The Weekly Update – November 24, 2025
Every November 11th, millions of French people remember those soldiers who fought for France.
This year, Yukki and I joined the procession in Vichy for the Armistice commemorations.
Young and old from the town, dignitaries, and veterans stood facing the enormous war memorial at the General Leclerc Square.
Under a beautiful autumn sun, speeches followed one after another.
During the ceremony, two representatives of the “wounded of war soldiers” were invited to come to lay a wreath.
Two frail old men walked forward solemnly and slowly. One of them struggled to lay down the large wreath. He was shaking. As he stood up, he almost lost his balance. He reached out his fragile hand to his comrade’s arm, which he held until they both returned back to the ranks.
This scene touched me deeply. I have forgotten all the speeches that were given that morning, but I will never forget those two veterans: one old man damaged by war, supporting another damaged old man.
I said to myself, “This is the picture of what the Church should be: soldiers of Christ, damaged but walking along side each other.”
Someone once said, “The Church is the only army that shoots on its wounded.”
But it should never be that way.
Those two old war veterans reminded me of what the Father is looking for.
“Carry each other’s burden,” wrote Paul, “and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Actually , we are all war disabled people whom God, thanks to the Cross, has not written off.
Timothée and Yukki