Monsignor Nicolas Souchu blessed some of the 1,500 chairs that will unite the cathedral, whose reopening is scheduled for the weekend of 7 and 8 December. An “out of the ordinary” practice, according to the Bastiat Sièges company.
The new chairs of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, made by a cabinetmaker from the Landes, received the blessing of the bishop of the diocese of Aire-et-Dax on Monday 18 November, on the eve of their departure for the capital. The prelate had proposed this blessing” rare » last spring.
In the Hagetmau laboratories of the Bastiat Sièges company, in front of 80 guests scattered among the rolls of fabric and the prototype of the future kneeler of Notre-Dame, Msgr. Nicolas Souchu, dressed in his alb, blessed a small part of the 1,500 chairs that will join today the renovated nave of the cathedral, rebuilt after the fire of April 2019. All the liturgical objects of the cathedral will be blessed “ but the chairs probably wouldn’t have been “, the bishop of the Landes explains to AFP. “ It’s also a way to honor those who made them. », he adds.
The Bastiat Sièges SME, founded in 1964, was chosen to produce in “ limited and exclusive edition » the seats intended to furnish the masterpiece of 12th century Gothic art, which is among the most visited monuments in Europe. An order that is equivalent to “ hundreds of thousands of euros », unexpected for Bastiat Sièges and its annual turnover of 1.4 million euros.
“Best comfort”
Its leader Alain Bastiat greeted, with an emotional voice, a ” Extraordinary adventure and 100% Landes », except the oak which comes from the Sologne forests. The family company was also responsible for designing the kneeler and benches for the cathedral’s attached chapels, which will be delivered in February, explains Sylvain Bastiat, sales director.
Maïté Lausaman, 71 years old, and Véronique Devineau, 61 years old, members of the choir of the parish of Saint-Girons-de-Chalosse, express: pride and honor » that these chairs are made in the Landes. “ It is a small piece of our parish that goes to Notre-Dame », testifies Véronique.
The chair, in solid light oak with clean lines, and low to allow the faithful to pray with their elbows resting on the backrest, is designed by a Breton designer, Iona Vautrin. The seat, slightly hollowed out and inclined backwards, offers better comfort than
On November 15th the statue of the Virgin and Child, called Virgin of the Pillarhas found a place in the Parisian cathedral, whose reopening is scheduled for 7 and 8 December.
– What is the significance of the new chairs designed for Notre-Dame de Paris?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. With the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris set to reopen its doors in December, there’s been much excitement surrounding not just the restoration of the cathedral itself but also the new chairs designed to grace its nave. We’re here with Monsignor Nicolas Souchu, who recently blessed the chairs crafted by Bastiat Sièges. Monsignor, could you start by sharing your thoughts on this unique blessing ceremony?
Monsignor Nicolas Souchu: Thank you for having me. The blessing ceremony was indeed something special. It signifies more than just a religious ritual; it represents a connection between the craftsmanship of human hands and the sacred space of Notre-Dame. Each chair is a testament to both art and faith, and I felt it was important to honor those who dedicated their skills to this project.
Time.news Editor: That’s beautifully said. The fact that 1,500 chairs are being produced—it’s a significant number. Can you tell us a bit about the importance of these chairs in the context of the cathedral’s ambiance?
Monsignor Nicolas Souchu: Certainly! The chairs are not merely functional—they serve to enhance the experience of worshippers and visitors alike. Each chair adds to the atmosphere of reverence and reflection within such a monumental historical space. They embody a sense of continuity; linking the past with the future of Notre-Dame, especially after the devastating fire.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned how this blessing was a rare practice. Could you elaborate on why you felt it necessary to bless these chairs specifically?
Monsignor Nicolas Souchu: Traditionally, we bless items that are used in a liturgical context. Although chairs might not be the most common objects of such a rite, I believed it was essential to bless them as an acknowledgment of the craftsmanship and dedication that went into creating them. It’s also a way to express our collective hope and commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing Notre-Dame as a gathering place for the community.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The chairs were made by Bastiat Sièges, a company with a long history. How important is it to support local artisans and craftsmen in projects of this magnitude?
Monsignor Nicolas Souchu: Supporting local artisans is crucial. It not only fosters regional pride, but it also ensures that the craftsmanship respects the traditions and aesthetics of such a historic place. The Bastiat Sièges company has infused their work with local culture and skills, which enhances the cathedral’s identity.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead to the reopening weekend in December, what do you hope visitors will take away from their experience at Notre-Dame with the new chairs?
Monsignor Nicolas Souchu: I hope that visitors will feel a sense of peace and inspiration when they enter the cathedral. The new chairs should serve as a reminder of resilience and renewal. It’s a community effort to restore not just a building but a place of unity and hope. I trust these chairs will welcome many generations to come in their reflections and prayers.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Monsignor Souchu, for sharing your insights with us today. The reopening of Notre-Dame is truly a momentous occasion, and we appreciate your thoughts on the significance of these new chairs.
Monsignor Nicolas Souchu: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to share in the excitement of this remarkable chapter for Notre-Dame. I look forward to welcoming everyone back!