What the Lord teaches us through the Notre Dame Cathedral fire

Like so many around the world, I watched in horror and shock as the images of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris flooded news feeds and television reports. My first thought was “I hope the Blessed Sacrament is ok.” Now, as the ashes settle, investigations into the cause continue, and plans for reconstruction perhaps begin, I would urge everyone to see beyond what was lost. I encourage everyone to see what was preserved, because through what was saved is some of the most valuable lessons we can be taught.

First, let’s look at what was lost. The 850-year-old cathedrals iconic spire fell, along with the wooden structure inside the church that was called “the forest”. The history and architectural genius of the cathedral, which took 182 years to build, lost two-thirds of its roof during the fire. Pope Alexander III was the one who initially laid the foundation stone in 1163. To Catholics, Notre Dame Cathedral is one of pilgrimage, prayer, and worship. To others outside the Catholic faith, it remains a symbol of history, heart, perseverance, unmatched architecture, and culture. The fire impacted those inside and outside Christianity, even Satanists on Twitter were tweeting about their heartbreak at the loss of the cathedral (of course, specifying its architectural and historical significance as opposed to its spiritual and religious meaning).

However, the loss can quickly be overshadowed with joy and gratitude to God if we look at what was preserved. One of the most valuable, and irreplaceable items, contained inside the cathedral were relics of the Crown of Thorns placed upon the head of Jesus as he was being led away to his death. It was the efforts of Father Jean-Marc Fournier, chaplain of the Paris Fire Brigade, that saved the Crown of Thorns. He went into the burning cathedral with firefighters to save the Blessed Sacrament and Crown of Thorns.

“And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29)

Prayer candles, lit by the faithful prior to the fire, remained lit throughout the nine-hour battle by firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Photos of the aftermath show the votive candles still lit in the midst of the darkness surrounding them. They serve as a reminder that the prayers of God’s people never go unanswered and He will always be with them, even in the midst of heartache and devastation.

"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." (Matthew 18:19-20)

The 16 statues that surrounded the spire, which collapsed in the fire, were removed just four days prior to the blaze for restoration. The statues, representing the 12 apostles and 4 evangelists (the 4 Gospel writers), were stored safely and will undergo restoration as planned.

The tunic of St. Louis of France was preserved and saved by firefighters. St. Louis, a defender and advocate of the poor, would ensure all who wanted a meal during Advent and Lent were provided one. He would often serve the poor the meals himself. He built hospitals and cared for people with leprosy.

“The Pieta” also appeared to be preserved and protected at the altar of the cathedral. Standing beneath the illuminated cross at the altar, which also appeared to have been unharmed in the inferno, the statute remained in photographs of the aftermath. The masterpiece showcases the body of Jesus in the arms of the Blessed Mother after his body had been removed from the cross.

The history, the symbolism, and everything the Notre Dame Cathedral stands for may be somehow lost – or at least tarnished a bit for now – but one thing remains true and rises from the ashes: Jesus Christ preserved the altar and the angels of heaven ensured that those irreplaceable relics and the Blessed Sacrament itself were preserved. To God Be The Glory.