Fifteen days after its reopening, broadcast on televisions around the world, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral (4th) is no longer orphaned by its public. And is preparing, this December 24 and 25, 2024, to experience its first Christmas in six years, accompanied by faithful and visitors from all walks of life.
Another “obviously symbolic” moment, underlines the rector archpriest of Notre-Dame since June 2022, Mgr Olivier Ribadeau Dumas. A Christmas under the sign of “hope”, supports the 61-year-old priest and one of the pillars of the cathedral, marked by the impressive crowds who flock to the square of the Gothic jewel to discover its interior , magnified after five and a half years of work.
After the reopening weekend and the octave (eight days of ceremonies), it's now time for Christmas. Another highlight for the cathedral?
MGR OLIVIER RIBADEAU DUMAS. It is obviously symbolic. It is also a great joy, that of the Nativity. And a source of hope. This Christmas is that of the resurrection of Our Lady, it will be special. For this reason, a major exception: the mass this Wednesday at 11 a.m. will be broadcast in Eurovision, a sign of the place that Notre-Dame has in the world. It is a part of the soul of France.
The cathedral will therefore still be full. Which has been the case since the reopening weekend…
Crowds crowd the square. The masses are full. Around 30,000 people a day enter the cathedral. In the eight days that it has been operating normally, Notre-Dame has welcomed 270,000 people. We are struck by the testimonies we receive. During Christmas masses, traffic will be permitted, freely.
You proceeded to bless the nativity scene this Friday, December 20…
Indeed, it is a very old tradition for a foreign country to offer a nativity scene at Notre-Dame de Paris for Christmas. For several years already, Italy had contacted me. It is a faithful reproduction of an 18th century nativity scene, made up of pieces collected with passion over the years. The faithful will be able to demonstrate their piety there. Everyone can identify with a character in this painting, at the top of which is the holy family.
