Notre-Dame de Paris celebrates its first mass since the fire, a ceremony attended by thousands of faithful and international leaders, including Emmanuel Macron.
The inaugural mass of Notre-Dame de Paris began this Sunday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m. This is the first mass celebrated in the cathedral since the destructive fire of 2019. Nearly 2,500 people were expected on site, and many heads of state, government and religious leaders were present, including Emmanuel Macron. The mass is broadcast live on France 2, BFMTV, CNews or KTO.
The president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived last at Notre-Dame and crossed the packed nave behind Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector-archpriest of the cathedral, under the eyes of all the faithful. They took their seats in the front row. If “the President of the Republic, whether personally or as president, is not prohibited from attending religious services”, the Élysée specifies that he will not receive communion during the ceremony, out of respect for secular traditions. The rule of the Republic requires that the head of state does not participate at this moment in the religious ceremony.
Dozens of international leaders are present. The one we talked about the most, Donald Trump, who will take office in six weeks, but also Jill Biden, American first lady. Nearly 170 bishops are also present, as well as priests from the 106 Parisian parishes, and a priest from each of the seven Eastern Rite Catholic Churches.
On the program, a mass which should last two hours, officiated by the Archbishop of Paris Mgr Laurent Ulrich. “I greet you with intense emotion,” he confided. “I also pray for our country which is examining its future with concern,” he added. The ceremony began with the procession of the banners of the 106 parishes of the diocese of Paris, accompanied by the choirs of the Notre-Dame mastery and to the sound of the great organ of the cathedral. Mgr Ulrich then blessed water with which he sprinkled the assembly, the altar and the gallery. During the ceremony, the altar is consecrated, an essential step for the mass to be celebrated. The tabernacle, where the hosts are kept, is also blessed. The mass ends with a final blessing.
At 6:30 p.m. the first mass open to the public will take place. However, you had to register in advance to attend – and all the places were sold out in just a few hours after the ticket office opened.