6 months Ago
Mass Celebrates Basilica's New Status, and City's Role
Cardinal Parolin presided over a special mass at the newly desginated co-cathedral, using the festival as an occasion to reflect on faith in the modern age. He congratulated the city, and said the elevation of the basilica was a time to "say a special prayer of thanks to heaven." He also cited the Miracle of Amsterdam, a eucharistic phenomenon from 1345 still commemorated in an annual silent procession.
Ceremony Attended by City Officials and Church Leaders
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, chairman of the Eerste Kamer Jan Anthonie Bruijn and former minister Ed Nijpels were among those who also attended. The mayor was also in attendance, particularly notable after previous criticism of the city government for not sending representatives to the basilica's elevation ceremony earlier in the year.
In his sermon, Parolin urged society to go deeper and have stronger faith. He described a trend in which Christian values were losing ground and urged people to pay closer attention to the word of God. Echoing words of Pope Leo XIV, he also urged the media to stop fanning a "war of words and images," underlining the Vatican's overarching message for peace and open mindedness.
