Notre Dame Cathedral, which underwent a long restoration process after the great fire, celebrated its first Christmas this year. Both the French and Christians from many different countries of the world were hosted at this service. The restoration of the badly damaged building was inspired by the game ‘Assassin’s Creed: Unity’. The game was a reference point because it depicts 18th century Paris in detail and the details of Cathedral were paid special attention in the design of the game. The Cathedral in particular was modelled in incredible detail in the game, with the game’s art team stating that they had spent years studying historical documents and images of the cathedral. Another point of reference was the details in Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 

On Tuesday 24 December, the glorious Christmas celebrationsbegan again with a large congregation coming from all over the world and many regions of France. The intensity of visitors in the cathedral started in the early hours of the morning. The 860-year-old Gothic masterpiece was scheduled to hold mass at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm before the traditional night mass. The construction of the cathedral was initiated in the 12th century by Maurice de Sully, bishop of Paris. It took about 200 years to build and was completed in 1345. The Gothic techniques used in the architecture are striking; rib vaults, flying buttresses and stained glass windows make the building dazzling.

Before the first mass scheduled to be held at 4pm, people waited in the courtyard of the Cathedral with their spouses and children. Those who attended the Mass shared with journalists that their comments were excellent, that it was a mesmerising Mass and that they were very happy. Some also attended the following Mass or waited for the traditional night Mass.

Before the fire, night services were traditionally held every year and people from all over the world came to witness this mesmerising moment. Due to the high level of interest in the cathedral, the website advised all visitors to arrive half an hour before the service. As reservations could not be accepted through the website, there were some people who wanted to attend the service but were unable to enter due to the crowds, but they commented that it was very nice to see the Cathedral open. Despite the crowds, the queue moved quickly and most of the visitors were able to witness the Mass. One of the priests who welcomed the visitors, who said that they participated in this great celebration with their hearts, shared that they were happy to be together again in the house of God. The Cathedral, which is the subject of many films, novels and musicals, has a visitor capacity of 2700 people. After 5 years of restoration work, the Cathedral was reopened on 7 December with a ceremony attended by US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s leader Zelenski. For Catholics, this Christmas is also regarded as the jubilee year, which was initiated by Pope Francis at the Vatican on Tuesday evening (24 December).

What is Jubilee?

For Catholics, Jubilee is a word of biblical origin, the ordinary jubilee is celebrated every 25 years, sometimes extraordinary jubilees can be declared by the Pope for special occasions, for example the Year of Mercy. 2015-16 has been designated by Pope Francis as the Year of Mercy with an extraordinary Jubilee. Jubilee years are seen as an opportunity for redemption, a spiritual renewal, an opportunity to draw closer to God. In the modern Catholic Church they are usually used every 25 or 50 years.