I wept last night when I saw the appalling news. Notre Dame was on fire.
The sight of a burning spire filled me with horror......which is daft I know but in my memory and my heart it has always held a special place.
My first husband David and I went to Paris for our honeymoon. We sat in the glorious peace of the cathedral and held hands as we breathed in its peace and beauty.
It is daft I know to be so concerned about a huge cathedral in a different country. But last night I prayed for it not to be completely wrecked.
This morning it is reported that it can be renovated...eventually.
I wonder how many people the world over have similar feelings this morning.
To survive the centuries, to become a symbol the world over of both beauty and Christianity means that it holds a special place in the hearts of many people.
Fire is a destructive force but it is reported that much of its structure will survive.
I hope so.
But the shock of seeing one of the towers falling in flames was very shocking last night.
I’m sure the French will restore it ....but the image of the burning building will remain in all our hearts for ever I suspect.
Strange how involved I feel. I think the thousands around the world feeling the same shock and horror will mean that it will rise again...so the Easter message will live on . Thanks be to God.
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1 comment:
A day after the fire, despite its devastating consequences, it appears that much of the cathedral has survived, and many treasures have been saved.
The efforts of fire fighters and a named Catholic Priest to get stuff out before the fire spread, means that a whole lot of precious goods were removed before they could be damaged. Two of the Rose windows, are intact, as is the organ, albeit smoke and water damaged.
The President of France has pledged to restore the Cathedral within five years, which might be a bit ambitious, as I listened yesterday to someone who helped restore York Minster after their fire, where it took a total of 12 years.
It is interesting how much support has been shown, world wide, and the CofE is asking churches to ring their bells in unison on 5th May in solidarity with Notre Dam. We only have a single bell, so I don't expect that we will join in, but some local churches have peals of four, six or even eight, so I hope that the country doesn't think an invasion is underway when all of the churches who join in ring in unison.
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