More than 1,000 (some accounts report 2,000) construction workers, craftsmen and artisans — in five years — restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Better than ever. The cost of rebuilding Notre Dame is reported to be about $767 million, with a reported $928 million in donations pouring in from 340,000 donors in 150 countries, according to Rebuilding Notre Dame de Paris. Much of the funding came from the United States.
What a project! Imagine the contrast between having 1,000 to 2,000 workers in five years complete this massive, detailed, intense reconstruction today, vs. how long it took to build this stunning cathedral originally, with none of today’s modern equipment. What an architectural marvel.
In case you’re wondering, the original construction for the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Parish began in 1163 on Île de la Cité, under the reign of King Louis VII,. The cathedral was largely completed by 1345, although many modifications and additions were made over the following centuries. It is one of the oldest and most well-known cathedrals in the world.
From heart-breaking fire to resplendent beauty
From beginning to end, every aspect of the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after the horrific fire five years ago, gave real-world witness to the triumph of beauty and honor over destruction ….to the power of God amid human chaos… to the truth that His Ways are NOT our ways!
Just a few examples include the great care and bravery with which the Parisian fire crews—in the midst of the massive blaze and falling, burning roof and spire—strategically saved the ancient stained glass windows and help protect sacred treasures that were not able to be removed during the blaze… the intact preservation of the Blessed Sacrament and all the sacred relics housed in the Cathedral… the remarkable speed with which funding for restoration–HUGE amounts, millions of dollars — poured in, even as ashes of the fire were still smoldering… and even more wondrous, as you’ll see from the 60 Minutes report below, how the restoration itself inspired revitalized interest in sacred arts, craftsmanship and architecture among younger generations.
As Joseph Ataman, CNN, put it, “Five years after the flames roared and the world held its breath, Notre Dame cathedral is coming back to life.
“It’s a wonder. Even for us who are very often in the cathedral, it doesn’t get old, it gets more beautiful every day,” Philippe Jost, the head of the effort to rebuild Notre Dame, said in November.
“There’s a Sistine Chapel effect,” he said of returning to the beloved landmark, with something to see and discover wherever you look.
Two excellent sources on the restoration:
and a wealth of insider information, historic highlights and more at Friends of Notre Dame Cathedral here: https://www.friendsofnotredamedeparis.org/notre-dame-cathedral/
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