Re-opening of Notre Dame de Paris December 8, 2024

[Anna Cameron]

Salut! I am overwhelmed with emotion after watching the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics and this has reinforced my wish to participate in the ceremonies leading up to the re-opening and blessing of Notre Dame Cathedral, on Dec 8th this year. Thanks to Bradypus and others, I am aware of the "7 routes Notre Dame" pilgrimages in France, which I believe are setting off today from various locations in France, but although tempted, I was unwilling to travel to France at the same time the Olympics are in train. However, I think I can organise myself to travel from Oz in November-December this year, with an intention to attend the Cathedral opening.
So, can anyone advise me or point me in the right direction for information, to enable me to fulfill this wish? I should add that this is a religious/spiritual desire, rather than a TripAdvisor sort of ambition. I am proficient in French, so no problem dealing with French sites, I just need guidance, merci!

 

[JabbaPapa]

Be careful I'd say, mentioning the Olympics opening ceremony in the same breath as the re-opening of Notre Dame later this year may cause some disturbances.

 

[raincitygal]

Are there organized walks leading to Notre Dame? I too would love to be there for the reopening

 

[LesR]

Be careful I'd say, mentioning the Olympics opening ceremony in the same breath as the re-opening of Notre Dame later this year may cause some disturbances.

Why so, if I may ask?

 

[kelleymac]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/notre-dame-group-walking-pilgrimages-july-to-september.86815/#:~:text=Plans%20for%20national%20pilgrimage%20in,its%20reopening%20in%20December%202024.&text=The%202024%20Camino%20guides%20will%20be%20coming%20out%20little%20by%20little.

I'd love to walk a pilgrimage to Notre Dame for the re-opening. Is there anything being organized for when the cathedral is actually open?


I can read french, and put some sentences together very slowly.

I was on the Frances when the fire happened...

 

[Kathor1]

Why so, if I may ask?

I think that you fell into a trap.

I'd love to walk a pilgrimage to Notre Dame for the re-opening. Is there anything being organized?

No pilgrimage is organised for the re-opening of Notre Dame in December 2024 but there is a multi-way 7-weeks pilgrimage event organised that started yesterday and will end in September at Notre Dame. It has a strong Catholic component, see their website:

Home - Les 7 Routes

Les 7 routes Notre-Dame is the first-ever national pilgrimage to mark the rebirth of Paris Cathedral. ✓ 7 roads that criss-cross France ✓ 7 great saints carried in procession. ✓ 7-week walk to the Cathedral.

les7routes.fr

 

[kelleymac]

I think that you fell into a trap.


No pilgrimage is organised for the re-opening of Notre Dame in December 2024 but there is a multi-way 7-weeks pilgrimage event organised that started yesterday and will end in September at Notre Dame. It has a strong Catholic component, see their website:

Home - Les 7 Routes

Les 7 routes Notre-Dame is the first-ever national pilgrimage to mark the rebirth of Paris Cathedral. ✓ 7 roads that criss-cross France ✓ 7 great saints carried in procession. ✓ 7-week walk to the Cathedral.

les7routes.fr

So... I am looking for details. Where are people sleeping? Are there stopping points? Can I join in a few weeks? (Obviously, I'm coming in a bit late on this idea.) Do I have to be signed up? Are there auberges and abbeyes to stay in? What should I pack? Sleeping bag? Tent? Baguette?

kate

 

[Anna Cameron]

Be careful I'd say, mentioning the Olympics opening ceremony in the same breath as the re-opening of Notre Dame later this year may cause some disturbances.

I guess you are referring to the possibility of industrial action which can so often accompany big events in France? Hélas, that just goes with the territoire, en France au moins, but tant pis, I want to do my best to attend the ceremonies, if I can.

 

[Anna Cameron]

So... I am looking for details. Where are people sleeping? Are there stopping points? Can I join in a few weeks? (Obviously, I'm coming in a bit late on this idea.) Do I have to be signed up? Are there auberges and abbeyes to stay in? What should I pack? Sleeping bag? Tent? Baguette?

kate

Kate, did you look at the link that Kathar1na inserted above (les 7 Routes)? As we've mentioned, it is an initiative of the French Catholic communities and it started on July 28th, so it's already underway. I did consider contacting them to register and participate, but finally decided that I didn't want to be in France right now, so never proceeded with it. But, if you are interested, click on that link which takes you to the website with descriptions of the 7 routes and answers to your questions, including, 'oui,' you do have to be signed up to participate.
Meanwhile, I am still attempting to find out any way to be included in any organised events leading up to the re-opening on December 8th. I may actually try and communicate with the "7 Routes" committee for information.
I will share any findings here on the Forum but would still value input from those in France or involved in the Notre Dame initiatives, to assist me in my own personal pilgrimage. Merci d'avance!

 

[JabbaPapa]

Why so, if I may ask?

You'll have to look at news articles elsewhere.

I think that you fell into a trap.

What "trap" ?

 

[Kerry R May]

Salut! I am overwhelmed with emotion after watching the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics and this has reinforced my wish to participate in the ceremonies leading up to the re-opening and blessing of Notre Dame Cathedral, on Dec 8th this year. Thanks to Bradypus and others, I am aware of the "7 routes Notre Dame" pilgrimages in France, which I believe are setting off today from various locations in France, but although tempted, I was unwilling to travel to France at the same time the Olympics are in train. However, I think I can organise myself to travel from Oz in November-December this year, with an intention to attend the Cathedral opening.
So, can anyone advise me or point me in the right direction for information, to enable me to fulfill this wish? I should add that this is a religious/spiritual desire, rather than a TripAdvisor sort of ambition. I am proficient in French, so no problem dealing with French sites, I just need guidance, merci!

 

[Kerry R May]

so exciting for You Anna

 

[Anna Cameron]

so exciting for You Anna

Well, yes, if I can make it happen, Kerry. Not sure but I'm doing my research. The alternative would be to go over sooner and join in on one of the 7 routes that have already started, but the Olympic season, JO and Paralympics will be going on nearly all of the time up to the end of the Pilgrimage at Senlis in early September. I prefer to aim for November-December if that is possible! Join me?

 

[Kathor1]

I am still attempting to find out any way to be included in any organised events leading up to the re-opening on December 8th. I may actually try and communicate with the "7 Routes" committee for information. I will share any findings here on the Forum but would still value input from those in France or involved in the Notre Dame initiatives

I am not one of those who are in France or involved in the 7 Routes / Notre-Dame initiative but I am good at finding relevant information on the internet.

I would think that the office of the archdiocese of Paris would be a good point of contact. I’ve not yet looked at their webpages but immediately found a first article with a timeline and info about events in November and December related to the re-opening of Notre-Dame in Paris:

Notre-Dame de Paris : tous les détails du calendrier des festivités pour la réouverture de la cathédrale

À moins d’un an de la fin du chantier, l’archevêque de Paris, Mgr Laurent Ulrich, a dévoilé le calendrier des festivités qui accompagneront la réouverture de Notre-Dame, prévue le 8 décembre 2024. Elles s'étaleront jusqu'au 8 juin 2025, jour de la Pentecôte.

www.lepelerin.com

 

[Kirkie]

Salut! I am overwhelmed with emotion after watching the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics and this has reinforced my wish to participate in the ceremonies leading up to the re-opening and blessing of Notre Dame Cathedral, on Dec 8th this year. Thanks to Bradypus and others, I am aware of the "7 routes Notre Dame" pilgrimages in France, which I believe are setting off today from various locations in France, but although tempted, I was unwilling to travel to France at the same time the Olympics are in train. However, I think I can organise myself to travel from Oz in November-December this year, with an intention to attend the Cathedral opening.
So, can anyone advise me or point me in the right direction for information, to enable me to fulfill this wish? I should add that this is a religious/spiritual desire, rather than a TripAdvisor sort of ambition. I am proficient in French, so no problem dealing with French sites, I just need guidance, merci!

I wish you every success in your effort. You are so right to pay attention to members who offer facts and information that can be verified in order to help you make an informed decision. Bon chemin!

 

[Kathor1]

a first article with a timeline and info about events in November and December related to the re-opening of Notre-Dame in Paris:

For general information, a quickly edited machine translation of this timeline:

• November: A procession will be take place to accompany the return of the statue of Saint Mary. Everyone is invited to participate.
• December 7: The cathedral will be inaugurated: A liturgical celebration, a Magnificat or Te Deum. In the evening, Vespers will be said.
• December 8: The first Mass will be celebrated.
• December 9: Celebration of the Feast day of the Immaculate Conception.
• From December 8 to 15: An Octave is organized: every day, for eight days, a solemn celebration will be given on a particular theme.
• Until June 8, 2025: Whitsun marks the official end of the "reopening period".

The article and the letter from the Archbishop of Paris announcing the timeline was published in February 2024. There may be more details available by now. The article ends with this comment:

The Archbishop of Paris is considering a proposal for pilgrimages for Parisian parishes, in order to allow everyone to participate in the masses, readings and prayers of which they were deprived for five years. He considers these pilgrimages as an opportunity to rediscover this cathedral that he describes as the "lieu-source" of the Catholics of the region of Paris.​

 

[Kathor1]

@Anna Cameron, here is the link to the Archbishop's letter and general invitation to "Six Months of Celebration and Praise for the Reopening of Notre-Dame"; it is published on www.dioceseparis.fr:

Lettre pastorale de Mgr Laurent Ulrich : “Cette année 2024 dans le diocèse de Paris”

En cette fête de la Présentation de Jésus au Temple, Mgr Laurent Ulrich, archevêque de paris, adresse une lettre pastorale à tous les Parisiens.

dioceseparis.fr

 

[Anna Cameron]

I am not one of those who are in France or involved in the 7 Routes / Notre-Dame initiative but I am good at finding relevant information on the internet.

I would think that the office of the archdiocese of Paris would be a good point of contact. I’ve not yet looked at their webpages but immediately found a first article with a timeline and info about events in November and December related to the re-opening of Notre-Dame in Paris:

Notre-Dame de Paris : tous les détails du calendrier des festivités pour la réouverture de la cathédrale

À moins d’un an de la fin du chantier, l’archevêque de Paris, Mgr Laurent Ulrich, a dévoilé le calendrier des festivités qui accompagneront la réouverture de Notre-Dame, prévue le 8 décembre 2024. Elles s'étaleront jusqu'au 8 juin 2025, jour de la Pentecôte.

www.lepelerin.com

Thank you Kathar1na! This is why I value this Forum so much and appreciate your research skills.
I will delve into the article and see what I find, and will take your advice about the archdiocese. I spent a couple of hours today on the "7 Routes" pages and feel confirmed in my preference to go later this year.

 

[Anna Cameron]

@Anna Cameron, here is the link to the Archbishop's letter and general invitation to "Six Months of Celebration and Praise for the Reopening of Notre-Dame"; it is published on www.dioceseparis.fr:

Lettre pastorale de Mgr Laurent Ulrich : “Cette année 2024 dans le diocèse de Paris”

En cette fête de la Présentation de Jésus au Temple, Mgr Laurent Ulrich, archevêque de paris, adresse une lettre pastorale à tous les Parisiens.

dioceseparis.fr

Many, many thanks! This is exactly what I'd hoped to find when I posted my question. My local Anglo-Catholic parish and priest (here in Adelaide) are very encouraging and supportive of my wish to do this, too.

 

[David61]

Acknowledging the "spiritual" element of this post can I just say what an impressive feat it has been rebuilding it. More than 180 years to build but only 3 years to rebuild (not a full rebuild I know but everything that was left would have been checked and re-checked)

 

[JabbaPapa]

The bells rang out again in the Belfry for the first time on November 8th :

 

[Anna Cameron]

Too bad the video won't play here in Australia, but I watched it on YouTube. And, I am going to Paris on December 7th! Is it true it will cost me 10 euros to enter the Cathedral after the opening on Dec 8th?

 

[David61]

Too bad the video won't play here in Australia, but I watched it on YouTube. And, I am going to Paris on December 7th! Is it true it will cost me 10 euros to enter the Cathedral after the opening on Dec 8th?

From their website "Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and CASA volunteer guides are pleased to offer you free tours around the cathedral (duration : about one hour)."

 

[David61]

From their website "Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and CASA volunteer guides are pleased to offer you free tours around the cathedral (duration : about one hour)."

But "There is no admission fee to enter Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and it is free of charge. However, if you wish to explore the towers or the crypt, you will need to purchase tickets. Here are the tickets prices: For the towers: €10 for adults €8 for children aged 11 18 and no charge for children under 11."