Emmanuel Macron to Address Notre-Dame's Reopening on December 7
As Notre-Dame de Paris prepares for its long-awaited reopening, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a significant speech on December 7, marking the cathedral's first public event since the devastating fire on April 15, 2019. The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, confirmed that the ceremony will be held inside the cathedral, emphasizing the challenges of accommodating large crowds outside. This event is part of a two-stage reopening process, with December 7 and 8 being pivotal dates for the cathedral's revival.
Ceremony Details and Mass Celebrations
The reopening ceremony will not only feature President Macron's address but will also include the awakening of the cathedral's main organ, which has undergone extensive restoration. On December 8, the first mass will take place, during which Archbishop Ulrich will consecrate a new altar. Due to the cathedral's limited seating capacity of 1,500, the celebrations will extend over eight days, with multiple masses scheduled to accommodate parishioners. The reopening period will officially last six months, culminating in Pentecost on June 8, 2025, featuring daily masses and special pilgrimages.
A Symbol of Resilience
The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is not just a restoration of a historic monument but a symbol of resilience for the French people. Archbishop Ulrich highlighted the importance of this event, stating, 'We have kept the bet of a reopening in five years.' The ceremony will reflect a renewed commitment to the cathedral as a place of worship and community, signaling hope and recovery following the tragic fire.
