Après trente années de sacerdoce et presque autant passées dans les bâtiments et travaux publics, Bernard Glath reconnaît : "Je suis à l’aise partout. Par contre il reste un décalage : je finis ma carrière comme simple ouvrier, alors que j’ai fait des études jusqu’à 24 ans ; décalage aussi avec la paroisse, car je finis ma carrière dans un poste syndical".
July 1997. One of the worker-priests in a moment of contemplation, following the general meeting of the French Mission, where all worker-priests unite for a service in their church, the Church of Pontigny.
WEL0111847x © Laurent Weyl
July 1997. The general meeting of the French Mission, where all worker-priests unite for a service in their church, the Church of Pontigny. Before the service, they all wander through the archways of the church for several minutes in silence. In the centre, Mgr. Georges Gilson, prelate of the French Mission and Bishop of Sens-Auxerre has naturally come to participate in this assembly.
WEL0111834x © Laurent Weyl
July 1997. The general meeting of the French Mission, where all worker-priests unite for a service in their church, the Church of Pontigny. Before the service, they all wander through the archways of the church for several minutes in silence.
WEL0111835x © Laurent Weyl
July 1997. The general meeting of the French Mission, where the majority of French worker-priests are assembled. During this meeting, which takes place once every five years in Pontigny, the future of working class priests is discussed. The future directions of the Mission is put to the vote.
WEL0111833x © Laurent Weyl
January 1998. Jean-François, Diocesan priest and worker in an SNCF workshop in Archères, which repairs and maintains locomotives.
WEL0111841x © Laurent Weyl
January 1998. Crucifix, Church of Chelles.
WEL0111846x © Laurent Weyl
January 1998. Jean-François, Diocesan priest and worker in an SNCF workshop in Archères, which repairs and maintains locomotives. Like most worker-priests, he is very involved in trade union movements.
WEL0111844x © Laurent Weyl
janvier 1998 Jean-François, prêtre diocésain et ouvrier dans un dépôt SNCF d’entretien et réparation de locomotives, à Achères.
WEL0111845x © Laurent Weyl
1997. Bernard, Diocesan priest and worker in the BTP in Strasbourg.
WEL0111831x © Laurent Weyl
1997. Bernard, Diocesan priest and worker in the BTP in Strasbourg. Nearing retirement, he nonetheless continues his position as secretary general of the CGT-Construction trade union. Here, Bernard (left) and his colleagues take a break.
WEL0111832x © Laurent Weyl
1997. Bernard, Diocesan priest and worker in the BTP in Strasbourg. Nearing retirement, he nonetheless continues his position as secretary general of the CGT-Construction trade union. Several hours a week, he is on duty to answer workers' questions and assist them.
WEL0111830x © Laurent Weyl
January 1998. Patrick, Diocesan priest and steam train driver at Eurodisney. He retains parish duties nonetheless, like this service in Chelles.
WEL0111842x © Laurent Weyl
November 1997. Philippe, priest of the French Mission, runs a club for sailors, the Seamen's Club, an international association which aims to host sailors during their short stopovers in Port de Bouc.
WEL0111840x © Laurent Weyl
January 1998. Patrick, Diocesan priest and steam train driver at Eurodisney. This new type of occupation - between guide and hospitality - doesn't prevent him from being a very active trade unionist.
WEL0111843x © Laurent Weyl
November 1997. Philippe, priest of the French Mission, runs a club for sailors, the Seamen's Club, an international association which aims to host sailors during their short stopovers in Port de Bouc.
WEL0111838x © Laurent Weyl
November 1997. Philippe, priest of the French Mission, runs a club for sailors, the Seamen's Club, an international association which aims to host sailors during their short stopovers in Port de Bouc.
WEL0111839x © Laurent Weyl
August 1997. Jean-Michel (left), priest of the French Mission and worker on a motorway construction site near Montalzat. On a break.
WEL0111836x © Laurent Weyl
1996. Jean-Paul, priest of the French Mission and agricultural worker in Saint Emilion, at the Château Beau Séjour Bécot. He decided to live as a priest who is like everyone else and shares in the joys and pains of others. Not only through his work, but also for leisure activities, as here, at football practice.
WEL0111829x © Laurent Weyl
1996. Jean-Paul, priest of the French Mission and agricultural worker in Saint Emilion, at the Château Beau Séjour Bécot.
WEL0111827x © Laurent Weyl
1996. Jean-Paul, priest of the French Mission and agricultural worker in Saint Emilion, at the Château Beau Séjour Bécot.
WEL0111828x © Laurent Weyl