POLITICS: Famous statue returns to Notre Dame after fire

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The historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris marked a significant milestone as it welcomed back a cherished medieval statue, signaling hope for its upcoming reopening after the devastating 2019 fire.

The six-foot “Virgin of Paris” statue, depicting Mary and baby Jesus, made its triumphant return after five years away from its home. The beloved artwork, which miraculously survived the inferno, has become a powerful symbol of resilience for the Catholic community.

“Tonight, as we accompany the Virgin Mary to her cathedral, before she takes her place at the pillar where so many generations have come to pray, we know she is joining the house of Christ,” proclaimed Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris during the blessing ceremony.

The historic statue, affectionately known as “Stabat Mater” (the standing Mother), was escorted in a torch-lit procession from its temporary residence at Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church. Hundreds of faithful followers walked alongside the statue as it made its way along the Seine River to the cathedral square.

According to a cathedral news release, the statue’s origins trace back to the mid-14th century Saint-Aignan Chapel on the Île de la Cité. After being moved to Notre Dame in 1818, it found its permanent place in 1855 under architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc’s direction.

The celebration included a nine-day prayer cycle and coincides with other preparations for the cathedral’s December 8 reopening. Recently, three new bells were installed, including one that rang during this year’s Paris Olympics.

“We’ll be together again in a few days to open the door to Christ,” Archbishop Ulrich remarked during the ceremony, capturing the anticipation of the cathedral’s imminent revival.