This year’s Feast brought together 237 people from nine different countries at the Club Miléade la Gaillarde, on the French Riviera. The all-inclusive site offered abundant and delicious buffets, allowing brethren to spend lots of time together over meals or enjoying a cup of coffee or a drink on the terrace overlooking a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.

The messages, which alternated between French and English, focused on our journey as pilgrims on this earth, and on what the Kingdom of God requires of us now, in terms of our spiritual preparation and readiness. Tim Pebworth gave an update on the Church’s work in the French-speaking regions and shared our French version of the children’s animated videos called “Poly Col y Toly,” explaining the meaning of the Holy Days. The site’s location right on the Mediterranean afforded Feastgoers breathtaking views of God’s creation with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The unseasonably warm weather made for wonderful afternoons at the pool or the beautiful beach just across the street.

On the second day of the Feast, we enjoyed a welcome day on the beach with kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards available for all to enjoy. Those who wanted to enjoy local sites were also able go on different tours such as to the beautiful port cities of Antibes and Cannes (which included a boat ride to a nearby island), as well as to a local Chateau for wine-tasting.

This year, Bill and Joanna Bradford kindly organized a special activity for about 30 teens and their families to visit Monaco and its many attractions. Thursday evening, we had our talent show in which about a dozen participants, young and old, shared their talents in music and entertainment.

The site was also blessed with wonderful special music, including adult and children’s choir, small group performances and various instrumental musical offerings. We are grateful to God for this wonderful time of rejuvenation and spiritual strengthening that will be very much needed in the year to come.