PARIS — After nearly five years of intense restoration work following the devastating fire of 2019, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral held its first mass on Sunday, marking a historic moment for Paris and the global Christian community.
The mass, attended by a congregation of dignitaries, clergy, and thousands of faithful, celebrated not just the return of this beloved monument to the city’s skyline, but also its spiritual revival after a nearly catastrophic loss.
The ceremony was led by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who was joined by 150 bishops and over 100 priests from across the French capital.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who had attended the cathedral’s re-opening ceremony the day before, was also present. The inaugural mass held deep symbolic significance as it marked the official return of one of France’s most cherished landmarks.
The 850-year-old cathedral, which was nearly destroyed in a devastating fire on April 15, 2019, has been meticulously restored to its former glory over the past five years.
The mass served not only as a religious observance but also as a testament to the resilience of the French nation, which rallied to save the cathedral after the blaze caused extensive damage, including the destruction of the roof and iconic spire.
A Historic Mass and Symbol of Hope
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Ulrich expressed deep emotion, acknowledging the weight of the moment for the congregation.
“Whether you are here in person in the cathedral or in front of a screen, including perhaps under the rain, I greet you with intense emotion,” he said, referring to the small but dedicated crowd gathered outside under umbrellas.
Ulrich also consecrated a new altar, which replaced the one destroyed in the fire, marking a significant step in the cathedral’s spiritual and physical restoration.
“Today, the pain of April 15, 2019, has been erased,” Ulrich added, referring to the date of the fire that threatened to take Notre-Dame away from Paris forever.
Despite an extensive forensic investigation, the cause of the fire remains unknown, though investigators believe an accident, possibly linked to electrical equipment, is the most likely explanation.
For many in the crowd, the mass was a powerful reminder of the cathedral’s central role in both Parisian and Christian life. Cyriac de Belsunce, a 21-year-old scout from Paris, told AFP, “It’s incredible to see Notre-Dame transformed.
It’s changed, it’s more radiant. There’s a lot more light.” His sentiments were echoed by many who had the chance to see the cathedral in its new form, which has been fitted with modern upgrades, including state-of-the-art lighting and a restored interior.
Macron’s Praise and Political Significance
The historic reopening service held on Saturday was attended by a number of world leaders, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, marking a diplomatic and cultural milestone.
Macron, who had championed the restoration effort, expressed the “gratitude of the French nation” for the remarkable progress achieved in such a short period.
“We have rediscovered what great nations can do — achieve the impossible,” he declared, praising the collaborative effort that had brought Notre-Dame back to life in just five years, despite initial predictions that the work could take decades.
The re-opening of Notre-Dame came at a moment of political turmoil in France, with Macron facing intense pressure domestically after the June snap elections left the country with a hung parliament.
This political uncertainty was not lost on the archbishop, who, during his sermon on Sunday, prayed “for our country that is looking to the future with worry.”
The archbishop’s words resonated with many as France navigates its path forward amidst both political challenges and the global pandemic.
Macron’s presence at the cathedral’s events, while significant, was noted for his adherence to France’s secular principles.
He refrained from taking communion during the mass, honoring the country’s strict separation of church and state. Nevertheless, his participation was widely commented on, reflecting the ongoing intersection of politics, religion, and culture in France’s public life.
The Rebirth of Notre-Dame: A Monument to Resilience
The restoration of Notre-Dame has been nothing short of a monumental achievement. Funded by donations from around the world, the project has cost an estimated 700 million euros ($750 million), with donors ranging from international organizations to private individuals.
The French government’s commitment to reopening the cathedral by December 2024 was met with initial skepticism, but the five-year deadline has been successfully met, a testament to the determination and skill of those involved in the project.
The restoration effort focused on rebuilding the cathedral’s roof, spire, and interior while ensuring that the building’s historical elements were preserved.
One of the key features of the renovation is the new lead roofing, which is still being completed, and the installation of modern safety measures to protect the structure from future disasters.
However, some elements of the cathedral’s full restoration will take longer to complete. Notably, the statues of apostles and saints, which were removed before the fire for restoration, are not expected to be reinstalled until the first half of 2025.
The completion of the restoration project is expected to significantly boost Paris’s tourism industry. Before the fire, Notre-Dame attracted around 12 million visitors annually, but authorities predict that number could rise to 14 or 15 million following its reopening.
The cathedral’s unparalleled beauty and historical significance, combined with the renewed interest following its restoration, are expected to draw visitors from across the globe.
The Road Ahead: A Spiritual and Cultural Hub
Looking ahead, Notre-Dame is set to open fully to the public on December 16, with an online reservation system for visitors.
The cathedral, which has long been a symbol of both Paris and France, is expected to play a vital role in the city’s spiritual and cultural life in the years to come.
In the meantime, the ongoing restoration efforts will continue, with a particular focus on finishing the roofing and restoring the remaining statues.
For many, however, the completion of the cathedral’s main restoration work represents a new chapter for Notre-Dame, one filled with hope, renewal, and a deep connection to both faith and history.
As the rain-drenched crowd outside looked on, many felt that the reopening of Notre-Dame marked the end of a painful chapter and the beginning of a new era for this beloved monument.
The restoration was not just a technical achievement, but a testament to the enduring spirit of Paris and the French people — a spirit that, much like the cathedral itself, has been restored to its former glory.
