Five years after a devastating fire ravaged the heart of Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, the iconic church opened its doors to a full congregation for Palm Sunday Mass, offering a breathtaking glimpse into its rebirth.
Among the sea of pilgrims and faithful gathered within its restored Gothic splendor, I stood in awe—one of countless hearts moved by the miracle of this sacred place brought back to life.
The cathedral, still bearing the soul of its centuries-old history, now gleams with the careful touch of master artisans who have resurrected its grandeur.
Though newly restored, every detail—the towering arches, the radiant stained-glass windows, the flickering candles—remains faithful to the spirit of the original.
It felt like stepping into a moment suspended in time, where the past and the present embraced in reverent silence.
As the celebration began, the air was fragrant with olive branches, clutched in the hands of pilgrims from around the world, each one recalling Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
The solemn Eucharistic Liturgy unfolded with grace and grandeur, heightened by the majestic sound of the cathedral choir and the recently restored pipe organ.
Their music reverberated through the vaulted ceilings, echoing like prayers carved into stone.
Luke’s Gospel of the Passion was not merely read—it was proclaimed by a group of liturgy assistants in a deeply moving narration.
Their voices, filled with emotion, guided us through Christ’s suffering and love, preparing our hearts for the journey of Holy Week.
To be present at this moment—on this holy day, in this sacred space, and after such profound loss—was an experience beyond words.
As a pilgrim from Thailand, I felt deeply united with the universal Church, reminded of the power of faith, resilience, and beauty rising from ashes.
The Palm Sunday Mass at Notre-Dame was not only a liturgical celebration—it was a powerful testament to hope. What a magnificent beginning to Holy Week, and what a gift to the world: Notre-Dame reborn.
Chainarong Monthienvichienchai is the former president of Unda – International Catholic Association for Radio and Television – and Thailand’s first Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.
