That most glorious church of the most glorious Virgin Mary, mother of God,
deservedly shines out, like the sun among stars.
Jean de Jandun, 1323
 
 
Mother of God,
Mother of all Christian believers,
we mourn with the French people
at the devastation
of the beloved Cathedral of Paris.
We grieve the incalculable loss
of history, of art, of memory.
We remember and give thanks for what has been,
and we pray that Notre Dame will rise again.
May Notre Dame de Paris
continue to be the beating heart of the city,
calling people to prayer,
challenging them to justice,
and enticing them with beauty.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.