Statue of Consolatrix Afflictorum in the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg.
Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg attended a Pontifical Mass as part of the commemorations of the Octave. Then, in the afternoon, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses the Hereditary Grand Duke, Prince Félix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Princess Tessy, they attended the closing ceremony of the Octave in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg Cathedral
After the traditional solemn procession closing the Octave commemorations, during which the nobly decorated statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is carried through the streets of the capital, followed by large numbers of pilgrims, faithful, associations, representatives of public institutions, etc. The Luxembourg-Limpertsberg municipal choir sang a serenade in front of the Grand Ducal Palace and the Grand Ducal Family came out on to the balcony to greet the people and singers.
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg
Celebrated this year from April 28 to May 13, the traditional fortnight of the Octave traces its origins to the year 1678. It is the reason for the pilgrimage to the statue of Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted— Our Lady of Luxembourg—patroness of the city and nation, whose veneration dates back to the year 1624. Nearly 100,000 pilgrims flocked to the city during this period to celebrate the Octave. The Octave’s theme this year was “Credo” [I believe].
Close up of the statue of the Consolatrix Afflictorum in Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg.
The pilgrimage to the miraculous image of the Comforter of the Afflicted embodies a fundamental element of Luxembourg piety. Thus, Tradition perpetuates the practice of this national devotion, which starts on the Third Sunday after Easter and ends with a solemn procession on the Fifth Sunday after Easter. It is the occasion for many pilgrimages by parishes, deaneries, youth groups and associations all of whom converge to meet next to the miraculous image during this pious and festive period.
Nobility.org Editorial Comment: —
If more Heads of State were to set a good example for their people, as done by the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg in this annual pilgrimage, would not society be better than it is? And is it not true that much of the extravagance, immorality, and even anarchical sentiments displayed by many youngsters around the world are because they did not have good role models to emulate, but only bad ones?
It is the duty of the nobility and analogous traditional elites to “set the tone” and stimulate their people to improve their condition, not just in what concerns their material well being, but especially in terms of their morality and strength of faith. This is the best way to fight and win the Cultural War.
Also of interest:
Engagement Announcement of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg
The Brother of Grand Duchess Awakes
