Kneeling, this Sunday November 22 at the end of the afternoon on the staircase which leads to the Saint-Sulpice church in Paris (6th arrondissement), a prayer leader dressed in a fluorescent chasuble connects, at the microphone, the "Je Hail Mary ”and the“ Our Father ”, repeated, in chorus, by some 700 faithful gathered on the square.
In the crowd, many young people.
“Ordinary Cathos”, as they define themselves, mix with “tradis”.
Some prostrate themselves on the paving stones, others recite a rosary or light a candle.
All are demonstrating for the resurrection of public masses, banned during this reconfinement against the Covid-19 epidemic, like all the religious ceremonies of the different denominations.
Several dozen gatherings of this kind took place this Sunday all over the Hexagon.
"We pray for France, for our leaders, and therefore for our President, so that they take fair decisions and respect freedom of worship," says Claire, 20, a student, who "awaits action".
She hopes that Emmanuel Macron will announce this Tuesday evening, during his televised address, an immediate return of the celebrations while the government has put forward a recovery "around December 1".
The only certainty: she will not be able to live Christmas without office, “it's impossible!
"Mass is our spiritual food," recalls her neighbor, Annabelle, also 20 years old.
Christmas at the heart of concerns
Marie, 47, a Spanish teacher, also fears being "deprived" of the Eucharist on December 25, which would be "the worst presidential scenario".
“We had already been deprived of Easter during the first confinement.
At the time, we didn't say anything, but it was painful, ”she recalls.
According to her, the authorities should not impose a gauge of thirty faithful to all places of worship.
“There are churches the size of a shopping mall and tiny chapels.
The restrictions must be adapted on a case-by-case basis.
In any case, zero risk does not exist in terms of contamination.
If the government wants zero risk, then everything must be closed: schools, businesses… ”, she identifies.
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"But what is certain is that the parishes have no choice, they will have to apply what is asked of them", she concedes.
If the reception capacities were to be "very limited", then it would be necessary, in his eyes, "to ask the priests to say more masses".
"They will be delighted to celebrate several a day", assures, for her part, Claire.
Marc, 22, a law student, does not believe "in a miracle" and in an "immediate resumption" of offices decreed by the summits of power who "do not consider that it is an essential activity".
"I trust God more than in Macron"
In the assembly of Catholics, we meet Luke, 51, an evangelical Protestant.
"In certain battles, Christ unites us", smiles this practicing believer who "works in the administration".
“I expect the president to be able to offer Christians the opportunity to come together and express their faith.
The sooner the better, ”he repeats, defending that“ barrier gestures are highly respected in places of worship ”.
But to confess: "I have more confidence in God than in Macron".
However, the tenant of the Elysee remains the recipient of his prayers.
“The Gospel urges us to pray for the authorities, so that they will be touched by divine wisdom.
"
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Met inside Saint-Sulpice, where she "went to pray in her corner", Stéphanie, 45, prefers to stay away from the demonstration.
“I am not convinced that it is useful for anything.
On the contrary, I tell myself that it can hold up Macron and Castex, ”comments this director of human resources.
She wishes with all her heart that the Head of State authorizes masses from next Sunday.
“It is the first Sunday of Advent, a symbol of hope, which prepares us Christians for the birth of Jesus”, she explains.
“I hope, but I don't believe it, because Macron doesn't believe in anything.
I'm afraid he'll skip the first Sunday in Advent.
"However, God's business should be a priority", judges a 66-year-old retiree from Corbeil-Essonnes (Essonne).
