As I’m sure you all know, Notre Dame was burned down on Monday evening. I had another post scheduled for today but had to share a couple of thoughts about the devastating fire which destroyed one of Europe’s — and Christianity’s — icons.
Notre Dame
As reported by the Washington Post, construction of Notre Dame, which was built on the ruins of earlier churches, began in 1163, when Pope Alexander III laid the foundation stone. It wasn’t completed until 1345.
Since that time, it has seen the coronations of Henry VI of England in 1431 and of Napoleon in 1804. It was vandalized in the 16th century by Huguenots and was used as a food warehouse during the French Revolution. It served as the backdrop for Victor Hugo’s 1831 “Notre Dame de Paris” (better known in English as “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”).
Much of the current structure dates not to the 12th century but to the 19th. Not entirely, though: the famous South Rose window, offered by King St. Louis, was created in 1260. Miraculously, it survived the fire.
The cathedral housed other irreplaceable works of art, too. In the sanctuary, there was a statue of Madonna and Child which dates back to the 14th century. There were priceless paintings, like the 1648 portrait of St. Thomas Aquinas at the fountain of wisdom, and the divine “Visitation” from 1716.
Thankfully, some of it was taken out recently for restoration. Any remaining artworks were removed during the fire thanks to a hastily formed human chain and a quick-thinking Notre Dame priest.
The Reactions
Reactions on social media seemed to fall under three categories.
The largest group of people, myself included, was shocked by the fire and mourned the damage. We remain optimistic that the Cathedral will be rebuilt and that the destruction wrought will turn out to be smaller than originally thought.
Then, there is a cooler attitude. Some people were quick to point out that, in fact, the Cathedral had been damaged in the past, so it will be rebuilt. To me, these people are using reason to avoid dealing emotionally with the shock of losing such a treasure.
Finally, there is a minority which actually seemed to enjoy the news. I came across comments such as, “Sure I’m upset about the destruction of a monument celebrating the oppression of the masses by Medieval Church” or “Europe, you’re next.” Which goes to show you that there’s one born every minute and reminds us what civilization is constantly fighting against: humanity’s uglier side.
Photos
I choose to share here not photos of the fire (there are plenty of those in the news) but of the Cathedral as it was up until a couple of days ago. I do this in the hopes that we’ll get to admire it in its full glory soon enough and that the fire will serve to unite a divided nation–and continent.
Today, we’re all French.
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Today we are French <3
Thank you, Debby 🙂
I’m hearing about all the donations and take heart that the good side and good spirit of humanity put Our Lady back to her former glory
Hear, hear 🙂
So very sad, and shocked by some of the comments. Ignoring the religious side, it is history, it’s part of our heritage. You can sense the past in old buildings, follow in the footsteps of the great and famous. Do some people not care about that anymore?
I once overheard a tourist standing under the Parthenon, complaining to his wife because she’d brought him to see some more broken old stones… The poor dear had obviously had his share of those.
Thanks, Nicholas. This is a lovely tribute to Notre Dame. I’m sure most of us are looking forward to seeing it fully restored. 🙂 — Suzanne
I know *I* am 🙂
🙂 — Suzanne
Thank you! I contemplated writing a similar post for my Medieval Monday series, but perhaps I’ll share yours instead. I was devastated when I heard the news, and brought to tears over the early reports that nothing would remain. I am grateful that I was able to see this incredible place years ago. No matter how well they rebuild it, it will still be a modern construction. The sense of awe at seeing, and touching, the work of hands from people who lived many hundreds of years ago cannot be replaced. Still it is better than leaving a burnt out shell, which would just remain like an open wound in the heart of Paris. And I am relieved that the incredible facade and original bell towers and rose window survived. Like so many, I am waiting breathless to find out what caused this, though I’m not sure any answer will make this feel any better. We can only hope the knowledge can be used to prevent the same sort of tragedy from happening again at other historic sites.
Well said, Allison! I take comfort in the knowledge that much of it was built in the 19th century, and, mercifully, the truly irreplaceable works of art survived.
tremendously sad news. Amazed, but perhaps not surprised, at how quickly everyone has come together to begin raising money to restore Notre Dame. Glad the Rose Window is intact – its amazing!
I was thrilled (and amazed) it survived!
Quite a birthday present for me. I have had a few cataclysmic ones but none so universal! Yet something stirs and tells me that Victor Hugo will be newly resurrected and that there s a place of literature lurking behind a gargoyle of that hunchback.
I don’t know but a photograph of looking up at the sky newly visible above the arches of the nave said something less destructive. Coventry’s old cathedral speaks volumes about humanity. The new one is somehow less moving!
Remind to look out for meteorites next year 😀
This was a horrific sight to see. I visited the Notre Dame with my granddaughter two years back. It was such an inspirational site with its beautiful wood carvings and stain glass. It highlights the fragility of life. I’ll cherish the memory of being with my granddaughter at the special site. So sad.
I hope it won’t be a century before it’s rebuilt and that I’ll have a chance to marvel at its beauty within my lifetime.