Holy week in Chartres is a very special time indeed. There are many services and opportunities for worship and reflection. Please check to make sure that the times listed below correspond to the current schedule. Information is available at the cathedral. The complete schedule of services for the cathedral and other Catholic churches in the area is posted next to the north and south doors (in the transept).

Starting on Good Friday, all statues and crosses in the cathedral are veiled.

Palm Sunday:
Holy week for the faithful members of the parish in Chartres begins in the Bishop's garden with the blessing of the branches. Once they have been blessed, everyone walks in procession to the west (main) entrance of the cathedral where the bishop bangs on the doors three times, demanding that they be opened : "Doors of the house of God, open to eternal life so that the King of Glory may come in! Who is this King of Glory? It's the Lord God of the universe, who by his cross is the Conquerer, He is the King of Glory!" After pounding three times the doors open and all the people enter the cathedral where after the procession they hear the Passion story and participate in the rest of the Sunday morning worship service.

From Hebdo 137, a weekly newsletter put out by the cathedral: "La semaine sainte commence avec le Dimanche des Rameaux et de la Passion du Seigneur, qui unit le triomphe du Christ Roi et l’annonce de sa Passion.C’est en mémoire de cette entrée triomphale à Jérusalem que les fidèles portent des rameaux (de buis, d’oliviers, de lauriers ou palmiers...). Ces rameaux, une fois bénis, sont tenus en main par les fidèles qui se mettent en marche vers la cathédrale, en procession depuis les jardins
de l'évêché : marche vers Pâques du peuple de Dieu à la suite du Christ. On procède au cours de la célébration à la lecture de la Passion du Seigneur, le récit de l’ensemble des souffrances du Christ depuis son arrestation au jardin des oliviers jusqu’à sa mise au tombeau. Cette Passion est le mystère de la Pâque du Christ allant vers la mort et offrant sa vie par amour pour le salut de l’humanité. C’est dans la Passion du Christ, indissociable de la Résurrection que le chrétien, par le baptême, fait lui aussi le passage de la mort à la vie." ©Gilles Fresson 2009.

Each year (since 1935) on Palm Sunday there is also a Pilgrimage of Students who walk from Paris to Chartres where they celebrate a very joyous mass together.

Holy Monday:
This is the last day for vespers during Holy Week.

Holy Tuesday: The Chrismal Mass for Blessing the Sacramental Oils
In the evening there is a mass during which the oils which will be used by the diocese during the coming year are dedicated. The bishop, priests, and deacons renew their vows during this service as well. The oil is brought up in three beautiful large flasks. This is a beautiful service in which all the churches of the diocese participate.

From the Chrismal Mass Bulletin:
"The sacraments of the Church have their origin in the Passion of Christ. This is why, as we enter Holy Week, we have the Chrismal Mass. The bishop is the presider. All  around him are the priests, deacons, and faithful of his whole diocese. During this mass, the holy oils which will be used throughout the year are blessed. The bishop, priests and deacons renew their vows."

Holy Wednesday: The Day of Pardon.
Part of the cathedral is cordonned off all day (from 10h30 until 20h30) for the exclusive use of those seeking the rite of reconciliation. Informational pamphlets for children and adults are handed out to each person who comes. They include biblical readings (Psalm 50, Matthew 5:1-12) and prayers.

Maundy Thursday:
The cathedral opens a little earlier than normal so that worshippers can gather for an early morning tenebrae service. The church is left dark during the service.

At 20h30 there is a mass in honor of the Last Supper. It includes footwashing (of a select few). At the end of the service all who want to process down to the crypt (through the north internal stairway) for a sung prayer service which lasts until midnight. This contemplative time of worship and prayer is not to be missed!

Good Friday:
The cathedral opens a little earlier than normal so that worshippers can gather for an early morning tenebrae service.

The labyrinth is NOT available for walking on Good Friday. The chairs remain on it all day.

All candles are blown out. This is a day of darkness in the cathedral; most lights are left off. The flowers are removed from the sanctuary. The statues are covered.

At 15hoo there is a service focusing on the stations of the cross. It includes biblical readings, prayers (especially the Hail Mary), chants, and silence. The cross is brought up the nave, so sitting in the main section of the church is recommended.

At 22h30 there is a two-hour service which focuses on the Passion of Christ. It includes biblical readings about the last supper and Jesus' crucifixion, a sermon, and especially the adoration of the cross which is once again brought to altar in a procession up the main aisle of the nave. The service begins with the clergy prostrating themselves before the altar. Later, each person present is invited to venerate the cross (crucifix) by kissing it. A special offering is taken. Communion is offered at the end of the service.

Holy Saturday:
8h30 Tenebrae Service.
The cathedral opens a little earlier than normal so that worshippers can gather for an early morning tenebrae service.

All Day. Festival of Pacques.
Beginning Saturday, this three day festival of concerts, theatrical performances, and other events, creates a lively atmosphere in Chartres. Tickets allowing entrance to one or all three days are available at the FNAC store downtown. Information is available at the Tourist Office. Booths selling everything imaginable are set up all around the cathedral (front, sides, back).

21h00 The Easter Vigil
The service begins outside the cathedral in the west. After the paschal fire is lit, there is a procession into the cathedral where all the lights have been turned off. To be in the cathedral when it is bathed in candlelight is very special. During the vigil Scripture is read, there is chanting and singing, the baptismal candidates are introduced and sent to the crypt for their baptism while the congregation prays for them. When they return the cathedral is lit and a mass follows. The service ends a little after midnight.

Easter Sunday
There are a number of masses during the day including a Gregorian Mass, Solemn Mass of the Resurection, and an afternoon mass.

Solemn Vespers ends with a procession to Notre Dame de Pilier.

There is also a late evening (11 pm) prayer vigil.

Easter Monday
Mass with special music by the artists of the Easter Festival in Chartres.