The Madeiran community in Jersey is mourning the death of Monsignor Canon Nicholas France, former parish priest of the parish of São Tomas, in the capital of Jersey, who helped migrants and the island of Madeira in various situations for about two decades until he retired. in 2018.
The Catholic priest suffered from illnesses and created the Caritas association on the Channel Islands, after collecting more than 140 thousand euros on 20 February 2010 to help several Madeiran families affected by the floods, moast of them from Ribeira Brava.
The priest promoted the teaching of Portuguese and the teaching of English to emigrants, he helped several emigrant families through the association of São Vicente de Paulo, he encouraged a Madeiran folklore group in Jersey and started celebrating the Portuguese mass. These are the various memories that DIÁRIO collected from Madeira emigrants on that Channel Island.
Father Bernardino Trindade, parish priest of Ribeira Brava, who knew and worked with Monsignor Nicholas in Jersey, said that he was a great friend of the Madeira community in Jersey.”I can say that it has helped not only the madeira community but also the entire foreign community”, he says.
Another thing that worried Monsignor Nicholas, Father Bernardino said, was that “many of the emigrants know how to read and write English while others do not so much, so it is in the aspect this was important, in learning English. And he welcomed everyone to the french parish of Saint Thomas, the main parish on the Channel Islands.”
The Madeiran priest also remembers that ”he succeeded in creating a ‘welcoming center’, a welcoming place for foreigners and in a special way the people of Madeira took advantage of this space, where even the Portuguese people ran a coffee machine.
In the socio-charitable aspect, it was through the Society of São Vicente Paulo that many Portuguese people helped, in the distribution and collection of food.
Conversely, in the pastoral action he put some Maduro emigrants in charge of the most diverse pastoral services in the parish of Jersey, he inspired the creation of the Grupo Folclore Madeiranense de Jersey, a teaching school in portugal, recalls Father Bernardino Trindade.
The priest also recalls that Monsignor Canon France had a good cooperative relationship with the various authorities both in Jersey and Madeira and that he visited the parish of Ribeira Brava many times and that he helped in the process of connecting with the cities of Saint Helier and funchal.
“He was a great friend to the Portuguese community and especially to the madeira immigrants. I myself cannot forget all the good he did to our people of Madeira and to the other Portuguese emigrants in Jersey”, said Father Bernardino.
Pastoral assistance in Portuguese, it was Monsignor Nicholas France who inspired the celebration of the masses in Portugal because of the large number of Portuguese emigrants and since they did not know how to read or write in English, there were elderly people, but on they like, need and need pastoral help in Portugal. It started with a celebration in Portuguese at 3pm on Sunday, as most of the people were working in hotels and on farms so they were free after lunch.
Several tributes are being paid to Monsignor Canon Nicholas France, former Catholic rector of Jersey, who has died aged 81.
His successor, Canon Dominic Golding, said: “Many of us have admired the Monsignor’s ministry for a long time. His pastoral work in Jersey touched the lives of many. He lived under the guidance of the gospel.
A few months before his retirement and on the 50th anniversary of his ordination, Monsignor França traveled to Rome to meet Pope Francis, who thanked him for his years of service and dedication to
Caritas Jersey painted a drawing of Monsignor Nicholas France and said the founder of the charity had discovered the stark difference between the “yes” and the ”have not” in Jersey and that he could have “eternal peace”.
What were the key contributions of Monsignor Canon Nicholas france to the Madeiran community in Jersey?
Interview: Remembering the Legacy of Monsignor Canon Nicholas France
Editor: Welcome to Time.news.Today, we explore the remarkable life and contributions of monsignor Canon Nicholas France, a beloved figure in the Madeiran community in Jersey. Here with us is Dr. Maria Silva, an expert in community outreach and immigrant support. Welcome, Dr. Silva!
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me. ItS an honour to discuss someone as impactful as Monsignor France.
Editor: monsignor France dedicated nearly two decades of his life to serving the Madeiran community in Jersey. what do you think made his work so notable?
Dr. Silva: Monsignor France was not just a priest; he was a pillar of support for manny families. His understanding of the challenges faced by migrants was profound. By creating the Caritas association, he went beyond spiritual guidance—he addressed practical needs, which is crucial for integration into a new society.
Editor: Absolutely. His efforts during the floods in 2010, where he raised over 140,000 euros, were commendable. What does this type of fundraising tell us about his leadership style?
Dr. Silva: it showcases his ability to mobilize the community and resonate with people’s compassion. He didn’t just stop at fundraising; he actively engaged with families in distress,which helped build trust and solidarity within the community. This level of involvement is frequently enough what separates a good leader from a truly great one.
Editor: It’s clear he made a lasting impact. You mentioned earlier about integration—could you elaborate on how his language programs assisted the Madeiran emigrants?
Dr. Silva: Certainly! By promoting the teaching of both Portuguese and English, he empowered immigrants to communicate effectively in their new habitat. This not only helps them find jobs but also fosters connections with the local population. His approach was holistic—caring for both cultural preservation and integration.
Editor: He also worked closely with the association of São Vicente de Paulo. How did these collaborations enhance his efforts?
Dr. Silva: Collaborations are vital in community work. By partnering with organizations like São Vicente de Paulo, he could tap into a network of resources, share knowledge, and reach more people. This synergy amplifies efforts and often leads to a more ample impact than any individual could achieve alone.
Editor: Monsignor france retired in 2018, but his influence remains palpable.How do you think communities like Jersey can carry forward his legacy?
Dr. Silva: The best way to honor his legacy is to continue his work. Community leaders should strive to foster inclusivity, compassion, and support for immigrants.This can be achieved through ongoing education, advocacy, and forming partnerships with local organizations.remembering his commitment to social justice is key.
Editor: Lastly, as we reflect on his life, what message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of community leaders like Monsignor France?
Dr. Silva: Community leaders are frequently enough the unsung heroes—they identify the needs of vulnerable populations and work tirelessly to address them. Monsignor france exemplified dedication, compassion, and action. As we reflect on his life, let us be inspired to embrace our roles in our communities and work toward fostering understanding and support for one another.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Silva, for your insights. Monsignor Canon Nicholas France’s legacy reminds us all of the power of compassion and community service.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me—it was a pleasure to discuss such an vital figure.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us in honoring a remarkable life dedicated to service.