The Catholics of the French Riviera have a new pastor, Monsignor André Marceau.
Open to listening but also quick to assert his thoughts, this Girondin, son of a winemaker, has not forgotten that “the vine is the fruit of being but also of labor.”
He aims to be a man of the field to meet men and women to understand them in order to better accompany them on the path of faith.
Surprised by an appointment in Nice that he did not expect, “but how can you refuse the Pope’s call?” he tells us, his goal will be to be a voice and a face for one and all within a Church that must take into account the realities of today.
“The Gospel is always new, as Christ was a new man. It’s up to us to roll up our sleeves and announce it with creativity,” explains Monsignor Marceau in a convinced voice. And he continues: “The contemporary Church must shape fresh bread rather than offer the moldy and stale one…”
In short, we will often see in action this pastor who “must smell like the sheep and live with them, sometimes ahead, sometimes in the middle, and sometimes behind to form a common body.”
On the other hand, he adds: “The Bishop’s crook is nothing other than the shepherd’s staff.”
Monsignor Marceau is an interpreter of the new course embodied by Pope Francis, who attributes the greatest importance to social life and living together in mutual recognition.
He says of the Holy Father: “Pope Francis has remained who he is. A calm strength that is the true strength of the Gospel.”
His spirit of openness towards other Christian denominations and other faiths is the logical consequence: “Our bonds must be strong because they must have an impact on social life. Catholics must be proud of their roots and traditions but have a spirit of solidarity towards others with whom we must live together.”
Prophetic words from a man in service to the faithful to pursue the common good.
Monsignor André Marceau will officially take charge of the diocese starting May 11.
