After the festivities on the 7th and an opening celebration on the 8th of December, Notre Dame of Paris cathedral welcomed priests on the 9th and 10th with 950 consecrated persons gathered for the diocesan celebration of consecrated life. How joyful and emotional it was to rediscover the bright cathedral with reinvigorated colours from the stained-glass windows and the paintings giving new value to the frescos. The furnishings are simple and in harmony with the rest.
During the Eucharist, presided by Monseigneur Ulrich who made the connection between baptism and consecrated life, the baptismal font situated at the entrance of Notre Dame cathedral was blessed.
After a breakfast held in two places, we assembled at Saint Étienne du Mont for a conference on Jesus given by the historian Monsieur Jean Christian Petitfils, based on archeology, history and Scripture. This diocesan day was concluded with vespers.
It was a beautiful day of discovery because St Étienne du Mont is also a frequently visited church. It is situated near the Panthéon where the relics of Saint Geneviève, patron of Paris, can be found.
On February 2nd we will again have the joy of celebrating together at the Notre Dame cathedral.
Marie-Claude Lenain, sscj rue Haxo – Paris