I cannot let this day pass without a word about Notre Dame. Built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, this cathedral has survived wars and natural disasters beyond count. It is a sacred symbol of Catholicism and beyond religion it is deeply entwined in the heart and soul of Paris and France and our broader culture. Its partial destruction today is a tragic loss for the entire world.
But it is only a partial destruction. The shell of the building and the towers remain. For all of Christianity, this is Holy Week. Sunday is Easter, the day of Resurrection. And as Christ arose, so shall Notre Dame.
(June 29, 2011. Canon S95. Editing in Adobe Photoshop.)
AMAGA Photography Blog 
Such a tragic and sad loss. so shocking to see the flames and the spire toppling. Nice of you to do a remembrance, Michael.
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I looked with disbelief. That kind of shock. I am not a Catholic, but this transcends religion.
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Yes, sad indeed. I visited Notre Dame in 1985 and again in 1997. The president of France says the cathedral will be rebuilt.
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As it should be.
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I’ve never been to France or any other country outside of the U.S. but am also moved by the loss of this great building and icon to so many. While no one ever wants something this tragic to be what moves renovation, it is my understanding that there was much needed, besides what was under way, and at least that good will come out of this terrible occurrence. It is most fortunate that the basic structure survived…recreating the facade itself could have presented an insurmountable challenge.
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It will definitely be a challenge. Apparently ALL of the interior wood structure burned. The oaks from which it was crafted started to grow in 800 – 900 AD. From a historical and aesthetic viewpoint, rebuilding with wood would be called for. From a strictly engineering viewpoint, steel.
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Yes, she will be there again. So incredibly sad to see the flames, the people’s faces
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We were trying to think of what would be comparable in the U.S. The answer is, nothing. Our history is half the age of this structure. But yes, she will be resurrected.
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It is a horrible shock. And finding the materials and skills to recreate it won’t be easy, of course, but knowing without a doubt, that we’ll be watching it rebuild eases the mind.
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It was the first news I saw when I woke up yesterday. Not a great way to start the day. To rebuild, we will need to relearn lost skills.
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Again and Again, you bring such insightfulness to us.
The sharing your numerous and extraordinary talents is a God-sent for me.
CKK
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Thanks, Carolyn. Normally I’d say “my pleasure,” but not in this particular instance.
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So very sad Michael – thank goodness it has been determined an accident. Hoping they are able to rebuild most of it. I understand many of the priceless relics were saved. How poignant your photo now seems.
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The building itself, and the relics, are a significant part of our cultural memory. Their loss would be a loss for all of humanity.
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What a wonderful picture and eloquent posting. Thank you for opening with that, the way it was and could be again! Thank you for expressing in words what I felt. Yesterday, I was horrified by what I was watching. It is truly a symbol of Paris and France. The only symbol close to that which we have is possibly the Statue of Liberty I think. Not as old but definitely steeped in meaning. I think the french people will resurrect this wonderful church that means so much so many diverse people. It transcends boundaries and separations. I think it will possibly unify people in it’s rebuilding and resurgence! One can hope!
Thank you for a great post and picture!
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Thanks, Cathy. I believe she will be resurrected. And of course, the Statue of Liberty is French.
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Lovely post. So sad to think that those who will see Notre Dame for the first time from now on will never see it as we have seen it.
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Thank you. I agree.
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