French President Emmanuel Macron has hailed the completion of the five-year restoration project at Notre Dame, saying it’s an “immense source of pride” for the nation. The cathedral, which suffered a devastating fire in 2019, will officially reopen on Saturday with a ceremony and special masses.
The restoration project involved over 2,000 people, 2,000 oak trees, and $500 million in funding from some of France’s richest businessmen. The US President-elect Donald Trump is among the high-profile guests invited to attend the ceremony, along with hundreds of heads of state and government.
On Saturday, Macron will give a speech in front of the cathedral, followed by a ceremony that includes the “awakening” of the great organ and a Latin hymn. The doors of the cathedral will then open, responding to the knock by singing Psalm 121 three times.
The first mass is scheduled for Sunday morning at around 10:30 a.m., with Macron in attendance. After blessing the holy water, the archbishop will sprinkle it over the congregation and then the altar. For the eight days after reopening, masses will be held twice daily, along with special evening ceremonies that are open to the public.
Visiting Notre Dame remains free for now, with guests able to book a free ticket online and access the building on the same day or one or two days after booking. The cathedral expects to welcome up to 15 million visitors each year.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/05/style/notre-dame-paris-reopening-restoration-fire-explainer-intl/index.html