Ulrich will use a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the Notre-Dame cathedral’s fire-ravaged roof to knock on its doors three times, prompting a rising tide of choir song before they swing open. The cathedral’s restored 8,000-pipe organ and new altar with a golden cross will respond to the archbishop’s invocation. The crown of thorns, a sacred relic, will be displayed in a sparkling reliquary. Paris Mayor Ariel Weil described the restoration as closing a chapter, reflecting on the shock and devastation of the fire that ravaged the historic building. Emily MacKinnon, a self-described Notre-Dame superfan, moved to Paris from Canada to be closer to the cathedral. She expressed gratitude for the restoration efforts and her love for Notre-Dame, which began in fourth grade. MacKinnon now runs a tour company focused on the cathedral and has collected over a thousand pieces of Notre-Dame memorabilia. She plans to attend the opening ceremony of the cathedral and reflected on the impact of the fire, noting that while the roof and spire were lost, much more could have been destroyed. Despite the devastation, she remains hopeful and grateful for the restoration of the iconic building that has been a significant part of her life.
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