CONSÉCRATION DE L’AUTEL, BÉNÉDICTION DU MOBILIER LITURGIQUE, ÉGLISE D’URVILLE-NACQUEVILLE

Yesterday marked the consecration of the new altar of the parish church in Urville-Nacqueville.  Other liturgical pieces were also blessed.  More information about the renovation project and photos can be found at the parish website.  The new liturgical furniture included the new tabernacle and lamp, paschal candle stand, baptismal font, chairs for celebrants and altar servers, pulpit, and a beautiful ambo and altar made of Carrera marble and glass.  Fr. Daniel JAMELOT along with our Curé, Serge LEMIERE assisted our bishop, Stanislas LALANNE in performing the special duties of the blessings and the Mass.  Let’s not forget Deacon Benoît PITON and the assistance he gave during the blessing of the altar!  Mireille BOUCHARD, gave the first reading from the Old Testament.  Chantal ILLIEN who gave the second reading followed her.  Finally, Deacon Joël TESSON read the Gospel.  Several artists including metal craftsman, Martial BESNIER, woodcrafters and gilders, Bernard and Solange DELAVAL, and architect Mireille BOUCHARD, designed the pieces.  Stonemasons Phillipe GRIOT and his son Etienne created the altar and the pulpit.  The seats for the presiding celebrants were created by Monsieur CRANGA, artisan.      Bernard HÉQUET sealed relics of several local saints including Ste-Marie Madeleine POSTEL and Blessed Thomas HÉLYE of Biville inside the altar during the ceremony while members of the choir and Father Yann DESWARTE sang the Litany of the Saints.  Their voices were sublime and, at times, almost angelic.  Everything about the morning was perfect.  The temperatures were warm, the sun was shining and everyone gathered were in high spirits.  Here we see other celebrants who participated in the ceremonies : Fr Gilbert LEMERE, Fr. Jean-Claude HUE, Fr. Louis DESCHAMPS, Fr. Parfait LOUTHE, and Fr. Christophe FEREY. The parishes of Saint Clair and Our Lady of the Assumption are close-knit and everyone is very friendly and polite.  The last part of the service was devoted to honoring certain parishioners for their many years of service.  Here is a photo of my friend André PASQUIER who received a bronze medal and certificate.  Congratulations !   After the service, drinks and snacks were served underneath a large tent beside the church.  Later on, there was a luncheon at the Maison Familiale organized by Marie HÉCQUET and other members of the parish council.  There was a great turnout and the food was delicious.  Thanks to everyone involved and peace be with you.