Long Live The Beloved Notre-Dame De Paris

ERIC FEFERBERG/ AFP GETTY IMAGES

People of France stand and watch as their beloved cathedral, Notre-Dame, burns silently through the night.

Jay Baez, Reporter

Monday, April 15th, 6:30 p.m., a fire alarm went off in the 856-year-old cathedral. 2/3 of the cathedral’s oak roof space in the nave has been destroyed, and the iconic spire fell due to minimal structural support that was engulfed by the raging fire.

The people of Paris are continuing to support their ‘Lady’, gathering around the cathedral, singing liturgies and “Ave Marias” as the famous structure burned brightly through the night. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, promised the Parisians that they “will rebuild this cathedral together.” Emmanuel Gregoire, a Paris deputy mayor, said the cathedral has suffered “colossal damages.” Notre-Dame De Paris is one of Paris’ most popular attractions, grossing about 13 million visitors a year.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, it was finally extinguished Tuesday morning. Authorities do not suspect it was a terrorist attack or arson. There were no casualties from the fire, although one firefighter was suffered injuries. Emmanuel Gregoire has told French television that emergency action to save Notre-Dame’s ancient artifacts and artworks was quickly put into action on Monday. Some of the artifacts that have been rescued from the flames include the Crown of Christ, The Great Organ, and the linen Tunic of St. Louis.

Many world leaders are now offering to step in and help the devastated landmark. From Pope Francis[@Pontifex], who went to Twitter to voice his support and prayers to the people of France, to Russian President Putin, who has readied the “best specialists” to help rebuild a “priceless treasure of Christian and world culture,” the Notre-Dame de Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron assured the French of the rebuild of Notre-Dame, they will begin with immediate fundraising efforts hopefully grossing approximately 50 million euros ($56 Million), and will they will also receive 200 million euros ($226 Million) from Paris’ City Hall and hopefully the luxury goods and fashion house LVMH.

Fixing the damage to the cathedral is easier said than done. Architectural historian and broadcaster Jonathan Foyle explained to CNN, “It’s already a wet building because of the water that’s been dumped on it, so they’re going to need to provide some kind of cover from the elements,” he also brought up that since there is no longer a roof, every time it rains over the Notre-Dame, it is going to cause more and more damage.

To truly restore the Notre-Dame it will take countless design sessions and decisions, as well as studying the original layout, structures, and designs to see how this 856-year-old cathedral was built in the first place. Although it’ll take time and money to restore the Notre-Dame to her former glory, with the help from France’s people, and with the help from others, Notre-Dame De Paris will once again be one of the most visited landmarks in Paris, France.