A Christmas Reflection: Notre Dame's Light of Resilience and Hope

During my college years in Paris, I had the joy of seeing Notre Dame every day. The cathedral stood across the street from my grammar course at the University of Paris, La Sorbonne. I vividly remember watching workers meticulously clean the cathedral's grand façade for months. When the scaffolding was finally removed, I was awestruck by the intricate beauty of the restored statues, each crafted with astonishing detail by medieval masons. It amazed me to think that when construction began in 1163, the workers knew they would never see the completion of their masterpiece in their lifetime—a true testament to faith and perseverance.

Over that year in Paris, I visited perhaps a hundred Gothic churches, each revealing its

unique story. These magnificent structures were often the heart of the city, serving not just as places of worship but as sanctuaries for people in need. I marveled at every element of their engineering, from the gargoyles that both protected the buildings spiritually and funneled rainwater, to the soaring arches and delicate tracery that seemed to defy gravity.

Sadly, many Gothic churches fell into disrepair after the Middle Ages. During the French Revolution, numerous statues were destroyed, and some were even decapitated in a wave of anti-monarchical sentiment. Notre Dame, however, found a savior in Victor Hugo, whose novel about the hunchback Quasimodo inspired a renewed appreciation for the cathedral’s cultural and historical significance. His story helped ignite efforts to preserve this architectural marvel—a stunning testament to faith, ingenuity, and craftsmanship.

In 2019, like so many others around the world, I watched in horror as flames engulfed Notre Dame’s roof. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze while safeguarding the cathedral’s walls from collapse. In the aftermath, donations flooded in from across the globe, fueling the dream of restoring Notre Dame to its former glory.

In the months that followed, debates arose over whether to modernize the reconstruction or adhere to the original design. Proposals ranged from a steel roof to a rooftop pool. Ultimately, it was decided to honor the original plans. Architects collaborated with master craftsmen to relearn medieval techniques, and French oak was sourced for the roof and spire. Even video game footage from Assassin’s Creed played a role in replicating the cathedral’s details with remarkable precision.

The restoration was projected to take five years, and with each visit to Paris, I saw progress that fueled my hope. A few weeks ago, I was overjoyed to watch the celebration marking Notre Dame’s reopening. Among the highlights was a heartfelt performance by one of my favorite French singers, Vianney, who sang his rendition of “Hallelujah” as a tribute to resilience and hope. His lyrics resonate deeply:

“Un jour la dame dit: ‘Vous, les forts, (One day, the woman says - "You, the strong (ones)

Gardez la paix, comme un trésor. (Guard the peace, like a treasure.")

On raconte qu’elle est belle mais fragile comme nous. (One recalls that it is beautiful and fragile like us.)

Qui abandonne est déjà mort,  (Those who abandon are already dead)

Mais qui espère respire encore. (But those who hope,  breath again)

Et le monde attend le temps de l’Hallelujah.”  (And the world waits for the time of Alleluia) 

Alléluia [Hallelujah] lyrics - Vianney

Today, on Christmas, I imagine the joy radiating from Notre Dame as its bells ring out, their sound a gift to all Parisians and visitors near the cathedral. Whether you’re spiritual or not, Notre Dame represents the resilience of humanity and the enduring power of dreams. For Catholics around the world, this cathedral—like Christmas itself—symbolizes the arrival of beauty and light in a world often shrouded in darkness.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. May the season bring you joy, hope, and the light of new beginnings.

With much love,

Beth