In the hectic weeks leading up to Christmas, Aachen Cathedral wants to offer a counterpoint as a place of contemplation and reflection. A varied programme consisting of spiritual inspiration, musical events and special church services is intended to provide space for reflection, silence and religious experience – for anyone who feels invited!
Music
Sacred music for Advent
The evening prayer on Sunday, 7 December, at 6 p.m., will be performed by the Aachen Cathedral Girls’ Choir under the direction of cathedral cantor Marco Fühner with a selection of Marian works by composers such as Francis Poulenc, Ola Gjeilo and Javier Busto. Admission is free.
Open singing in the cathedral choir school
During the Christmas market season, open singing will take place in the auditorium of the cathedral choir school on three Mondays (1, 8 and 15 December) at 4 p.m. Everyone who enjoys singing is invited. Admission is free.
Music for Advent and Christmas
Christmas concert by the Cathedral Choir in the Coronation Hall
Since 1994, the Lions Club Aachen has been organising a Christmas concert with the Aachen Cathedral Choir in the Coronation Hall of the Town Hall on the third Sunday of Advent. This year, the charity concert will take place on Sunday, 14 December at 5 p.m. The proceeds will go to social causes. Advance ticket sales at www.lionsclub-aachen.de
Liturgical
Tower brass band and Advent reflections
Anyone looking for a little spiritual respite in the run-up to Christmas will find it on Fridays at the Advent reflections in Aachen Cathedral. The event begins at 6:45 p.m. with trumpet music from the private tower brass band ‘Neuß’. This is followed by a 15-minute spiritual reflection on the theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in the cathedral.
• 28 November: Setting out Cathedral Vicar Dr Matthias Fritz
• 5 December: Being on the move Cathedral Vicar Dr Peter Dückers
• 12 December: Silence Cathedral Canon Klaus Esser
• 19 December: Arriving Cathedral Provost Rolf-Peter Cremer
Rorate Masses
On Mondays during Advent (1, 8, 15 and 22 December), the morning work masses at 7 a.m. will be celebrated as Rorate Masses. The interplay of silence, darkness and candlelight creates a special, contemplative atmosphere that symbolically expresses the congregation’s waiting for the coming of the light, for Christ.
3x Evening Prayer in the Latin Rite
On three Sundays during Advent (30 November, 14 and 21 December), visitors can join in the Evening Prayer in the Latin Rite with sacramental blessing. It begins at 6 p.m. Participants are invited to sing in this traditional form of worship and (re)discover the power of prayer. Duration: approx. 45 minutes.
Ecumenical midday meditations
The ecumenical midday meditations take place during Advent from Tuesday to Friday at 1:30 p.m. This short break in the Nikolauskapelle chapel of the cathedral consists of a 15-minute reflection with readings and music.
Miscellaneous, 4x Throne viewing without guided tour
The Aachen Cathedral Action Group and the Honorary Service are offering throne viewing on two Advent weekends, which is otherwise only possible as part of a guided tour. Admission is €3 for adults and €1 for children (aged 6 to 16). All proceeds will go towards the maintenance of the cathedral.
• Saturday, 6 December, 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• Sunday, 7 December, 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• Saturday, 13 December, 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• Sunday, 14 December, 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Info: Seit Aachen Dom
