Was watching the reopening of the Notre Dame. The colourful vestments that the archbishop and the 2 other priests are wearing are wonderful. Apparently they were designed by a fashion designer.
NBC coverage of re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral: [it won’t embed a replayed live stream, so click on the link]
I was fascinated by a lot of things. The archbishop knocked on the doors with his crozier. Those doors had intricate detailing and I did a deep dive into them. There’s an interesting legend about their making.
The marbles floor and the high arched ceiling was breathtaking. I however thought that must have been cold and the people had their coats on.
Lovely video with lots of information about the repairs, the new things.
The choir was excellent. I wonder if they will release the music on an album.
I really love the clean look. Quite the glow-up, as the kids say.
I’m fine with it being cold. Wear your jacket inside. It’s such a pain coming in from the cold into a heated space you’re going to be in for an hour (or maybe longer for a fancy ceremony like this), and then figuring out where to stash the bulky coat. I like the energy efficiency of a cold space (and hot in the summer).
I dislike the altar shape – it doesn’t seem to fit the space.
Okay, onto other issues re: Our Lady – reminder in the U.S. (and likely elsewhere), the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was moved to tomorrow, December 9 (as Solemnities falling on a Sunday will get moved to a different say).
That’s a Holy Day of Obligation in the U.S. (the Immaculate Conception is our patron), so remember to go to Mass!
if you are unable to physically go to Mass today, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will be livestreaming Mass – it says the stream will go live at 11:45amET, and I assume Mass will be at noon
UPDATE:
Mass starts at 12:10pm ET
Solemn Mass of the Immaculate Conception – Great Upper Church
Most Rev. Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA,
Celebrant & Homilist
Ah, they did the Biebl Ave Maria
I love that
In response to:
Pope Francis will commence a centuries-long Catholic tradition on Christmas Eve and introduce a first-time, historical addition to the holy ritual.
Starting on Dec. 24, the pontiff will open a series of five Holy Doors throughout the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica, plus Rome’s three other basilicas to commence next year’s Catholic Church jubilee — a joyful commemoration of faith that normally occurs every 25 years.
The door at St. Peter’s was sealed shut by a wall of bricks since the Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy in 2016 and, on Dec. 2, those were ripped down to ready the door for opening as part of the rite of “recognition.”
After that Christmas Eve ritual, Pope Francis will open a symbolic door inside the Roman prison Rebibbia on Dec. 26, the feast of St. Stephen.
Yesterday we had the ceremony to inter Stu’s ashes at the memorial garden at the church where we were married. They’ve got a lovely Franciscan walk, too, so here are some pics:
St. Clare
Marian grotto
St. Francis
from the music director at my parents’ church: Bluey & the Apostles
I think one of the Apostles over-indulged on Christmas Eve
BLUEY!!!
Happy feast day to all you Stephens!