In a ceremony marked by tradition and craftsmanship, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reached a significant milestone in its restoration. The completion of the roof structure, a crucial part of the cathedral’s rebirth, was celebrated on January 12, amidst the chill of winter.
Father Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the cathedral’s rector-archpriest, shared his sentiments on the occasion, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the restoration to OSV News.
“I found these carpenters particularly wonderful,” he said. “They worked with great peace, strength, and joy, aware that they are not working for an ordinary house, but for a church, to make it available for worship and visits.” He likened the carpenters’ work to that of Joseph and Jesus, highlighting the beauty of the craftsmanship and its spiritual resonance.
The event was notable for its homage to historic carpentry techniques, with the framework for the choir roof being the centerpiece. A bouquet of yellow mimosas, a customary gesture in the carpenters’ profession symbolizing the transfer of knowledge, was placed atop the newly finished structure by the youngest carpenter on the team to represent the collective effort and dedication of craftsmen from across France.
The meticulous restoration of the roof framework, a blend of historical reverence and modern craftsmanship, not only symbolizes the resilience and unity of the Catholic community there but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Notre Dame Cathedral’s cultural and spiritual significance.
As the cathedral gears up for its grand reopening on December 8, each completed phase of reconstruction brings the iconic structure closer to its former glory and deepens its connection to the faithful.
Photo credit: Loic Salan / Shutterstock.com
