PARIS, France — After five years of painstaking restoration, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral once again echoed with hymns and prayers as it hosted its first mass on Sunday. The ceremony marked a triumphant return for the historic Parisian landmark, nearly destroyed in a devastating fire in 2019.
Led by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, the mass was a blend of reverence and renewal, with 150 bishops, over 100 priests, and French President Emmanuel Macron among the attendees. In a moving moment, Archbishop Ulrich consecrated a new altar, symbolizing a fresh chapter for the cathedral. The altar replaces the one lost in the blaze, a poignant reminder of the tragedy that united people around the world in mourning and hope.
“The cathedral’s resilience mirrors the spirit of its people,” Ulrich remarked during the service. Addressing both those inside the cathedral and the rain-soaked crowds watching on large screens outside, he added, “Whether you stand here today or follow from afar, this moment is for all of us.”
Beyond its spiritual significance, the reopening of Notre Dame also holds symbolic weight for a nation grappling with uncertainty. Archbishop Ulrich acknowledged the current societal unease, offering prayers for “a France that looks to the future with both hope and concern.”
The restoration project, which included the meticulous reconstruction of the cathedral’s spire and roof, has been lauded as a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the results firsthand when the cathedral fully reopens on December 16, with access managed via an online reservation system.
Later in the evening, a second mass will welcome approximately 2,500 attendees who secured tickets earlier in the week, signaling a heartfelt embrace of the public’s eagerness to reconnect with this cherished landmark.
The revival of Notre Dame serves as a testament to perseverance and collective effort, bringing a beloved symbol of faith and history back to life for generations to come.
