Trump to Attend Paris Ceremony Marking Notre Dame’s Rebirth
Former President Donald Trump is set to travel to Paris this weekend for a momentous occasion: the grand reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after a devastating fire ravaged the historic landmark.
The cathedral, renowned for its breathtaking Gothic architecture, will be unveiled in its restored glory after an extensive, years-long renovation project spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron.
"It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the re-opening of the magnificent and historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago," Trump announced on Truth Social.
"The restoration of Notre Dame to her full splendor, and perhaps more so, has been made possible by the extraordinary work of (French) President Emmanuel Macron. Everyone will have a really memorable day!" Trump added.
The reopening ceremonies on December 7 and 8 will kick off a week-long celebration filled with special events, culminating in two performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Magnificat on December 17 and 18.
Olivier Josse, the cathedral’s secretary general, perfectly encapsulates the global anticipation surrounding the event: "This is a very big moment, eagerly awaited by the whole world," he told National Geographic.
Josse emphasized the immense public interest in Notre Dame’s return, stating, "If I had to choose one word, it would be patience. Everyone must be patient."
A poignant ceremony, steeped in tradition, will mark the official reopening. As evening falls on December 7, the Archbishop of Paris will symbolically strike the cathedral’s locked door with his staff, followed by three renditions of Psalm 121. With each powerful recitation, the cathedral will reverberate with gratitude, eventually culminating in the grand opening of its doors to a world eager to witness its rebirth.
The following morning, December 8, the Archbishop will preside over the first Mass, which will include the consecration of the high altar. This significant event will bring together nearly 170 bishops from France and around the world, along with priests representing each of the 106 parishes in the Paris Diocese, creating a truly global tapestry of faith.
The momentous occasion will not only mark a triumphant return for Notre Dame but also serve as a symbol of resilience and the enduring power of human spirit. The reopening is expected to attract thousands of visitors from around the globe, eager to witness the culmination of years of dedicated restoration work.
