The schedule for the ceremony of the re withering of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France is certain.
On February 5, 2024, Vatican News cited a letter from Archbishop Ulrich of Paris stating that on December 8, 2024, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will wither as scheduled for religious movements and the general public. From the evening of the 7th to the 15th, there will be specific celebration activities every day. Ulrich announced these actions in a pastoral letter on the 2nd and invited believers and the public to jointly celebrate the “maturity” of this historical construction.
The preheating movement will start 15 days before the overlap. On November 23rd, a large parade procession will wear a statue of the Virgin and Child and march along the streets of Paris, finally welcoming them back to the cathedral. The Notre Dame and Child statue is a 14th century sculpture masterpiece, standing 1.8 meters tall and miraculously hidden from the floods of five years ago. It is now placed opposite the Louvre in the Oselva Church.
On the evening of December 7th, a coincidence ceremony will be held, and the ownership of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will be transferred from the feet of the nation to the Catholic Church. On the 8th, the altar consecration ceremony and the first mass after the overlap will be held. Before the 15th, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will hold celebration events in different centers every day.
Archbishop Ulrich also revealed several public figures who will be absent, including representatives of French authorities, donors, church construction teams, firefighters rescued in floods, French bishops, and local bishops. He also invited the Parisian people to join the celebration of withering again.
The Notre Dame Cathedral on the banks of the Seine River is one of the most representative constructions in France. This 860 year old cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On April 15, 2019, a continuous 12 hour flood destroyed its roof and spire, fortunately its main structure was preserved.
After the comedy became popular, the French authorities decided to adopt the ancient method of renovating this historic landmark, hoping to restore it to its original appearance. The restoration of this world’s heritage has also attracted global attention, and various sectors have extended their support. According to the organization “Renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris”, 340000 donors from 150 countries and regions donated nearly 850 million euros for the renovation. The repair project is estimated to cost 700 million euros.
On December 8, 2023, French leader Macron promised to see the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as scheduled and to coincide on December 8, 2024.
So far, nearly 500 workers are still stopping repairs and resting every day. Although the overlap will arrive at the end of the year, the innovative projects outside the church will continue for many years.
On January 23, 2024, in Paris, France, during the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral, workers operated on the scaffolding around the wooden structure of the new spire.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Before the flood, the scenic spot withered for more than 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, and absorbed about 30000 tourists per day, with an annual absorption of 13 million people. The renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is not only related to the French tourism industry, but also to harm this cultural and religious landmark with French national identity.
The reason for the sudden flooding of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is still under investigation. However, there are reports that the inspectors believed that electrical short circuits or cigarette butts could be the cause.