Lausanne Cathedral, currently marking its 750th anniversary year, will host Swiss Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and journalist Arnaud Robert as special guests during its Christmas services. Continuing a tradition of bridging community and prominent figures, the cathedral’s Christmas programming aims to offer both spiritual reflection and contemporary discourse. Baume-Schneider will deliver remarks December 22nd, while Robert will participate in the Christmas Eve service, both contributing to a season of events exploring themes of hope and the human experience.
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Swiss Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and journalist Arnaud Robert will be featured guests at upcoming Christmas services at the Lausanne Cathedral.
Lausanne Cathedral is expanding its tradition of inviting prominent figures to participate in its Christmas services this year. Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will deliver remarks during the service on December 22nd at 10:00 a.m., and journalist Arnaud Robert will participate in the Christmas Eve service at 11:00 p.m.
This year marks the 750th anniversary of the cathedral, and Baume-Schneider has accepted the challenge of co-delivering a sermon. The discussion will focus on the importance of communication, the values that underpin actions, relationships with others, and finding hope amidst challenging times, according to a statement released Monday by the Cathedral Ministry.
Following the sermon, the Federal Councilor will engage in a question-and-answer session with the congregation. The Christmas Eve service will feature journalist Arnaud Robert, whose experiences detailed in his podcast “Mon corps électrique” will be juxtaposed with the Nativity story, sparking a conversation about the body, lightness, disability, and the possibility of miracles.
Leading up to Christmas Eve, from December 22nd to 24th, a collaboration with Lumen Creations and TopoPhoniques will present a light and sound performance within the cathedral, utilizing video mapping technology. Titled “Corps à corps,” the performance will explore themes of the body and birth in a contemporary context.
The Cathedral Ministry of Lausanne has been actively fostering an open and inclusive environment in recent years. Pastor Line Dépraz has previously hosted several notable guests during her services, including crime novelist Marc Voltenauer during the 2023 Christmas service. Dépraz believes these exchanges offer a fresh perspective and move beyond insular religious discourse.
