A magnificent icon of medieval Christianity which was consecrated in Paris over 800 years ago, Notre Dame Cathedral went up in flames in April of 2019. Two thirds of the roof burned, including its central wooden spire.
Today it is restored. Heads of state and celebrities came from all around the world to its grand re-opening last Saturday, and masses resumed on Sunday.
When I saw it in October of 2018, it was dark inside. Grime from the centuries and soot from the fire have been cleaned up. Now it seems filled with light, a return to its original character according to the French president. The man he appointed in charge of the project (costing about $737 million) expects it to last another 800 years.
Craftsmen were found to restore arches and gargoyles. One of the carpenters said “I felt so much recognition to those who came before us, the architects and carpenters of the past. We rebuilt it, but they imagined it.”
No comments:
Post a Comment