The tragic fire at Notre Dame of Paris rocked Catholics and the entire world

As all roads lead to Rome, the “Point Zero” marker in front of Notre Dame marks the center of the city and the geographical point from which all distances are calculated in France. Notre Dame represents the heart of the capital. It is the symbol of France, of her Christian roots and of her love for Mary. It is also a witness of her national history for the past nine centuries, as well as cultural and civilizing influence in Europe and the world.

But on Monday, April 15, 2019, on a mild spring evening, the Cathedral was engulfed in flames! Before stunned onlookers who spontaneously began to pray on their knees, wherever they happened to be, Notre Dame’s iconic tall spire collapsed in the huge blaze that consumed its millennial roof. The most beautiful and sacred structure in Paris and most visited monument in Europe now stands partially destroyed. 

As our Christian culture is fast disintegrating in the West, and especially in France who is the "eldest daughter of the Church," we cannot fail to see, in the terrible image of the Cathedral devastated on the first day of Holy Week, a sign pointing to the state of spiritual decomposition in a country which has officially renounced its Christian vocation. The Archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, wrote in the wake of the incident, "We feel very strongly that we will not only have to rebuild our cathedral, but also rebuild our Church, whose face is so badly damaged."

Already, a great movement of prayer has arisen throughout France, radiating from her exact Catholic epicenter. Donations are pouring from all sides and religious inclinations, far beyond France’s borders, to attend to the great wounded Lady. 

This wave of generosity brings much needed hope for a possible spiritual and Marian awakening. God’s generosity cannot be outdone, if we respond generously to Our Lady’s call! On the day of the fire, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, tweeted: "Notre Dame will arise again because the Mother of God wants it!"

The Marie de Nazareth Association will, for its part, reflect on concrete ways to rebuild our Church as well.

The Marie de Nazareth team