The reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris

Sep 16, 2024

By Jean Charles Putzolu – Special correspondent in Paris
It was likely a short circuit in the framework that caused the gigantic fire at Notre-Dame de Paris on April 15, 2019. Firefighters battled the flames for 15 hours.

When the flames were extinguished, the damage was severe. The collapse of the spire pierced the vault. The framework was partially charred, and the lead coverings had melted. The stability of the cathedral was threatened.

The following day, the world mobilized. In just a few days, €846 million in donations were raised. 340,000 donors from 150 countries sent a clear message: Notre-Dame de Paris must be rebuilt.

From that moment, a human and technological adventure began. The French state, which owns the building, committed to rebuilding the cathedral in 5 years.

The goal has been met. Notre-Dame will once again welcome the faithful starting from December 7.

The "ant hill"
To carry out this report, film, and walk inside a cathedral still under construction, specific authorizations had to be requested from the public company "Rebuild Notre-Dame."

The entity was created specifically for the reconstruction, and safety and health regulations, as well as respect for the work of the workers in this "ant hill," where every step has been meticulously planned and organized to meet the goal of reopening in December 2024.

An exceptional guide
Our guide was none other than Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. Dressed in work overalls and, like our team, wearing a hardhat, the Archbishop of Paris kindly participated.

We did not wish to focus solely on the technical aspects of the reconstruction, which undoubtedly represented a minute-by-minute challenge, but rather, we wanted to highlight the human adventure, dedication, and also the spiritual aspects of the reconstruction.

"It is an adventure of immense cooperation, immense collaboration," said Archbishop Ulrich, who is struck by "the immense general smile on the faces of all the people working" on the project.

He reflected on the exceptional companies selected and the valuable expertise of the workers.

Respect for the craftsmanship of the companies
All those skilled and experienced hands deserve respect and admiration.

For the more than 2,000 workers who have participated in this project, Archbishop Ulrich will dedicate a special moment during the reopening.

"We understood that for them, this project was not an ordinary one. [...] What they do is always somewhat extraordinary,” he said. “To work with such precision, with so many different techniques to restore the spirit of the place. So, I believe it is truly something wonderful to have seen them work."

An act of faith
This reconstruction is "a true action of thanksgiving," said the Archbishop.

"It was an act of faith," he continued. "It took a lot of faith to say it would be done in five years. It took a lot of faith to say, the day after we saw the spire collapse, that this spire would come back. It took a lot of faith to think that in such a short time, we could return here, both to celebrate the mystery of Christ and to welcome thousands of pilgrims or visitors every day as before, and even more than before, as we expect the numbers to increase."

"It will remain in our hearts"
That the project is unforgettable for all those who worked on it is evident, according to Philippe Jost.

"For me and for all the artisans and workers who worked on this project, it is something unique that will mark us for life. And this cathedral, we will see it thinking of all those moments on the site, those magnificent moments... that we lived and that will remain truly present in our memory and in our hearts,” he said.

For Archbishop Laurent Ulrich too, the excitement is overwhelming.

"The days of reopening will be days of great joy, but also of great simplicity and great interiority,” he said. “This joy should not be one of a pagan celebration, of excessive festivity. It should be the simple joy of an entire city that finds its heart here again and knows that Notre-Dame is the place where everyone can come to find themselves. Everyone can come to gather, everyone can come to find strength for their life."--Vatican News