John Morales on Morning Air had the chance to talk with Prof. Duncan Stroik, an architect who knows sacred beauty like the back of his hand, about the jaw-dropping restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral. After a devastating fire in 2019, this beloved symbol of faith, art, and French heritage is back, and let’s just say it’s more stunning than ever. 🙌

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

Reopening Celebration: The cathedral swung open its iconic doors on December 7th, with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich leading a ceremony that included the traditional door-knocking. The next day? A grand Mass with 170 bishops and ringing bells on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. 🎉

Massive Restoration Effort: Five years. 🛠️ Over 2,000 craftsmen. The French went all-in, rebuilding much of Notre-Dame the old-school medieval way: we’re talking wooden beams carved by hand and stone ceilings reconstructed like it was the Middle Ages. Even the famous spire, which burned and collapsed, was painstakingly rebuilt to its original glory. 😮

Architectural Marvel: Prof. Stroik was floored by the speed and care involved. He pointed out how the French resisted the temptation to modernize the design, sticking to the classic techniques that made the cathedral last 800 years in the first place. (Take notes, world! ✍️)

Major Damage? The fire destroyed two-thirds of the wooden roof, the lead covering, and the famous spire. The stone ceiling had gaping holes, and the interior, including the pews and temporary altar, was obliterated. Miraculously, the rose windows and flying buttresses? Mostly spared! 🙏

Why This Matters: Professor Stroik described Notre-Dame as "heaven on earth," a symbol of how sacred architecture can lift the human soul toward God. He hopes this restoration inspires new churches in the U.S. to embrace timeless beauty. 

What’s Next?

Notre-Dame is ready for visitors, and Prof. Stroik encourages you to check it out in its full restored glory. Meanwhile, he’s busy on projects closer to home, like a new retreat house at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wisconsin, complete with oratory-style rooms. 

Final Thought: The restoration of Notre-Dame is a testament to hope, faith, and the enduring beauty of sacred spaces that point us to heaven. Let’s keep honoring these treasures and maybe take a pilgrimage to Paris while we’re at it. 🛫👀

"Notre Dame, ouvre tes portes!" 🔔