Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 28 March |
Holy Thursday of the Supper of the Lord
Aleteia logo
News
separateurCreated with Sketch.

According to the French government, church is literally cool

PARIS CHURCH

Sébastien Désarmaux | GoDong

Cerith Gardiner - published on 06/26/19

As temperatures soar, people are being encouraged to go to church.

Please consider a gift for Aleteia!
Help us spread the joy of Christ's victory.
Aleteia depends on your support.

Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.

DONATE NOW

This week Europe is bracing itself for a record heatwave. As temperatures are set to reach a stifling 104° Fahrenheit in the French capital, Paris — while actually feeling more like 116° once the humid atmosphere is taken into consideration — residents, tourists, and the government are trying to find solutions to keep cool and survive this unprecedented heat.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Martina Pasic (@martinapasic)

The government has deemed the heatwave “potentially dangerous” as it “promises to be unprecedented for a month of June,” according to meteorologist François Gourand during the Météo-France press conference. In wanting to avoid an outcome similar to the 2003 heatwave, which caused the death of 14,802 people, much of France has been placed on orange alert: the second highest warning that warrants special measures.

This is the first time this alert has been issued and as part of these special measures, the government pinpoints, and makes accessible for longer hours, 922 “cool places.” And yes, featured on the list are a number of churches in the capital where people will be encouraged to head to during the hottest parts of the day for a few hours.

While lots of us will appreciate the joy of entering a refreshing old church during the summer months — not always as joyous in those chilly winter months! — for many people it will be a whole new experience. Not only will they have the occasion to become acquainted with some of the churches’ stunning architectural features, they could even glean a little religious insight if they care to stay for Mass. Who knows, they may even say a little prayer for a rain shower or two.

Although the unusual weather conditions will make life a bit tricky, there is a little upside: the government is also encouraging people to be more neighborly by looking out for the seniors in their community who are at greater risk of heatstroke and potential death during hot weather.

Support Aleteia!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reach more than 20 million unique users per month!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Support Aleteia with a gift today!

jour1_V2.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.