Pontmain is a little village in the north of France, only about an hour and a half drive from the port of Caen, Ouistreham. Here I find great peace after going through a very difficult time. Making that personal journey, though, has shaken things and opened up new ways. I have more time to write and study now.

I completed a Doctorate at St Mary’s University, Twickenham recently on the French philosopher and psychoanalyst Julia Kristeva. I am developing a model of exploring spirituality in my ‘BE IN TOUCH – to Wonder, to Feel, to Share’ project and have begun by a focus on Health Care with the little book, Just a Touch of Love. I am a visiting research fellow at the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies.

I am always a little bit out of the box. I am a married Catholic priest as I am a former ordained Anglican. There are very few of us in France but welcomed with affection and understanding. I know the loving support of my wife Gill and we have three adult boys who are all creatives in their own ways. One is guitarist who has played at Ronnie Scots in London and has headlined with up-and-coming bands. One is an excellent organiser and product designer. Then there is the photographer and Greenpeace activist.