A day of celebration and renewal
Last Sunday, December 8, Notre-Dame Cathedral experienced an extraordinary event with its first mass after the devastating fire of 2019. More than 2,500 people gathered in this emblem of Paris, a moment that symbolizes resilience and faith.
Notable presence of authorities and bishops
The ceremony was led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, with the participation of more than 150 bishops from across France. Among the attendees were prominent figures such as President Emmanuel Macron, who had been present the day before at the reopening ceremony, which was attended by other world leaders such as Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Consecration of the new altar and sacred relics
One of the most significant moments of the mass was the consecration of a new bronze altar, a central element of the restored cathedral. On this altar were placed the relics of five important figures of the Parisian Church, including Saint Marie Eugenie Milleret and Saint Charles de Foucauld, among others. The ceremony included a special prayer and the anointing of the central cross, representing the nails of Christ.
Public access to the cathedral
In the afternoon, the cathedral opened its doors for evening mass, allowing parishioners who had previously obtained tickets to participate in this historic celebration. This was the first time the public was able to enter the cathedral to participate in a Eucharist after the fire, marking a new chapter in the history of Notre-Dame.
A week of celebration and reflection
Ulrich announced that the celebration will not be limited to a single day. Over the next eight days, the cathedral will host a series of themed religious services, an ‘octave of celebrations’ culminating on December 15. These festivities are envisioned as an opportunity to deepen community and faith, strengthening ties between citizens and their cathedral.
A promising future for Notre-Dame
With the cathedral’s official opening, it is expected that more than 15 million visitors will be able to enter each year to admire this restored monument. The reopening of Notre-Dame represents not only an architectural triumph, but also a renewed commitment to the Parisian community and culture.