Yesterday, December 8, hundreds attended a solemn mass in the Cathedral of Monaco and later participated in a torch-lit procession to mark the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, representing the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  During the procession, the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi, blessed the Crèche (Nativity Scene) in front of the Prince’s Palace, and the procession culminated at the Chapelle de la Miséricorde (Chapel of Mercy).  The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a national holiday in the Principality of Monaco.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is marked by Catholics around the world.  This year, it also marked the launch of Jubilee Year of Mercy by Pope Francis, where he also opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, a ritual performed only during Jubilee Years.  All Catholic cathedrals around the world can designate a Holy Door to be opened for a year, so as to ensure that believers can participate in the Year of Mercy by walking through the doors of their local cathedrals should they not be able to go to Rome.

The mass and the procession in the Principality of Monaco in photos:

Inside the Monaco Cathedral during the Mass

Procession with the statue of the Virgin Mary, where Archbishop Barsi blessed the Nativity Scene (far left of photo) in front of the Prince’s Palace

Candles light the streets of Monaco-Ville during the procession

Archbishop Bernard Barsi and other clergy members

The procession culminated in front of the Chapelle de la Miséricorde