For the first time in the history of Notre Dame cathedral in the last two centuries, there will not be the Christmas mass this year. This is because of the Notre Dame fire that devastated the wonderful tourist spot in Paris. It may be remembered that a fire had caused havoc in Notre Dame in April this year.
It should be for the first time since 1803 that the 850-year-old cathedral would not be holding a Christmas mass this year. The cathedral is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and the fire this year had destroyed the vault and part of the structure, including the roof.
The rector at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Patrick Chauvet, went on record that it was only during the French Revolution that services were stopped at the place. In fact, the cathedral was open even during the two World Wars.
It may not be the last year the services will be stopped at the Notre Dame; it is highly unlikely that it will be resumed even next year. The French government has gone on record stating that the services are likely to begin in 2025.
This year, there will be Midnight Mass by the rector, but it will be held at the nearby church at Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois.
Notre Dame Cathedral has been a status symbol for France. That is precisely why the French government and the experts have been working overtime to give it a facelift and reconstruct the heritage site as soon as possible.
Add Comment