Lenten lectures are back at Notre Dame, marking a “grand retour” of a Parisian classic

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has resumed its iconic “Lenten Conferences” this season, marking the first time since the 2019 fire.

The series, a French Lenten tradition dating back to the monarchy, and revived in the mid-19th century is attracting record participation, alongside a surge in Ash Wednesday Mass attendance across France.

This year’s lectures, which feature speakers from diverse backgrounds including priests, religious and laypeople, focus on the theme “Our Lady, Queen of Peace, from the Magnificat to the Apocalypse.”

Father Henri de Villefranche, a chaplain at Notre Dame, highlighted the addition of professional readings, chants, and organ music to enhance the spiritual experience.

The cathedral’s newly redesigned lighting system further elevates the atmosphere. In addition to the conferences, France is witnessing a remarkable rise in catechumens, with over 12,000 people baptized in 2024—up 31 per cent from the previous year.

The trend continues into 2025, with young people particularly drawn to Mass and the rites of Lent.

“The number of people baptised at Easter will once again surprise us. It is now a fundamental trend,” Diane Pilotaz, communications director for the French bishops’ conference, told OSV News.