TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, severely damaged by fire in April 2019, is set to reopen on December 7, 2023, following years of intense restoration. The work was completed within five years, meeting a timeline promised by French President Emmanuel Macron.

President Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte and Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, toured the restored cathedral on Friday. They were guided by Philippe Villeneuve, the chief architect overseeing the project. The visit included a preview of the renovated interior, offering the public its first glimpse of the famous landmark since the fire.

The fire had destroyed much of Notre Dame’s wood and metal roof, as well as its iconic spire, known as the flèche. The cause of the blaze was never confirmed but was deemed accidental, with possible origins including a cigarette or an electrical fault.

Macron acknowledged the efforts of the workers and artisans who took on what he described as an immense challenge. During a televised tour, he praised their skill and dedication, saying they had achieved what many thought impossible. He referred to the restoration as a way to heal what he called a “national wound.”

The restoration project cost approximately €700 million, with funds coming from both large-scale donations and public contributions. Hundreds of specialized artisans played crucial roles in repairing and cleaning the structure, including the spire, which was reconstructed using traditional 13th-century methods. For the spire alone, thousands of wooden dowels were crafted over several months from specially selected oak trees.

Inside the cathedral, workers removed decades of dirt and soot that had accumulated since the mid-19th century. The interior now showcases a refreshed and polished appearance. Notable features include the Clôture Nord du Chœur, a sculpted wall depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, and the meticulously cleaned rose windows.

Entry to the cathedral will remain free for visitors, but an online reservation system will be introduced in early December to manage crowds. Before the fire, Notre Dame welcomed 12 million visitors annually, a number that is expected to increase with its reopening.

The official reopening will be marked by a Catholic Mass on December 8, the day following the public reopening.