Close Menu
WTX News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • What Verstappen’s Nurburgring adventure says about his racing future
    • Strictly’s Dianne Buswell reveals how pregnancy will affect routines after doctor’s advice
    • Home Office can deport migrant under ‘one in one out deal’ court says after losing similar case on Tuesday
    • India and Pakistan to face each other for round two on September 21
    • Nine things you might have missed from Trump’s UK state visit
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    WTX News
    • Live News
      • US News
      • EU News
      • UK News
      • Politics
      • COVID-19
      • Business
      • Tech zone
    • World news
      • Middle East News
        • UAE News
        • Palestine News
      • Europe
        • Italian News
        • Spanish News
      • Africa news
      • South America
      • North America
      • Asia
    • News Briefings
      • UK News Briefing
      • World News Briefing
      • Live Business News
    • Sports
      • Football News
      • Tennis
      • Women’s Football
    • MY World
      • Climate Change
      • In Review
      • Expose
      • Special Reports
        • Conscience Convoy
        • Rohingya Report
    • Entertainment
      • Insta Talk
      • Royal Family
      • Gaming News
      • TV Shows
      • Streaming
    • Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • Fashion
      • Cooking recipes
      • Luxury
      • Money Saving Expert
    • Travel
      • Culture
      • Holidays
    • Sign Up
      • Log In
    WTX News
    • Live News
    • World news
    • News Briefings
    • Sports
    • MY World
    • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Sign Up
    Home - France - An archbishop’s knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on
    France Updated:December 8, 2024

    An archbishop’s knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on

    By Parker Jospeh8 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Telegram WhatsApp
    An archbishop’s knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on

     

    Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ‘s heart from beating again.

    With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches.

    The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies.

    The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes.

    The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron’s, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises.

    Dramatic three knocks and bell Emmanuel

    As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment.

    Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.”

    With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone.

    Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches.

    Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it.

    Macron’s political woes

    Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave.

    “I stand before you … to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years.

    “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said.

    The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil.

    Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis.

    Monumental feats of restoration
    Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof.

    The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.”

    The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound.

    Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.”

    The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.”

    The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

    For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.″

    “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.”

    The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

    Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.”

    General view inside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening on December 06, 2024 in Paris, France. 

    Pascal Le Segretain | Getty Images

    Historical details enrich the occasion

    Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history.

    Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide.

    Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof.

    But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. “We went from night to light,” said one of the workers in the movie.

    Security is tight for this global event

    Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

    The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump.

    Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.

    For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.

    An archbishop’s knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on

    News Just in

    What Verstappen’s Nurburgring adventure says about his racing future

    WTX Sports Team

    Max Verstappen Eyes Endurance Racing Future Amid F1 Success Max Verstappen has expressed concerns about focusing solely on Formula 1, making waves following his recent

    Read More »

    Strictly’s Dianne Buswell reveals how pregnancy will affect routines after doctor’s advice

    Savanah Al Badri

    Cliff Notes – Strictly’s Dianne Buswell reveals how pregnancy will affect routines after doctor’s advice Dianne Buswell, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, is

    Read More »

    Notre-Dame de Paris, a timeline

    CNBC Emmanuel Macron featured Notre-Dame Paris Prime Minister
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram WhatsApp
    Previous ArticleMajor update in search for missing teenager who vanished last month after a call with her mum
    Next Article The president of the TAR: “The tender for the Sanremo Festival like the one for the beaches, Europe is asking for it”
    Parker Jospeh
    • X (Twitter)
    • Instagram

    Joseph Parker is a journalist based in United States. He as well the US breaking US news team reports on political news and cultural developments including extremism, disinformation, tech and Federal news.

    Related Posts

    ‘South Park’ Withholds Teaser for Tomorrow’s Episode, Possibly to Avoid Outrage
    World News

    ‘South Park’ Withholds Teaser for Tomorrow’s Episode, Possibly to Avoid Outrage

    South Africa’s top court says men can take wives’ last name
    World News

    South Africa’s top court says men can take wives’ last name

    Democracy is failing worldwide & worst times of from press freedom
    World News

    Democracy is failing worldwide & worst times of from press freedom

    Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in jail for attempted coup
    Brazil

    Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in jail for attempted coup

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Advertisment
    News Headlines
    Home Office can deport migrant under ‘one in one out deal’ court says after losing similar case on Tuesday

    Home Office can deport migrant under ‘one in one out deal’ court says after losing similar case on Tuesday

    Nine things you might have missed from Trump’s UK state visit

    Nine things you might have missed from Trump’s UK state visit

    Save 70% on VIP subscription
    News Briefings - the way to a better life
    News Briefings - the way to a better life
    Advert by Sponsors
    More from WTX News
    The latest gaming news - with game reviews and tips and tricks. updated 24 hours a day.
    The latest gaming news
    Hot off the press!
    • What Verstappen’s Nurburgring adventure says about his racing future September 18, 2025
    • Strictly’s Dianne Buswell reveals how pregnancy will affect routines after doctor’s advice September 18, 2025
    • Home Office can deport migrant under ‘one in one out deal’ court says after losing similar case on Tuesday September 18, 2025
    • India and Pakistan to face each other for round two on September 21 September 18, 2025
    • Nine things you might have missed from Trump’s UK state visit September 18, 2025
    WTX News latest breaking news sports and travel
    Latest News and analysis - Deciphering through the BS with exclusive News Briefings
    Facebook X (Twitter) TikTok Instagram

    News

    • World News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • EU News
    • Business
    • Opinions
    • News Briefing
    • Live News

    Company

    • About WTX News
    • Register
    • Advertising
    • Work with us
    • Contact
    • Community
    • GDPR Policy
    • Privacy

    Services

    • Fitness for free
    • Insta Talk
    • How to guides
    • Climate Change
    • In Review
    • Expose
    • NEWS SUMMARY
    • Money Saving Expert

    News delivered to your inbox

    Copyright WTX News 2025

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.