My fondest memory of Paris was not a romantic rendezvous at Eiffel Tower but a spriritual rediscovery at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.
![tourists flocking in front of notre dame cathedral](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![tourists flocking in front of notre dame cathedral](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![front view of the top of the notre dame cathedral](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![front view of the top of the notre dame cathedral](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-3.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
Braving through the cold winter afternoon, I had to test my patience waiting in a long queue of tourists eager to get in the cathedral to take a look at its majestic interior and learn its historical significance.
![facade of the notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-4.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
![facade of the notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-4.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
![side view of the facade of notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-6.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
![side view of the facade of notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-6.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
![tourist taking a photo of notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-7.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
![tourist taking a photo of notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-7.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
When I finally got in, we were only allowed a few minutes to explore. I went around but stayed on to attend the last French mass for that day. I don’t go to mass as often as I should but that particular ceremony, even though I only understood a few words, was a magical experience that took me back to the Renaissance.
![facade of notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
![facade of notre dame cathedral in paris france](https://i0.wp.com/bebsisms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/notre-dame-1-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
Hearing the news of the fire that destroyed the cathedral yesterday was an emotional blow. The cathedral is not just a figure of literature where a hunchback lived nor is it an architectural masterpiece but an icon of faith for the those who believe.