A milestone for Notre Dame: 1 year until cathedral reopens to public after devastating fire

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A significant milestone is approaching for Notre Dame Cathedral, which endured a devastating fire in 2019. Those who have a deep connection to the cathedral, including its employees and faithful devotees, have been eagerly anticipating its reopening. This iconic Paris landmark is set to welcome the public back through its grand doors on December 8, 2024, marking exactly one year from now. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit the construction site, where skilled artisans such as stonemasons and carpenters, among many others, are tirelessly working to meet the ambitious 12-month deadline.

Upon completion of their painstaking restoration efforts, the responsibility will shift to Notre Dame’s priests, employees, choristers, and worshippers. Through prayers, hymns, and heartfelt devotion, they will breathe new life into the cathedral, symbolizing a triumphant resurgence following the tragic blaze that left a lasting impact on the hearts of the French and Catholics worldwide.

While Notre Dame may not hold the title of the largest or most magnificent cathedral, as noted by the Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, its rector, it undeniably represents the very essence of a nation’s soul. “The expectations and preparations for the reopening are a magnificent beacon of hope in a challenging world,” he remarked.

Henri Chalet, the principal choir conductor, is filled with anticipation. He acknowledges the historical perspective, recognizing that the cathedral’s closure is but a fleeting moment in its 850-year existence. Yet, he cannot deny the impatience that arises when considering the span of a human lifetime. “Five years is indeed a lengthy period,” he reflects, “and unfortunately, in the grand scope of 850 years, it fell upon our generation.”

Chalet shares the sentiments of many who consider Notre Dame their home, where they participated in daily services and weekly concerts. He embraces the sense of optimism and enthusiasm for what lies ahead, coupled with a hint of stress associated with the grand reopening.

On the reconstruction front, remarkable progress has been made. Enormous oak beams, assembled using age-old carpentry techniques reminiscent of the cathedral’s medieval origins, now grace the structure to facilitate roof replacement. The towering spire, meticulously reconstructed piece by piece behind an imposing 600 tons of scaffolding, once again points skyward.

During Macron’s visit, a poignant tribute will be carved into the spire’s wood, honoring the retired French general, Jean-Louis Georgelin, who spearheaded the ambitious restoration effort before his passing at the age of 74 in August.

As Paris prepares to host the Summer Games opening on July 26, millions of Olympic visitors will witness the completion of the rebuilt spire and roof, giving Notre Dame Cathedral a resplendent exterior appearance. Work inside will continue, including the meticulous tuning of the cathedral’s thunderous 8,000-pipe grand organ, France’s largest musical instrument. Although it survived the fire, it had to be disassembled, cleaned of toxic lead dust generated during the roof fire, and painstakingly reassembled. Renovations will persist even after the grand reopening.

The cathedral’s own workforce is also being gradually reinstated. Initially reduced to just seven employees during the repair period, plans are in place for a hiring drive next year, restoring the number of full-time staff to nearly 50. This is in preparation for welcoming back the expected 15 million annual visitors and worshippers that the Paris diocese is anticipating.

Adrielle Domerg, a chorister who joined Notre Dame’s choirs at the age of 10 and is now 17, expresses a deep emotional connection to the cathedral. To her, Notre Dame is “almost a person.” She reflects on the multitude of people, dreams, and prayers that brought the cathedral into existence. Her last performance with the choir was days before the devastating fire, and she longs to return to its hallowed halls.

“It’s going to be very emotional,” Domerg shares. “The cathedral, in a way, will reawaken, and we will pull it out of the shadows.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Reopening

More about Reopening

• Notre Dame Cathedral Official Website
• BBC News – Notre Dame: 1 year until cathedral reopens to public after devastating fire
• The Big Big News – Notre Dame Reopening
• French President Emmanuel Macron
• History of Notre Dame Cathedral
• Jean-Louis Georgelin – Wikipedia