Georgia residents watched with the rest of the world as a fire consumed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris Monday.
According to the Associated Press, the fire destroyed the cathedral’s spire before spreading to the church’s towers Monday morning.
By Monday afternoon, firefighters said they had saved the structure of the cathedral and stopped the fire from spreading further.
Atlanta’s Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory released a statement shortly after 6 p.m.
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“At the beginning of Holy Week, the people of Paris have been asked to embrace a very heavy cross with the fire at their beloved cathedral. Notre Dame is a treasure for the Catholic Church, for European history and culture, and for the world of art. We praise God that apparently there is no loss of life in this tragedy. Paris would not be Paris without Notre Dame,” Gregory said.
He continued, “This iconic church is a bookmark of history and a sacred place where Catholics have prayed for almost 9 centuries. The Church of the Archdiocese of Atlanta sends our French brothers and sisters our prayers and closeness in faith. May the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection strengthen them as we celebrate these mysteries this week. May Mary, the Mother of God bless Paris and all those who hold this church as an icon of faith.”
Many Georgians took to social media to express their shock and sadness. Here are some of the reactions from your fellow Georgians.
