The Cathedral is no longer at risk of ruin and is in the restoration phase. “It will be more beautiful than ever and this brings joy to our hearts and fills us with hope,” Most. Rev Michel Aupetit, Archbishop of Paris.
Paris, France (29/06/2021 9:55AM, Gaudium Press) Last June 16, the feast of the dedication of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, local Archbishop Michel Aupetit entered the temple still undergoing reconstruction work. He celebrated the first Holy Mass after the fire that almost completely consumed it on April 15, 2019.
“We are so happy now that our Cathedral is consolidated, that it is not at risk of ruin. Now we are entering the restoration phase. It will be more beautiful than ever and this brings joy to our hearts and fills us with hope,” Archbishop Aupetit said during the Eucharistic celebration.
Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Comparing the situation of the French temple to the Church of Christ, the prelate pointed out that some people believe that Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral is in ruins and on the verge of collapse. “However, Christ stated that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. We believe this deeply. Like our Cathedral, the Church of Christ will stand,” he noted.
He then highlighted the work of the technicians working on the restoration of the Cathedral: “They know very well that they are serving a cause that is beyond them. And they put all their talent, all their ‘know-how’ to rebuild what was destroyed.” Aupetit then recalled that “the principal Architect is the Father, the model is Christ, the director is the Holy Spirit. And that they are the ones who will unite us to build a Church more beautiful than ever.”
The Archdiocese of Paris promotes a collection campaign
The Holy Mass was celebrated two days after the Archdiocese of Paris made a new appeal for generosity, asking for help from the faithful. Although the exterior restoration is a work of the French State, the restoration of the temple’s interior is the entire responsibility of the Catholic Church.
The campaign aims to restore the temple to worship, its primary function, and, more generally, to offer a new route to the six million visitors who are welcomed each year to the Paris Cathedral. The project requires between 5 and 6 million euros. The funds are needed by June 15, 2024.
Among the first two projects are the restoration of the Crown of Thorns reliquary case, damaged during the rescue of the holy relic. The reliquary will be totally rebuilt. Next comes the new tabernacle, yet to be designed. These two projects are followed by designs for choir furniture, installation of the lights and sound. (EPC)
Photos: Paris Catholique
