Notre Dame resumed on December 7th, 2024. The fire that destroyed much of the cathedral was struck just five years ago, with over 1,000 workers working day and night to restore it.
The next reflection comes from Mary Ruty; SICUT LOCUTUS EST, Former colleague.
During the restoration of Notre Dame after the 2019 fire, reporters toured the roof where carpenters secured rebuilt rafters.
They told him that the wood they were using was from oak trees that were chosen to exactly match the outline of the damaged ancient beams. Each was meticulously carved and replicated original hand-tooled properties, including the medieval maker’s mark on the lower side.
These details were hidden high, not for the show. The public never sees them. “‘Fatigue’ only begins to explain this effort,” the reporter wrote.
The pressure to finish on time was immeasurable, but the workplace was surprisingly calm and infused with quiet joy and confidence. When he asked one worker what it meant to her, no words came. She cried.
The team leader admitted that the job is plagued by unimaginable challenges every day. He then added, “But when you work on something that has a soul, it’s not. Beauty makes everything easier.”
It’s difficult to try and rebuild something that’s been horribly damaged. It takes everything you have. Details are important. It’s more hidden than everyone knows. It takes a very long time. The pressure is overwhelming. A lot of things are at stake.
But because you are working on something full of soul – human relatives, the structure of justice and care, the politics of gentle mercy, the new earth. And you are so beautiful that you are working, what you are working, what you are given, that you are so beautiful that you will settle every day, return to the world’s scenes with tears of joy, accepting trust and gratitude.
prayer
With you we are rebuilding your damaged love home here. It grounds us with its vibrant beauty. It makes everything simpler.
Mary Ruty is a longtime seminary educator, pastor and author of Teresa of the Road of Avila A founding member of the Daughter of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.
Notre Dame Cathedral, completed during the restoration, is the icon of the resurrection awaiting us. all– “Our bodies are weak now, but they are raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:43).
We’re the right place
Democracy without discussion
Approx. 2 + 2 = 5
Source: 2 + 2 = 5 – williamgreen.substack.com
