Te Deum in Luxembourg: Cardinal honours Guillaume and Stéphanie as bearers of hope

After two jam-packed days of ceremonies, receptions and countless handshakes, Grand Duke Guillaume, Grand Duchess Stéphanie and their family arrived at Luxembourg Cathedral on Sunday morning for the traditional Te Deum service to mark the official end of the enthronement celebrations.

The solemn Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich in the presence of numerous dignitaries, with over 700 guests in attendance.

Te Deum explained

The Latin phrase Te Deum laudamus translates as “Great God, we praise you”. It is a traditional Gregorian chant that is only sung on special occasions, and after which the Mass that is a traditional part of the programme on the National Day celebrations is named.

Relations between the Grand Ducal family and the Catholic Church have been very close for generations. The Grand Ducal family has been received several times by the popes for private audiences in the Vatican.

Many onlookers watched as the new Grand Ducal couple walked down the red carpet towards the cathedral. © Photo credit: Christophe Olinger

In his sermon, the Archbishop of Luxembourg paid tribute to the closeness to the public of the new Grand Ducal couple, who had travelled to numerous places across the country on Saturday.

Cardinal Hollerich said that the couple had “not only visited the countryside, but also the people,” adding that it was to be welcomed that Guillaume wanted to create connections with the public, a feeling which the cardinal said was mutual. “We are all connected to your family,” said the archbishop.

Hope and cohesion

The cardinal repeatedly spoke of hope and cohesion. “The future was bright for us,” said Hollerich, referring to his own generation, something which he is said was no longer the case today. Society must give young people hope that they can tackle current and future problems without fear, the archbishop said.

“We know that Luxembourg will continue, because the dynasty will continue,” said Hollerich, expressing gratitude to the former Grand Duke Henri. His resignation was not just a personal matter, said the cardinal, but he had given the citizens a measure of continuity; the continuity guaranteed by the Grand Ducal family, something which he said helps all citizens to look to the future with hope.

Guillaume and Stéphanie, together with their young children, can give people hope once again, said Cardinal Hollerich. “You can prove it,” he said.

Over 700 guests in the cathedral

The main celebrant of the Mass was the Archbishop of Luxembourg, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich. He was assisted by Archbishop Franco Coppola, the Apostolic Nuncio for Luxembourg – the Pope’s ambassador to the country – as well as Auxiliary Bishop Léon Wagener, Abbé Michel Jorrot from Clerf Abbey, Vicar General Patrick Muller, Canon Tom Kerger and Auxiliary Bishop Franz Josef Gebert from Trier.

According to the archdiocese, 712 guests were invited, including 240 members of the general public, around 35 clergy and 24 members of the security service.

“We stand by you. We are glad that you are here and we will do everything we can to help you fulfil your task. Long live the Grand Duke! Long live the Grand Duchess!”, Cardinal Hollerich said at the conclusion of his sermon.

A musical treat

During the hour-and-a-half long mass, the Grand-Ducal couple, who were visibly strained by the exertions of the past few days, had many quiet moments to listen to the music.

The cathedral’s choir, conducted by Marc Dostert, and the brass ensemble of the military band impressed with a splendid performance. Shortly before the end of the mass, the new composition Domine, salvum fac by Roland Wiltgen was performed. It is a musical prayer rewritten specially for Guillaume’s ascension to the throne.

Stéphanie and Guillaume wave to the crowd one last time after leaving the cathedral © Photo credit: Christophe Olinger

After the national anthem, the Grand Ducal family left the cathedral to a standing ovation from the guests. Outside, they took some time to wave to the onlookers before departing and bringing down the final curtain on three days of celebrations.

(This article was originally published by the Luxemburger Wort. Machine translated, with editing and adaptation by John Monaghan)