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Cathedral Of The Madeleine Sends Support To Paris After Notre Dame Fire

Photo of choir at Notre Dame.
Courtesy of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City
The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine featuring the choristers of the Madeleine Choir School at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in 2001. The school has performed at the cathedral four times in its the 20-year history, most recently in 2017.

The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City is raising funds to help rebuild the fire-damaged Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. The gesture of support comes as Christians observe holy week.

Choristers at Salt Lake City’s Catholic Madeleine Choir School practiced Thursday for holy week celebrations at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Father Martin Diaz, the rector and pastor of the Cathedral, said the choir has performed several times at Notre Dame, most recently in 2017.

“And so in some small way, we understand how important the cathedral is,” said Diaz. “It’s an international world icon, a heritage, it’s a symbol for all of humanity in connection with God.”

Notre Dame is considered a jewel of Gothic architecture. A major fire erupted at the Cathedral Monday. So far, about $1 billion has been pledged to help restore the landmark that has stood for more than 800 years.

Rev. Diaz said in a press release on the Diocese website, “We feel it is important, as a fellow Catholic Cathedral, to reach out and help this icon of Paris in her time of need.”

The Diocese is accepting donations at Mass. Donations may also be sent through the mail or delivered in-person to the Cathedral of the Madeleine offices.

The “Cathedral to Cathedral” collection will run through May 12.

Father Diaz said the fundraiser is a way for Catholics and non-Catholics alike to connect with Jesus’s challenge to be of service to one another.

President Russell M. Nelson, who leads the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sent a letter to Pope Francis in the wake of the devastating fire, expressing profound sadness at the damage done to the sacred structure.

Daysha Eaton reports about religion and cultural issues, including social justice, for KUER.
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