François Legault decided to go to France for the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris. He is absolutely right to do so. It thus recalls the vital link between France and Quebec.
Especially since the event is historic in its own way. The most famous cathedral in France and, one could say, the most famous in the world, came very close to being wiped off the world map five years ago.
There were millions of us, at that moment, who feared that it would be reduced to ashes.
History
People were stunned: how could this cathedral, having spanned the centuries, and condensing in itself 1000 years of French history, and 2000 years of Christian history, burn before our eyes? Was it not by definition destined to survive us, especially since it had preceded us?
Millions of us also breathed a sigh of relief when we found that it had resisted the flames.
But was it possible to rebuild it? This was Emmanuel Macron’s bet. He is today in a very bad position politically, but we will certainly be grateful to him for having been able to complete this immense project.
How did he achieve this?
-First, by setting a clear objective. The reconstruction should not drag on forever.
Then, by freeing ourselves from the administrative shackles which normally paralyze public action.
Tradition
Finally, by calling on the artisan guardians of tradition and reviving the historical identity of France – especially since it was necessary, rightly, to rebuild Notre-Dame identically.
Because the time of the cathedrals knew how to produce beauty, while our time only produces ugliness.
Between the rich values of Western civilization and the cold values of dying modernity, there seems to be a gulf.
But the main thing is there: Our Lady is back and reminds us that what seems lost can be reborn, as long as we really want it.
