The World Agency joins Switzerland and the canton of Valais in mourning following the tragedy in Crans-Montana. It extends its sincere condolences to the parents, families and friends of the victims, and its thoughts to the injured.

We celebrated Saint Odile, patron saint of Alsace and the visually impaired, in the parish of the same name, alongside the mayor of the 17th arrondissement, Ms. Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture, and various dignitaries. This celebration was an opportunity to honor Alsatian traditions, with their rich culinary culture and traditional costumes that brightened up this festive day.

We were particularly touched by the dedication of the volunteers from the Vicariate for People with Disabilities, who accompanied all the faithful during Mass with remarkable attention. The exemplary service of the scouts during the convivial meal that followed also deserves to be highlighted. These many commitments remind us all of the need to work together, despite our differences, to build a better and more fraternal world.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the director of Céleste Production for her invitation to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris for a performance of Handel's Messiah. Our colleagues were moved to discover this major work from the oratorio repertoire, in which the Passion of Christ is sublimated by the grace of the voice. This gives us an opportunity to quote a passage and ask ourselves: “ Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people imagine a vain thing?” (Psalm 2:1-2).