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Holy Thursday service held at fire-ravaged Notre Dame

Attendance at the service was sharply restricted due to the cathedral’s reconstruction and the pandemic.
Image: Celebration of Holy Thursday at Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
Notre Dame cathedral's rector Patrick Chauvet holds a Bible while French violinist Marina Chiche performs as part of Holy Thursday ceremony at the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been ravaged by a fire in 2019.Christophe Ena / Reuters

A Holy Thursday service in Paris was held at Notre Dame cathedral, which is still under construction after it was ravaged by flames just days before Easter in 2019, its spire crumbling in a shocking blaze.

The ceremony involved a foot-washing ritual that symbolizes Jesus’ willingness to serve.

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Notre Dame rector Patrick Chauvet leads a procession in Notre Dame Cathedral on Thursday, almost two years after a massive fire ravaged the Gothic cathedral.Christophe Ena / AP

Six worshipers were chosen for the foot washing, a diverse group including medical staff, the needy and some people who are set to be baptized this Easter.

Paris Bishop Michel Aupetit led the rite, accompanied by Notre-Dame’s rector Patrick Chauvet.

Attendance at the service was sharply restricted due to the cathedral’s reconstruction and the pandemic.

Image: Celebration of Holy Thursday at Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit attends the Washing of the Feet ceremony on Holy Thursday.Christophe Ena / Reuters
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Archbishop Aupetit prays during the Washing of the Feet ceremony.Christophe Ena / AP