Paris1972-Versailles2003

I am back to this small beautiful country, first encounter in 1990 and love it ever since. Many memorable trips, sometimes even just for lunch from my beloved Versailles with the family. And lucky to have been able to do this run from my now beautiful Morbihan breton dept 56, We all love the city of Luxembourg, just as quant magical nice, friendly memories never to forget. Again, found some pictures in my vault not in my blog and they should, Therefore, here is my take on the Cathedral Notre Dame of Luxembourg Ville, part II  !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I,

I like to tell you about a special place for them, for us, for all. The history of the Notre Dame Cathedral is linked to that of the Society of Jesus. In 1594, Jesuits settled in Luxembourg, the city which was then part of the Spanish Netherlands. They opened a college there in 1603 ; by 1613, the rector of the College, lays the first stone. The work lasts eight years. By 1621, the Church is solemnly consecrated by the Bishop of Trier, and dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Built as a Church of the College of  Jesuit, it became the Cathedral and seat of the Archbishopric of Luxembourg in 1870. It is also a Marian shrine, housing the statue of  Notre Dame (Our Lady) Comforter of the Afflicted , protector of the city of Luxembourg (Patron Saint).  In 1773, the Society of Jesus was suppressed by Pope Clement XIV. Their church in Luxembourg became, in 1778, a parish church, under the name of Saint-Nicolas-et-Sainte-Thérèse. In 1794, the church welcomed the miraculous statue of Notre-Dame, comforter of the afflicted, which was formerly in a Chapel outside the city walls. In 1801, the church changed its name again by being dedicated to Saint Peter, before regaining its dedication to the Virgin Mary in 1848.

The main figure to come here and see and  blessed is Notre-Dame, comforter of the afflicted the statue which is kept at the Cathedral of Luxembourg has been attested since the beginning of the 17C. It is an effigy of a woman bearing her child, carved in Linden Wood, with a height of 73 cm, and established that its date of manufacture dates back to the end of the 16C. In addition, the style and technique of shearing would indicate that the sculptor would come from the greater German region, not from Flanders or Champagne as it has been assumed for a long time. It is a woman standing, the hair untied, the feet laid on the moon, capped with a crown of stars, appearing in the narrative of the Apocalypse according to the traditional Catholic interpretation, this woman is the Virgin Mary, the Sun represents The New Covenant, the moon the Old covenant or heresy. She carries a scepter of the right hand and on the left hand the Child-Jesus seated, wearing a royal crown and carrying  a globe surmounted by a Cross. These symbols evoke the kingship of Mary in heaven and of Jesus on Earth, Christ the king. The sculpture depicts her wearing a tunic, a belt and a cloak. Following a medieval and long-preserved use in Spain, the statue was clad in richly embroidered and ornamented garments, in particular a large cloak in the shape of a cape or a screed descending to the ground and concealing its feet placed on the moon. These ornaments were renewed several times, adapting to the style of the time, as attested by the various representations of the statue published over the centuries. The Crown of the Virgin lost its stars, attributes were added later.

The Notre Dame Cathedral has three towers, the original from the Jesuit church and two that were added in the 1930s when the cathedral was expanded. In total, the cathedral has 11 bells. During construction works in April 1985, the main tower caught fire during refurbishment works and was destroyed almost entirely. The three bells in the tower did not survive the fire. This was a particularly unfortunate time, as Pope John Paul II was about to visit the Grand Duchy. The reconstruction of the tower ended in October 1985, and new bells chimed in July 1986

A yearly key event at the cathedral is the Octave. During a two-week period in April and May, pilgrims visit the cathedral to pay tribute to the statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is beautifully decorated for this occasion, and the Virgin Mary is dressed in festive garments. The ‘Märtchen’ (little market) is part of this tradition, and people can visit it for food and drink over the course of two weeks. During the Octave period, several special services are held in the cathedral, and on the last day, the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the streets of Luxembourg in a procession. This event is usually televised.

The Catholic parish of Luxembourg on its history : https://www.cathol.lu/patrimoine-patrimoine/geschicht-vun-der-diozees-histoire-du-diocese/history-of-the-archbishopric-of-luxembourg.html

The Luxembourg tourist office on Luxembourg City : https://www.visitluxembourg.com/destinations/luxembourg-city

The City of Luxembourg on its heritage (tap Promenade Unesco) : https://www.vdl.lu/fr/visiter/art-et-culture/architecture-et-patrimoine/promenades-et-visites-guidees-a-travers-lhistoire-du-luxembourg

There you go folks ,another jewel of in Luxembourg ville, do not forget to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. A wonderful city , we love it so much. Again hope you enjoy the post as I.

And remember , happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!