It’s probably one of the most storied and documented buildings in the world. It can be re-created; but it will be tooled with modern implements, and without the same heart and soul that generations put into building the original. The soul will be nothing like the original - unless, over time, it is imbued with the spirit of a great regeneration of faith, in France as well as the wider world.
I have no problem with rebuilding, if people want to do it. But it’s an incredibly tragic loss.
(I like the way you think.)
France has exceptional masters of their craft in stonemasonery and wooden structures. They are constantly renovating and repairing classic structures throughout France, often at great expense. Happily they have the people who know how to replicate the job as it was done 800 years ago. Never fear, Notre Dame will be rebuilt. Perhaps the precious relics will be sent back to the Sainte Chapelle where they were before being sent to Notre Dame.
It is a breathtaking experience to stand in the Sainte-Chapelle in the morning when the sunlight streams through the magnificent stained glass windows. Ethereal!
“It’s probably one of the most storied and documented buildings in the world. It can be re-created; but it will be tooled with modern implements, and without the same heart and soul that generations put into building the original. The soul will be nothing like the original - unless, over time, it is imbued with the spirit of a great regeneration of faith, in France as well as the wider world”.
Hear, hear!!
And this is the time to pray that this fire starts the fire of revival across France and Europe.