PARIS — This weekend marks a significant milestone with the much-anticipated reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, following the catastrophic fire that devastated the historic site in 2019. Numerous ceremonies are planned to celebrate the revival of this iconic structure and to signify the resilience of both France and the Catholic Church in overcoming such a disaster.
Among the highlights of the event will be the ceremonial reopening of the cathedral’s grand doors, the revival of its renowned organ, and the first Mass to be held inside since the fire. The tightly orchestrated and televised ceremonies serve as a platform for showcasing determination and global significance, drawing attention to this historic landmark.
Invitations to the event have been extended to prominent figures, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, along with numerous heads of state and government from around the world, as they are welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron. The eagerness of the Catholic congregation to return has been evident, with tickets for the initial week of Masses selling out in just 25 minutes, as shared by the rector of the cathedral.
The festivities will kick off on Saturday evening, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who will host a service for over 1,500 attendees. This will be followed on Sunday by an inaugural Mass, which will feature a special ceremony to consecrate the main altar.
The ceremonial reopening will commence with the archbishop tapping the cathedral’s massive doors using his crosier—an artifact specifically designed for this occasion by creator Sylvain Dubuisson. The staff was constructed from remnants of the cathedral’s roof that collapsed during the blaze, preserving the history within its wood. In response to the archbishop’s symbolic gesture, the cathedral’s choirs will fill the air with song, echoing through its vast halls. This exchange will take place three times before the doors are finally opened to allow guests inside to marvel at the biblical sculptures that adorn them.
After the door-opening ceremony, Ulrich will breathe life back into Notre Dame’s great organ, which has been silent in public since it became coated with toxic dust from the lead roofing during the fire. The archbishop will perform a unique ritual consisting of eight invocations, commencing with “Awaken, organ, sacred instrument: Sing the praise of God.” This performance will initiate a musical dialogue with the organ, as four skilled organists take turns creating melodies from its 8,000 pipes.
Organist Olivier Latry highlighted that their performances will involve improvisation based on the atmosphere of the moment and the audience’s reactions. “In that moment, I will know what to do,” Latry remarked, emphasizing the fluidity and emotional depth that improvisation allows. The organ’s impressive range—from pipes that produce deep, resonant tones to smaller pipes generating higher pitches—offers a remarkable sound experience. The painstaking process of cleaning, reassembling, and tuning the instrument has taken around six months, ensuring its readiness for the joyous occasion.
The tragic fire sparked an incredible surge of donations to support restoration efforts for the nearly 900-year-old cathedral. Fundraising committee member Michel Picaud noted the overwhelming response, as donations flowed in from around the globe, highlighting an outpouring of affection for the revered site. Approximately 340,000 individuals from more than 150 countries contributed a total of 846 million euros, reflecting the iconic status of Notre Dame that transcends geographical and cultural barriers.
A unique aspect of the reopening will be the diversity of attendees, with the guest list including both wealthy benefactors from France and abroad, and underprivileged community members from Paris. This inclusivity emphasizes the cathedral’s significance as a communal heritage, as noted by Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, who stated that several hundred individuals supported by charitable organizations will be present inside the cathedral.
While restoration continues outside, the interior has been magnificently revitalized. The cathedral’s limestone walls gleam with a renewed brightness, having been meticulously cleaned of years of accumulated dirt. Repairs have restored vaulted ceilings, and new liturgical attire designed by a renowned designer adorn the archbishop and clergy. Additionally, new furnishings have been introduced, including a main altar to replace one lost during the fire’s destructive fury.
The rector expressed that “no one alive has seen the cathedral” in its current splendor. The freshly cleaned artworks, the light streaming through the stained glass, and the restoration of statues and paintings have created a breathtaking environment. “All of that did not exist before the fire,” he remarked, encapsulating the transformative power of restoration efforts.
