Tag: Paris 2025

International

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris Reopens for the Feast of the Assumption 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

The heart of Paris will beat anew this August as Notre-Dame Cathedral hosts its first major religious celebration since the devastating fire of 2019. Marking a deeply symbolic return, the Cathedral will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption on August 14 and 15, 2025, restoring a centuries-old tradition to one of the world’s most beloved sacred spaces.

This two-day event carries both spiritual and historical significance. Since the 17th century, France has commemorated the vow of Louis XIII, who consecrated the nation to the Virgin Mary in 1638. In keeping with that legacy, the Feast of the Assumption is not just a liturgical celebration, but a national one — a reminder of France’s deep-rooted Marian devotion.

The program begins on Thursday, August 14, with reduced tours and access to the Cathedral as it opens its doors to the faithful. The evening is filled with solemn vespers, mass, and the Jubilee procession — a sacred moment inside the Cathedral that includes the ostension of the Crown of Thorns, one of Notre-Dame’s most revered relics. The evening concludes with the proclamation of the Gospel, a reminder of the enduring vow made by the French monarchy nearly four centuries ago.

Friday, August 15, the official day of the Assumption, begins early with morning masses and Lauds. The highlight of the day is the grand city procession, which begins at 3:45 pm from the Cathedral’s forecourt, led by Mgr Emmanuel Tois, Auxiliary Bishop of Paris. Carrying the Virgin and Child of Charles X, the procession moves through the streets of Paris, inviting the faithful and the curious alike to witness a public expression of devotion rarely seen since the Cathedral’s closure.

The day concludes with solemn vespers and a final mass, again presided over by Mgr Tois, capping a moment of immense spiritual and cultural renewal for France.

As Notre-Dame once again becomes a living space of prayer, music, and community, the 2025 Feast of the Assumption stands not only as a celebration of faith but as a testimony to resilience, heritage, and hope reborn.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Para-Athlete Sakshi Kale Ahead of World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in Paris

allycaralgoa

Panaji, Goa | May 26, 2025
In a heartwarming and empowering event held at Sesa Ghor, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended its strong support to Goa’s rising para-athletics star Ms. Sakshi Kale, congratulating her on her selection to represent India at the prestigious World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 in Paris. The interaction was led by Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, who lauded Sakshi’s achievements and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent under its #IronLadies25 initiative.

Sakshi, a Khelo India Gold Medalist and international silver medalist, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for the differently-abled community in Goa. Her remarkable performances — Gold at the 2nd Khelo India Para National and Silver at the WPAGP 2025 – Delhi in the 100m sprint — paved the way for her inclusion in the Indian contingent heading to Paris. She is the only Goan selected among 23 athletes representing the country, and will compete in the 400m and 1500m events.

During the interaction, Mr. Navin Jaju praised Sakshi’s determination and expressed pride in her achievements:

“I wish Ms. Sakshi Kale the very best for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025. She is a role model and an #IronLady who inspires us with her spirit and enthusiasm. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we are extremely proud of her selection. Supporting her through our #IronLadies25 initiative aligns with our mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and aspiration,” he said.

The event also saw the presence of Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary of the Goa Paralympic Association, who acknowledged Sakshi’s potential and Vedanta’s continued support for sports:

“We are confident in Sakshi’s ability to perform at the highest level. Her dedication is commendable, and we thank Vedanta Sesa Goa for backing her. Their efforts in sports development through the Sesa Football Academy and other initiatives are exemplary.”

A resident of Usgao, Goa, and student of GCASC, Khandola, Ms. Sakshi Kale has overcome visual impairment to become a powerhouse in para-athletics. She has made consistent appearances in both junior and senior national championships and is known for her performance in middle-distance runs.

Expressing her gratitude, Sakshi said:

“Representing India at the international level is a dream come true. I thank the Government of India, the Goa Paralympic Association, and especially Vedanta Sesa Goa for their unwavering support. Their encouragement has strengthened my resolve to train harder and bring glory to the nation.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa has long championed the cause of sports development and inclusion. The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) and Vedanta Women’s League (VWL) have nurtured young talent across Goa, while the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has further expanded the state’s sporting horizon. The company actively supports marathons, cricket tournaments, and community events, promoting physical fitness and youth engagement.

The recent victory of the SFA Senior Women’s Team in the 8th edition of the VWL is a testament to Vedanta’s vision of creating a holistic and inclusive sports ecosystem.