The fire is engulfing Notre-Dame. Image from BFMTV Media
The catastrophic fire at Notre-Dame de Paris. Image from Charles PLATIAU/REUTERS

By Chen Chi-Hsiang

A few days after returning to Paris, I visited an old friend named Mimi whom I hadn’t seen for months. On the way home via tram at dusk, as we passed the winding Seine River, I saw thick white smoke rising into the sky from far across the water. It felt ominous—a fire, though I didn’t know where.

Shortly after arriving home, my phone rang. Mimi called to say that Notre-Dame was engulfed in flames. Opening online news, I saw the spire on top of the cathedral collapsing amidst raging fires. The blaze was devouring Notre-Dame. Oh my God! Around 7 p.m., the fire broke out from roof renovation work inside and quickly spread out of control throughout the entire cathedral. By 10:30 p.m., smoke filled the Parisian night sky. Nearly four hundred firefighters were mobilized, yet it seemed they were powerless against the inferno.

Is Paris still Paris without Notre-Dame, the symbol of the city and the world’s most beautiful Gothic cathedral? It is hard to imagine. Even Paris, the beloved lover, seems to be crying with tears streaming down its face. On the eve of Easter, I pray—may the Lord protect us.