At the center of the burned-out cathedral was a cross and an altar, untouched by the flames of a construction site accident. I was doing my chores around the house when the news broke across my television. Tears brimmed my eyes when I realized I would never be able to visit this special holy place in its original form. I felt numb knowing the Cathedral of Notre Dame would never really be the same, even as millions of people began donating money for her restoration.
The cathedral has been at the center of Parisian French culture, history, and religious beliefs for over 800 years. Just as I remembered many of my father’s parishes, my heart went out to all who have called her “home” for so many years. As the lyrics for the hymn, “Built on a Rock,” echoed in my mind, my knowledge of how the French Revolution, two world wars, and the insidious rise of Communism have tortured this beautiful city of Paris came to mind. Through all of these historical events, the Cathedral of Notre Dame has stood tall against the skyline of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is more than an historic site, a tourist attraction, or an architectural wonder. It stands as the center of Christianity for the French people and for all around the world who call Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
The news cameras showed people crying, praying, and singing, as one woman’s heart-felt comment touched my very soul. “I feel like I have lost my mother. I will mourn her loss for many years.” Calling this beautiful cathedral “mother” and equating her loss to death caused me to reflect on the loss of my own mother. She was one of the most beloved Christian women I have ever known, and I miss her so much, even 54 years after her passing. Both of these Christian symbols, a cathedral and a mother, are true images of the strongest power of Christianity: unconditional love.
An iconic place of worship and a strong Christian woman portray the same story: Christ is still alive in this world. Watching the tears and pained expressions of many Parisians, I believe that this Easter all Christians around the world will thank God for their own “home” churches, cathedrals, and synagogues. They will pray for God to sustain the people of France as they go about restoring their “mother,” the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Just as Christ died on the cross on Good Friday and was resurrected on Easter morning, so the cathedral will rise again to bear witness to the power of God’s creation.
Anna Hartt
