Our Lady Of Paris

Paris in the evening — A pre-fire view of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris from the Pont de la Tournelle, which is to say from the east southeast. The Quai de la Tournelle is visible on the left.
(Wikimedia Commons public domain image)

Like scores of millions of people around the world, including many well beyond the borders of France, I’m shocked, sickened, and saddened by the fire that has severely damaged the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. It is said that more tourists visit Notre Dame than visit the Eiffel Tower.

Notre Dame's nave — The nave of the Cathedral

(Wikimedia Commons public domain image)

Dating, essentially, to the century between AD 1160 and AD 1260, the Cathedral is not only one of the finest specimens of French Gothic architectural style and an iconic symbol of both France in general and Paris in particular but a monument to the medieval Age of Faith.

The northern Notre Dame rose window slkdfalsjaiosaijoa — The great northern rose window of Notre Dame. (Wikimedia Commons public domain)
Stained glass is very fragile. Moreover, it is still in a sense liquid. Will it have been destroyed? Has it melted?

Rose Window South, ND de Paris — The south rose window of Notre Dame is somewhat less renowned than its northern counterpart. But it’s still rather nice. Has it survived? Will it survive?
(Wikimedia Commons public domain image)

I saw the Cathedral most recently in early January. I didn’t expect that, in a sense, it would be my last opportunity. The damage that has now been done to the building and the works of art contained within it is tragic. Even preliminary reports suggest that the losses are incalculable and, to a significant degree, irretrievable.

A night view of Notre Dame — We drove by the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris in early January. It was evening, and the Cathedral was closed, but we had precisely this view of the façade.
(Wikimedia Commons public domain image)

Here is a brief background article about one of the world’s most famous and most significant buildings:

“Notre Dame Cathedral: A place of worship, history, art”

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris — Another night view of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris (Wikimedia Commons)

There are many great churches in Paris and many great cathedrals in France, but this one has a special place in the French consciousness, in the European tradition, in music, in literature, even in politics.

It’s possible, however, that there is a slight ray of light even in this dark event. To see Parisians kneeling on the streets around Notre Dame, singing “Ave Maria” and other hymns, is a remarkable and unaccustomed thing. The fire in Notre Dame should remind us of the mortality of all things human, even the greatest.

Posted from San Diego, California

Our Lady of Paris