The past few days have been filled with a range of emotions and great sadness following the fire that engulfed the Cathedral de Notre Dame on 15 April 2019 during Holy Week. When the fire broke out we were in complete shock and disbelief. How
could this be happening? It was tragic and devastating. An 850 old monument on the I’le de la Cite – the heart of Paris – a piece of Parisian history in flames. Happening on a beautiful spring day in Paris it was challenging for the brave Pompiers to arrive at the scene and begin the very difficult task to save what they could of the Cathedral.
People gathered on the streets and watched on TV as the cathedral burned fearing the worst when the spire and roof collapsed. After 17 hours of fighting the fire, everyone is so grateful to see the majestic gothic towers still standing tall and to know that the precious jewels, cross, organ, the 13 th century stained glass, and the bells that date back 300 years remain intact – truly a miracle. The French people are very resilient and are looking to the future and the rebuilding of the beloved and iconic Cathedral. Notre Dame is a monument that reflects the past, the present and the future of Paris.