances were travelled by many to gather at the beautiful Église St. Eugène in the village of Brens in the Tarn. Yet every kilometre was worth it: to meet together as one family in Christ, to greet new friends, and to renew the bonds of fellowship that unite our scattered congregations. We were honoured to welcome Archdeacon Peter, who journeyed all the way from Leicester to be with us. He led us in a joyful celebration of the Eucharist and re-licensed our Lay Readers — Kate du Toit, Peter Gibbs, and Malcolm Rigley — assisted by Paul Willis, our Area Dean.

The service was filled with a deep sense of thanksgiving, commitment, and hope for the ministry ahead. The music, too, lifted our hearts heavenward. A choir composed of singers and musicians from across the Chaplaincy came together, their voices and instruments blending beautifully in hymns of praise and thanksgiving. Their offering of music added grace and splendour to a service already rich in meaning.

After worship, we continued in fellowship with a vin d’honneur, generously provided by members of the Brens congregation. Conversation and laughter f lowed easily beneath the warm autumn sun. This was followed by a bring and-share lunch, where each congregation contributed a different course — a delightful feast symbolising the diversity and unity of our Chaplaincy life. Days like these remind us that the Church is not defined by buildings or boundaries, but by the people who come together in love and service. We give thanks for all who made this day possible — for those who travelled far, who prayed, sang, served, and shared — and for the grace that binds us together as one Chaplaincy in Christ.