December 5, 2024 - Reopening of the doors of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris

A message from ✝Archbishop Henning on the occasion the reopening of the doors of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris this Saturday:

On April 15th, 2019, a terrible fire devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. This nearly 1,000 year old church gave witness to the grace of Christ across the centuries and through war, plague, revolution, and so many other historic events, good and bad. The fire did more than damage an architectural jewel, it was a heartbreaking loss to the Catholics of France and beyond. After five years of restoration work, the doors of the venerable cathedral will reopen on Saturday, December 7th, at 2:00PM Eastern Time. This is a moment of joy and renewal for the Church of France and for all Catholics. In solidarity with our brothers and sisters, I have encouraged the pastors of the Archdiocese of Boston to ring the bells of their churches at 2:00 PM on Saturday. I also as all Catholics to pause at 2:00PM and pray the beautiful Angelus prayer to Our Lady in celebration of the renewal of her great cathedral.

Please see below for an Angelus resource . (Photos: OSV)

The Angelus Prayer

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done to me according to thy word.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen

V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.