On the 15th of November, the faithful carried the Virgin of the Pillar back to Notre-Dame de Paris, which reopens in all its glory on the 7th of December
On the 7th of December, Notre-Dame de Paris reopens in the presence of the French President, Emmanuel Macron. Also invited was the Pope. According to Le Canard enchaîné, however, the Pope declined due to the floated end-of-life bill, which has the support of the president.
Nevertheless, festivities will be grand promising a series of musical highlights, not least the sounding of the famous orgue, which survived the fire and destruction.
Virgin of the Pillar
Source: Wikipedia
Yesterday, the faithful opened the festivities by organising a pilgrimage through the streets of Paris to bring the Virgin back.
The statue known as the Virgin of the Pillar was miraculously spared during the inferno, which hit the Cathedral in Paris in 2019. The statue was found next to pieces of fallen timber, rubble of stones and the remains of the collapsed vault in the transept. On the 15th of November, she was carried through the evening to the 12th-century altar at the south-eastern pillar during a solemn procession.
The sculptural remains date back to the mid-14th century. Originally, it was located in the former abbey of the canons at the Ile da la Cité. However, in 1818 it was transferred to Notre-Dame, replacing the 13th-century sculpture destroyed during the Revolution in 1793.
At present, the programme for the reopening has not been posted in detail. However, several exhibitions are currently leading up to the event where the church will once rise as the living and beating heart of the old Paris.
Also, until mid-January, it will continue to be possible to see the exhibition telling the restoration story carried out by numerous skilled artisans and builders who have worked to recreate this monument.
The exhibition is located in the square in front of the Cathedral is open for visitors Every day, from 10am to 7.30pm – Free admission, no booking required
Every day, from 10am to 7.30pm – Free admission, no booking required
PHOTO:
The Virgin of the Pillar in Notre-Dame de Paris. © Notre-Dame de Paris
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