This year, amidst the twinkling lights and joyous decorations, a poignantly momentous occasion, holding particularly the hearts of Parisians, nurturing those of France, and capturing those of the world: the reopening of Notre Dame de Paris.
We are well into the festive season, as Christmas decorations in the “Village of Passy” were mounted for lighting at the end of October. I like to remember that “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart” (Washington Irving,1753-1859). This is my account of Christmastime in Paris in 2024 and the historic re-opening of the globally beloved Notre Dame Cathedral!
Christmastime in Paris | Notre Dame de Paris’s Historic Reopening. A lot of barriers to navigating in the zone around the Cathedral
When I received the details of my invitation to the Reopening Ceremony on Saturday, 7 December, I was delightfully surprised.
The process of the invitation was a bit like a Mission Impossible invitation. An incremental mystery … First, What’s App from the Priest presenting my invitation; six weeks later, “Are you sure I am invited? I’ve not received an invitation”. December 4 official invitation received; second confirmations from fellow invitees about yet incomplete details to prepare and arrive. Then, finally, the day before the event, extreme precision in the details — I headed to Notre Dame the Friday night beforehand to be sure I could navigate my presence precisely on Saturday. I self-assuredly arrived an hour early!
Christmastime in Paris | Notre Dame de Paris’s Historic Reopening. A view from the Seine.
The extraordinary event was meticulously orchestrated, with every detail reflecting a deep appreciation for both history and community.
From the official invitation process, the impeccable security measures at the entrance, and the televisions around the zone, it was clear that this gathering was one of profound significance. The week-long programme featured special services filled with rites and blessings that resonated deeply within all who were present.
Once inside, I was seated just below one of the television screens. To the side, I saw the long line of parishioners with their banners to my right, and I could see the President and other dignitaries pass to their seats in the front.
Christmastime in Paris | Notre Dame de Paris’s Historic Reopening.
I could see inside and outside as the President greeted guests and watched them pass to their seats; what a wonderful view!
Christmastime in Paris | Notre Dame de Paris’s Historic Reopening. I could see inside and outside as the President greeted guests and watched them pass to their seats, with a capture of the departing Archeveque and priests from the television screen above me
‘Un beauté extraordinaire’ was the powerful blessings, invitations, and invocations of “The Opening of the Doors,” as well as the Blessing and Awakening of the Organ officiated by Archbishop Mgr. Laurent Ulrich.
His words echoed through Notre Dame: “Our Lady, model of faith, open your doors to bring joy to the scattered children of God.” Following, the even more powerful and intimate ceremony was the “Blessing and Awakening of the Organ” After the Blessing, Mgr. addressed the organ directly. This invocation set a tone of reverence and magic in a heart-to-heart with the power of music herself. The four talented organists (acknowledged in the video link) brought their own interpretations in live dialect during each of the eight invocations—a display that left many in a trance-like state, connecting something within to the divine.
Christmastime in Paris | Notre Dame de Paris’s Historic Reopening. Marie, …mother of Jesus.
List the eight invocations
Awake organ, sacred instrument amazed the praise of our God, our creator and our father.
Organ, sacred instrument, celebrates Jesus, our Lord, who died and rose again for us.
Organ, sacred instrument, sings the Holy Spirit who animates our lives with the breath of God.
Organ, sacred instrument, raises our songs and our prayers to Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Organ, sacred instrument, bring the assembly of the faithful into the thanksgiving of Christ
Organ, sacred instrument, brings the comfort of faith to those in prayer
Organ, sacred instrument, support the prayer of Christians
Organ, sacred instrument, proclaims glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Notre Dame’s famous Grand Organ is the largest organ in France, consisting of approximately 8,000 pipes, a console with five keyboards and pedals, and 109 stops. Its largest pipes stand an impressive 32 feet tall. It had to be entirely dismantled to be cleaned after the fire damage and lead pollution. “Only fifty organists have played these keyboards since the Middle Ages. In 1401, the new organ was installed in the gallery above the grand west portal, while the old organ continued to serve. For several decades, there were two organs in the great nave. “
My ‘wide-angle’ experience
Reflecting on my personal development and spirituality journey, I have always secretly admired religious ceremonies—their foundational role in celebrating light, love, glory, and thanksgiving resonates deeply within me. Growing up as a Protestant (Presbyterian), I explored various faiths but found myself drawn to Catholicism from an early age. I was allowed to remain after school, be with a friend, and listen to and talk about stories of Jesus. I told my mother I wanted to be like Jesus at six years old. I meant I loved his magic powers, yet I remember adoring his kindness. And, my mother said to me “That’s nice honey, if you want to be like Jesus, remember the ‘Golden Rule’ and always treat others the way you would like others to treat you.”
“You keep us waiting. You, the God of all time, Want us to wait. For the right time in which to discover Who we are, where we are to go, Who will be be with us, and what we must do. So thank you … for the waiting time.” - Iona Community
I was asked to leave the Presbyterian youth group as an adolescent for asking too many questions and being accused of not having faith.
I lived many late ‘adolescent and young adult university years exploring philosophies of Western religions and beliefs and practises of Eastern religions. Within these years, years of exploring while yet favouring the flavours of the Greek Orthodox rituals, I lived as an agnostic existentialist. My life path led me from my modest studio in Paris’s 16th district to Notre Dame de Grace de Passy; it was there that I felt inspired and guided towards Baptism. My first declaration, entering the Catechumen group and process, was to answer the question, what are you looking for from the church “Faith,” I responded.
Paris Christmas: Notre Dame de Paris Reopening
Now standing at this historic juncture during such an important time in my life feels like an affirmation from above—an assurance that I am exactly where I need to be.
As we celebrate this Christmas season filled with hope and renewal marked by Notre Dame’s reopening, I like to remember also: This Christmas in Paris is not merely about celebration but also about reflection on love—both divine and human—as expressed by Irenaeus:
“Because of his boundless love, Jesus became what we are that he might make us to be what he is.”
Sincere unconditional wishes for peaceful and joyful holidays.
