On 31 May 2026 at 3 pm, on the Feast of the Holy Trinity, a solemn Mass to mark the opening of the Ecclesiastical Province Assembly was celebrated at Notre-Dame de Paris.
The Ecclesiastical Province Assembly of Île-de-France
In response to a record increase of over 153% in requests for baptism over a five-year period, the Ecclesiastical Province Assembly was established to address the challenges and expectations arising from this unprecedented surge of vitality.
Under the theme “Catechumens and neophytes: new perspectives for the life of our Church in our dioceses”, the Assembly aims to reflect collectively on the challenges raised by this unprecedented influx of newly baptised members:
- The welcome and integration of catechumens
- Accompaniment towards the sacraments of Christian life
- The transformation of Christian communities
The Opening Mass of the Ecclesiastical Province Assembly of Île-de-France
In the presence of all the delegates, a solemn Mass to open the Assembly was celebrated at Notre-Dame de Paris. It also coincided with the 60th anniversary of the ecclesiastical province of Île-de-France.
Indeed, the Provincial Ecclesial Assembly is an event marked by a liturgical celebration. It comprises several specific rites:
- A long procession involving all the delegates from the dioceses
- The enthronement of the Gospel book
- The profession of faith by the delegates
- At the end of the celebration, through the Adsumus prayer, the delegates invoke the Holy Spirit
This inaugural Mass thus marked the beginning of a new phase of discernment for the dioceses of Île-de-France, called to reflect together on how the Church can welcome and accompany catechumens and neophytes.
