PARIS — The ceremonies marking the reopening of Notre Dame were as much a tribute to the community as they were a celebration of the historic structure’s revival following the catastrophic fire that nearly consumed it.
Outside, dedicated churchgoers braved the cold and rain, yet their spirits were high as they expressed their joy at being part of this moment. Inside the cathedral, firefighters received a heartfelt standing ovation from attendees, along with gratitude from French President Emmanuel Macron for their bravery and commitment during the disaster.
Behind the scenes, a team of skilled workers and craftsmen revived ancient techniques to help restore the cathedral. They persevered day and night to meet the ambitious five-year timeline established by Macron, making what seemed like an insurmountable challenge a reality.
A remarkable 846 million euros (approximately $895 million) was raised from 340,000 donors across more than 150 nations since the devastating blaze in 2019. This collective effort highlighted that it is the passionate people who love and revere landmarks like Notre Dame that ensures their survival, transforming them from mere historical artifacts into living symbols of culture, architecture, and faith.
As part of the commemoration, attendees shared their thoughts on Notre Dame’s remarkable recovery and their connection to the cathedral.
For Corinne Lo Sardo, an Air France employee from the Paris region, Notre Dame embodies femininity and love. “She represents the verb ‘to love’,” Lo Sardo expressed, as she braved the weather outside the cathedral. The echoes of the fire that struck on April 15, 2019, still resonate with her. “I was on the floor, as if I was being whipped by the flames. I was crying,” she recalled, emphasizing her fears for the cathedral’s survival. Although she could not attend the exclusive inaugural Mass on Sunday, she followed the ceremony on a large screen outside, undeterred by the rain and chill. “I wanted to witness her resurrection, no matter the conditions,” she declared. “She lives again; she is reborn.”
American carpenter Hank Silver initially viewed his job on the restoration effort as impossible. “When I saw the massive pile of oak logs at our workshop, I started laughing,” he recounted, referencing the 600 logs needed for his part of the project. However, by employing traditional hand tools and the techniques used by craftsmen over 800 years ago, they successfully completed the work. “A cathedral is a perpetual job site. In a way, we share a connection with those builders from centuries ago. It’s an ongoing process,” Silver noted, confidently asserting that the efforts made have been crucial to the structure’s survival.
Among the reconstruction crew was Ouaziz Abrous, who became a fire safety officer after the fire. He described the cathedral’s state at that time as “catastrophic,” with significant damage and debris. Yet at the reopening ceremony, Abrous felt the mood shift from despair to joy as thousands gathered to celebrate. “Everything is grandiose; everyone is happy,” he stated. His pride was palpable as he noted how eight thousand individuals contributed, leaving their unique marks on the project. With innovative fire prevention technology now in place, he feels reassured of the cathedral’s future safety. “If the 2019 fire had faced the measures we have today, it wouldn’t have happened,” Abrous reflected.
French carpenter Martin Lorentz had a heartfelt idea: he wishes to marry in Notre Dame once the restoration concludes. “I thought, why not? Our love is great and the cathedral is great,” said Lorentz, recalling his inspiration while working on the choir’s wooden framework. He has already reached out to the Archbishop for approval, though a date is yet to be decided. Attending the inaugural Mass with his fiancée, Lorentz described the project as “a great adventure” and marveled at the cathedral’s stunning transformation. “Now it’s so beautiful, so clear and brand-new.”
Such sentiments highlight how deeply ingrained Notre Dame is in the hearts of many, symbolizing not just a physical space but a shared community spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.
