April 16, 2019 - Colleen and I used to laugh about it. As we traveled we would visit great cathedrals around the world, it is hard not to go into such buildings. They are magnificent works of art and are the centerpiece of a town's cultural and religious life. Almost always, as we toured such opulent buildings, we would come across the story, "This was rebuilt after the great fire of ______________ (insert date)". There was always a great fire story wherever we went. In London, there was a fire so horrific in 1666 that half the city burned down.
We never thought we would see such a disaster in our life time. Yet that is exactly what took place yesterday in Paris. The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the singular monuments in a city blessed with many, was engulfed in flames. The news today is still limited. The fire was in the roof where medieval timbers from the 13th century held up the roof. Because of the great height of the roof, it was very difficult for the firefighters to get access to the blaze. As of today, the cause is still unknown.
Here, in real time, we could witness what would have been so devastating to the many 'great fires' of the past. And this one was fought with modern fire fighting techniques. One can only imagine the horror and sense of helplessness fires of old caused the people of that time.
Fortunately, many of the treasures that lie inside were rescued. But if you have ever visited the cathedral you will know that the ancient building itself was the main work of art.
We have visited the cathedral in past trips. The most recent was in 2008 when we took a whirlwind trip of Europe with the boys.
The main thing I remember when you enter was how dark it was inside. It takes several minutes for your eyes to adjust. When they do you are in a cavern of wonders. You look up to soaring gothic arches hundreds of feet in the air. You see dim rainbow colors on the floor as light is filtered through enormous stain glass windows. There was an enormous organ and a choir carved out of medieval wood. The most lit area was the altar which was bathed in light from four windows. It is easy to imagine the awe the building must have inspired by peasants who entered the building in medieval times. You must have felt you were approaching the very throne of God.
I am sure they will rebuild and in time the scars of the damage will be faint. When we were in St Petersburg we visited many of the palaces of Peter the Great. During the Nazi siege in WW2 many of these were razed to the ground. Yet, walking through the gilded halls you would not know it. The Russians were determined to rebuild these treasures using original techniques with exacting precision. It worked. I am sure even today, only 24 hours later, plans are underway to rebuild.
Yet the whole incident reminds you of a central truth. Nothing lasts forever.
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