General
Notre Dame: Mixed reactions as altar and cross survives in heart of cathedral despite devastating fire
Photos from inside Notre Dame cathedral in Paris has shown that a hanging cross and altar remained intact, despite the devastating inferno that lasted for over 10 hours on Monday, April 15, 2019.
This came as a shock to many because the fire was fully extinguished some 15 hours after it began and ravaged the 850-year-old building’s roof which caused its spire to collapse.
As smoke rises from the rubble, the cross above the alter remains firmly in place, untouched by the fire that ripped through one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Fortunately, firefighters who worked through the night managed to save the cathedral’s main stone structure, including its two towers.
Images from inside the medieval Catholic cathedral show scenes of blackened walls and floors, with the burnt remains of pews piled before the altar.
However, pictures of the holy symbol in the cathedral’s nave show its bathed in light giving the impression the cross is emitting a warm glow.
Some have, however, taken to social media to express divergent views over the miraculous discovery.
Some pointed out that the cross and altar were made of materials that can withstand heat.
The Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) tweeted, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5) #NotreDame
Another said “In the midst of fire and destruction at Notre Dame, the cross still stands. That’s beautiful, that’s poetic, that’s God.”
The orange glow of flames can also be seen in between the stone vault and the wooden frame.
WuzupNaija gathered that a crowd of stunned tourists and Parisians stood by the River Seine singing Ave Maria and offered prayers.
For centuries the building has been considered the heart of Catholic life in France, a site of pilgrimage for people around the world and home to many priceless religious relics.
See comments:
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5) #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/dpKCcWwOmW
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) April 16, 2019
In the darkness, the Cross still stands and shines. He is the Light that will always guide you. This picture reminds us that even when we are “trapped” in the darkness, there is The One that will never leave you #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/RtSM1cjCbV
— Regina N. Putri (@reginaputriiii) April 16, 2019
Christians are a people who know sadness, but who live in hope. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/KBQANahGUr
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) April 16, 2019
Because the cross is metal and not wood. If there was a God the fire wouldn’t have started in the first place!
— Jayne Biggs (@Jayne1412) April 16, 2019
Those bricks are also untouched. I now believe in bricks. I am now convinced that bricks are my lord and saviour.
— Mark Hardwicke (@markahardwicke) April 16, 2019
A cross in a church, wow. It’s a miracle. Large areas of the church survived so it’s nothing exceptional. And if it was, why was an exception made for the cross but not the fire that destroyed the building?
— Mark Pawlak (@travelsportcopy) April 16, 2019
It was made of materials that can withstand the heat. Having said that, it is such a relief to see the nave being largely intact. For that, I thank the designer and the builder of the church!
— Dr. No 2 (@myberkeley3) April 16, 2019
Because the cross is metal and not wood. If there was a God the fire wouldn’t have started in the first place!
— Jayne Biggs (@Jayne1412) April 16, 2019
After all the aftermath and destruction of the Notre Dame fire, the alter and cross remained untouched. Please explain to me how you don’t believe in God after seeing this. pic.twitter.com/xUFmB7VnRG
— Kaylee Crain (@kayleecrain__) April 16, 2019
God gave us free will, is the essence of natural law. If His creation committedd errors or or purposefully set the fire, then there is only so much He can do to intervene. Go in peace, doubt is also a natural phenomenon, and I understand.
— LifeExpsr Photography (@lephotosbytony) April 16, 2019
A cross in a church, wow. It’s a miracle. Large areas of the church survived so it’s nothing exceptional. And if it was, why was an exception made for the cross but not the fire that destroyed the building?
— Mark Pawlak (@travelsportcopy) April 16, 2019
God just wanted it partially burned down
— Rick McDiggles (@blophonso) April 16, 2019
We find this haunting image of a cross still shining brightly in a smouldering Notre-Dame Cathedral incredibly moving. We cannot help but think of our own Charred Cross, found in the Ruins on the 15th of November 1940 – a symbol of grave destruction, but also one of hope. pic.twitter.com/h7wArXcgxt
— Coventry Cathedral (@CovCathedral) April 16, 2019
Not sure I actually believe in miracles but this picture of the altar and the cross untouched this morning is breath-taking and should touch the hearts of all……..#notredame pic.twitter.com/NwgP4noHr3
— Philip Webster (@PhilipWebster72) April 16, 2019
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