The Octave officially launched at 4pm on Saturday. For many in the Catholic church, this represents an important tradition in the religious year. While it is not yet part of the tradition, for the third time a female priest will give ten sermons over the next two weeks.
"Being human, here and now" is the motto selected by Marie-Christine Ries for this edition, with a renewed focus on humanity. In Catholicism, humans are said to be created in God's image and must follow His example, which is not easy.
This year's Octave will also promote peace and living together.
In addition to the Night of Cathedrals, it is traditionally the young pilgrims who open the Octave on a Sunday morning. Next there is the 10.30am 'Mass du Peuple de Dieu' aimed at all nationalities in the country. Ries said Octave today is different to the past, and everyone is welcome, whether they arrive by motorbike or by donkey.
Luxembourg's cardinal takes on the traditional opening sermon, followed by a woman's sermon on Monday. There will be ten sermons by a woman in total.
The focus is on showing solidarity for people on the edges of society, rather than those usually encountered in church. The Octave of Our Lady will conclude with a procession in 14 days.
