Parisians and the world witnessed an extraordinary event on Saturday evening. Five years after the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral was ravaged by fire, it once again showcased its breathtaking beauty. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, led a distinguished guest list that included international heads of state, such as Donald Trump, the Prince of Wales, and various politicians and celebrities. They all came together to celebrate what Macron described as a triumph of the French nation in raising the monument from the ashes and making the country "united and proud".

The Resurrection of Notre Dame - A Symbol of Hope

Reopening Ceremony and International Attention

The reopening ceremony of Notre Dame de Paris on Saturday was a moment of great significance. It was relayed by France 2 and watched by an impressive 7.23 million people. The cathedral, which had been a symbol of French heritage and culture, was now ready to welcome visitors once again. The international attention on this event was palpable, with heads of state and celebrities coming together to pay their respects and celebrate the restoration.The gale-force winds and rain on that day initially posed a challenge as Macron was expected to give his address outside the entrance to conform with France's 1905 law on the separation of church and state. However, due to the inclement weather, he was forced to deliver the speech inside the cathedral. This was a first for a president and added to the historical significance of the occasion.

The Role of Firefighters and Victor Hugo

Macron did not forget to praise the firefighters who had played a crucial role in saving the cathedral. Particularly, those who had stopped the flames from reaching the north bell tower. Their efforts had likely saved the 13th-century structure from complete destruction. Macron also mentioned Victor Hugo, whose 1831 novel, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame", had a significant impact on persuading the French authorities to restore the then ruined cathedral for the first time. This novel had brought the cathedral to the attention of the world and had a lasting influence on French culture.

The Liturgy and Religious Significance

On Sunday, the Catholic church reclaimed the resurrected cathedral for the first mass since the fire in 2019. At the centre of the liturgy was the consecration of the cathedral's new altar by Monsignor Laurent Ulrich, the archbishop of Paris. He emphasized that the pain of April 2019 was effaced, although the astonishment caused by the fire would endure. The church required the altar and other new religious furniture to represent a "noble simplicity". Believers and non-believers alike were welcome to join in the pleasure of those who believed in discovering their mother church.Ulrich poured perfumed oil on the bronze structure and rubbed it across the surface with his hand while the organist improvised. He then placed burning incense on it as the cathedral choir sang. Macron did not take communion, but his wife, Brigitte, did. Afterwards, the vast cathedral rang with the sound of the choir singing "Hallelujah", creating a truly magical atmosphere.A second mass open to the public, who had reserved free places, was held at 6.30 pm (17.30 GMT). This gave more people the opportunity to experience the restored beauty of the cathedral and feel the sense of hope and unity that it represented.

Political Implications and Future Plans

Macron is currently embroiled in a political crisis after his government was toppled by a vote of no confidence last Wednesday. On Monday, he will be back at work at the Elysée, attempting to name a prime minister who will form a government able to survive another no confidence vote. The hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), the founding member of the New Popular Front (NFP) coalition, which won the most seats in the national assembly, has said it will not accept Macron's invitation to the Elysée for talks on Monday. They are ready to govern with their own programme. However, the Socialist party (PS) and other socialist MPs have met with Macron and are open to discussions on the basis of "reciprocal concessions" to end the political impasse. The Greens have also been invited to meet Macron on Monday, after which he is expected to announce a new prime minister.The restoration of Notre Dame de Paris is not only a symbol of French resilience but also a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage. It has brought the French nation together and shown the world the power of unity and hope. As the cathedral once again stands tall, it serves as a testament to the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity.