Damien High School Students Build Notre Dame Cathedral Replica

Damien High School Students Complete Notre Dame Cathedral Lego Build

Who could forget seeing the news stories about Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on fire and the sense of dread we felt as we saw the flames engulf and knock down the spire? It felt like a bad omen about what was to come. It was April 2019 when the Covid 19 pandemic began to change everything. 

It took workers five years to rebuild what originally took centuries to build (construction of Notre Dame cathedral began in 1163 and was completed in 1345). The great gothic church has now been restored. This December 8, 2024, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the first Mass will be held in the rebuilt Notre Dame. 

As a way to celebrate that occasion, some Damien High school students embarked on a similar effort to build the same cathedral but on a much smaller scale. Their Notre Dame Cathedral Lego build followed the same order of construction and restoration as the actual Paris landmark and after five months it was completed; just in time for this weekend's celebration in Paris. 

“Once I heard the news that Lego was going to come out with the Notre Dame Cathedral Lego set I decided to jump on it. With the blessing of Theology Chair Mrs. Leonneti, we ordered it. I announced in passing to some of my juniors that I was ordering it and their eyes lit up. James Loud and Reid Mathieu immediately volunteered to be the senior leaders of the Lego build. Notre Dame Paris is such a key piece in our attempt to introduce students to the vast, beautiful, cultural treasure box which is the Catholic Intellectual tradition.” said Mr. Sullivan who oversaw the project.

The students met after school on most Mondays of the first semester to build from the ground up the entire cathedral which included 4,383 separate Lego pieces. Little by little, week by week It was timed to be completed on December 2 the same week that the real cathedral would re-open. 

Senior James Loud said, “During the building process of the Lego Notre Dame Cathedral, I gained a deeper understanding of the Intricate architectural techniques employed in its construction. I discovered how these methods not only served a vital structural purpose, ensuring the stability and durability of the cathedral, but also contributed significantly to its aesthetic appeal. The harmonious blend of form and function showcased in the cathedral's design reflects the ingenuity of the architects and the profound attention to detail that went into creating this iconic masterpiece.” 

Since August several sophomore and junior students have been led by the seniors to build various bags or sections. All of Mr. Sullivan’s Theology classes are currently studying Notre Dame Cathedral in preparation for these Lego builders to come and present their Lego model to students as well as give an overview of the cultural, historical and theological meaning of the cathedral. 

When presenting their masterpiece and slide show, they hope to combine what they have learned in Theology class with what they have learned building the cathedral. 

Reflecting on his sophomore-year study of basilicas and cathedrals, James said, about the cross pattern of the cathedral, “What linked most to my study of cathedrals sophomore year and my own personal faith was the design of the cathedral itself, which is intentionally shaped to resemble a crucifix. This symbolic architectural feature reflects the deep spiritual and historical significance of cathedral construction, serving as a visual representation of faith and devotion.”

Students were put in touch with a hands-on experience of one of Catholicism's most beautiful cathedrals. As Bishop Barron said about teaching the Catholic Faith, "Begin with the beautiful, which leads you to the good, which leads you to the truth". 

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NDC Lego build team: senior leaders, James Loud, Reid Mathieu and sophomores, Marten Bastwrous, Xavier Blanco and junior Richard Parmar