GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – It was not a pleasant site Monday afternoon as many onlookers were in tears, gasping as the fire spread and destroyed the Notre Dame cathedral, a piece of history that is especially near and dear to Catholics.
“The Cathedral of Notre Dame, I am certain will rise from the ashes again.”
Father John Girotti of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese says the Holy Week message should be the focus as many grieve the loss of an iconic cathedral in Paris.
“We believe as Christians that for every Good Friday in life, there always will be an Easter Sunday.”
He says that is a reminder that bad days will eventually turn around into something good. He says that has been seen before as the Cathedral has gone through other tragic events in the past.
“There have been other fires and the destruction that it experienced during the French Revolution and every single time, the people of God, the people of Paris rebuilt their cathedral, and that is what they will do this time.”
He says Christians are always taught to stay focused on what is most important.
“Spiritual things don’t burn and the faith lives on.”
At Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay, the news of the devastating fire was a big focus for the school day. Communication Manager Kimberly Uelmen said students and staff watched, mourned and reflected.
“Students and teachers took time during class to watch live footage of the situation.”
It was similar to what many did during September 11, 2001 and just like that day, it opened up conversation and discussion.
“It is amazing to think of the millions and billions of people who have visited this iconic destination and it has made an impact on so many lives and so it is definitely hitting close to home here,” Uelmen said.
One of those who made a visit was Father Girotti, and he has been there twice.
“It is the most wonderful experience of height and light and just a transcendence as the light comes through the windows and seeing the ancientness of the building. This is a loss not only for the Catholic church but a loss for Western Civilization.”
Uelmen said one of the art teachers put it all in perspective.
“She was just expressing the sadness that she feels that this artistic and architectural beauty is in the midst of being destroyed and even if it is restored, the original and iconic feeling will be lost.”
Father Girotti says that is exactly what he saw when he visited.
“It contains artwork, classic stained glass, statues, gargoyles, bells and all the things that make up this great cathedral.”
“Our faith is in Jesus Christ and not in a building, but yet buildings, especially great cathedrals symbolize our faith in God,” he says. “We know that our faith is beyond a building and so we have hope.”
He says while it is a big part of Christianity, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is a big loss to all people of France.
“This would be like the burning of the White House and the Capital combined.”
For that reason, Uelmen says many are offering up their prayers this week.
“We are hoping for the joy of Easter for the people of Paris, the people of the world and the people of Notre Dame Academy.”
