For security reasons, only about 30 people — mainly priests, canons and church employees — were admitted inside the cathedral for the service, while Aupetit and others wore construction worker’s helmets. The annual Dedication Mass commemorated the cathedral’s consecration as a place of worship. “This cathedral is a place of worship, it is its very own and unique purpose,” Aupetit said. One French priest called the service “a true happiness, full of hope.”“We will rebuild this cathedral. French President Emmanuel Macron has set a goal of rebuilding it in just five years, which many experts consider unrealistic.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 15, 2019 17:37 UTC