Yesterday, the world collectively grieved as a deadly blaze overtook the historical Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.
Built in the 13th century, the cathedral is both a feat of architecture and a symbol of religiosity. However, yesterday the Parisian fire brigade heard the structure’s fire alarms sound at roughly 6:20 PM local time. Twenty-three minutes later, the cathedrals’ security officers noticed the flames.
Witnesses report the flames originally appeared near the cathedral’s central spire, an area which had recently been surrounded by scaffolding in the midst of construction. Although Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz has stated the blaze was “likely accidental,” it took firefighters roughly fourteen hours to gain control of the flames— and they ultimately were not able to save the spire.
The media reports and images looked like a scene out of a haunting movie. Indeed, bystanders took to social media, describing the eerieness of the atmosphere during the whole event. In one tweet, Andrei Popoviciu wrote:
“The view from St Michele. As night falls, a group of people are singing while everyone else is taking photos and watch in shock. All feels eerie.”
The view from St Michele. As night falls, a group of people are singing while everyone else is taking photos and watch in shock. All feels eerie. #NotreDame #notredamedeparis pic.twitter.com/f5HAwGkmWN
— Andrei Popoviciu (@AndreiPopoviciu) April 15, 2019
However, amidst the destruction, a group of came together in a touching show of unity— surrounding the church and singing “Ave Maria” as the flames burned on.
According to Global News, the group began singing church hymns well into Monday evening, continuing all the way into the early Tuesday morning hours. Some members of the group appear to be kneeling on their knees.
The scene was captured by French journalist Ignacio Gil, who shared the video to social media, where it has since gone viral. The words of the hymn juxtaposed with the burning cathedral make for an unbelievably powerful view. In fact, since being uploaded, Gil’s clip has been viewed more than 11 million times.
To many, the French show of solidarity is both beautiful and bittersweet.
“Beautiful moment at such an awful time.”
“That is both so beautiful and sad at the same time. Lot of strength for all the Christians in Paris tonight, and elsewhere as well.”
“This is the perfect response to the devastation.”
Although the blaze is an ultimately devastating event, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the structure, saying:
“Notre-Dame is our history; it’s our literature, it’s our imagery. It’s the place where we live our greatest moments, from wars to pandemics to liberation. This history is ours.”
Watch the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Ave Maria pic.twitter.com/lb6Y5XV05a
— Ignacio Gil (@Inaki_Gil) April 15, 2019
