Notre Dame Cathedral, nearly destroyed by a massive fire in 2019, came alive again as Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich dramatically knocked on its doors with a fire-scorched crosier, marking the iconic structure’s first worship service in five years. Despite fierce December winds forcing the ceremony indoors, the Gothic masterpiece reclaimed its spiritual and cultural legacy in a celebration of music, prayer, and awe.
The reopening marked a major milestone in the cathedral’s remarkable restoration, which was completed in just five years — a timeline championed by French President Emmanuel Macron. The event, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s role as a global symbol of resilience and unity.
As the 13-ton Emmanuel bell tolled, announcing the ceremony’s start, Archbishop Ulrich addressed the gathering with, “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame. It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” Striking the cathedral’s monumental doors with his crosier three times, he opened the way to a luminous interior where choirs and the long-silent organ welcomed attendees with soaring hymns and melodies.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s specially designed liturgical garments brought a vibrant modern touch to the medieval setting, with 2,000 colorful pieces adorning the clergy. Inside the nave, restored blond Lutetian limestone gleamed, transforming what had once been a soot-blackened ruin into a spectacle of renewed vitality.
President Macron addressed the congregation with words of gratitude, saying, “I stand before you … to express the gratitude of the French nation.” He called the reopening a “jolt of hope,” describing how the cathedral’s rebirth reflected the nation’s unity and resilience. Observers noted that this moment offered Macron a rare reprieve from domestic political challenges, including the recent ousting of his prime minister.
The restoration effort showcased monumental achievements. Over 42,000 square meters of stonework and 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were restored to rebuild the spire and roof. The cathedral’s great organ, dormant since the fire, awakened with its 7,952 pipes roaring to life. Archbishop Ulrich commanded, “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument,” as four organists played a triumphant symphony.
“It’s a sense of perfection,” François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation remarked. The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest, expressed hope for peace inspired by the cathedral’s revival, stating, “God is very powerful; He can change things.”
The global significance of Notre Dame was evident in the ceremony’s international audience. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, Notre Dame’s rector, called it “a magnificent symbol of unity” and a sign of hope for Catholics worldwide. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria marveled, “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back.”
Historical elements enriched the occasion, from the biblical carvings on the cathedral’s western façade to a short film documenting the rebuilding effort. The word “MERCI” was projected on the façade as images of artisans restoring Notre Dame captured the journey “from night to light.”
Tight security measures mirrored the precautions of the Paris Olympics, with the Île de la Cité closed to tourists and thousands of spectators watching the celebrations on large screens along the Seine. For many, Notre Dame’s revival stands as a testament to global collaboration and resilience, ready to welcome millions of visitors annually once again.
