Notre Dame took a century to build. The thought is enough for a millennial to take up permanent residence in a hotel. In my town significant homes are a franchise, erected in less than a year. Thus relics of a time when craftsmanship was executed by artisans who had genius creator listed on their credentials is all the more sacred. Notre Dame survived the French Revolution and Nazi occupation. It hosted coronations and was the inspiration behind hunchbacks and gargoyles.

Luc outside of Notre Dame, who will hopefully remember this sublime structure in its original form.

The cathedral is a reminder of the lore behind gothic structures, with their vaulted ceilings built with the intention to be closer to God. It’s a place of worship, belief and Catholicism. My hope is that the overwhelming charity of funding will bring together a team of today’s brilliant artisans and restore this work of art, which will always inspire a modern world.

Is there a lesson from the Notre Dame fire and its ironic timing that coincides with Holy Week? God is known for delivering messages in obscure ways. Just think of the significance behind this week’s Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

My Parisian family are avid collectors, preservationists and advocates for antiquities. They stressed the importance of not only Notre Dame but all of France’s churches, which have recently been the victims vandalism. Perhaps it takes a tragic fire to shed light on such issues.