On 1 June 2026, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris celebrated the solemnity of its dedication, that is to say, the anniversary commemorating its consecration. On this occasion, the reliquary cabinet was blessed during Vespers, followed by a Mass presided over by His Grace Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, in the presence of the cathedral chapter.
Blessing of the reliquary cabinet
Since the Middle Ages, churches have kept their liturgical treasures, relics and reliquaries in dedicated cabinets or spaces. Made in 1905, this reliquary cabinet has been restored and refurbished in preparation for the cathedral’s dedication ceremony.
The reliquary cabinet, situated in the south transept, is located in a space historically dedicated to devotion. Thus, the reliquary cabinet combines the tradition of preserving relics in a dedicated place with the spiritual memory of the chaplaincy, by forming part of the cathedral’s pilgrimage route.
This reliquary cabinet houses relics from the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, from the holy Apostles and Evangelists, from the holy martyrs—including Saint Stephen, the first among them—from eminent saints in the history of Paris, including Saint Genevieve and Saint Louis, and from many other saints, for whom the Church gives thanks for having dedicated their lives to God through the witness of their faith.
Blessed by His Grace Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, this reliquary cabinet invites everyone to turn to the saints and to find in their lives a model of hope and faith.
Solemnity of the Dedication of Notre-Dame de Paris
In remembrance of the cathedral’s dedication, the candles placed before the twelve consecration crosses were lit. During the rite of dedication of a church, these crosses are anointed with holy chrism and then illuminated to signify that the Church is called to radiate the light of Christ.
« Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. » 1 P 2:5
