Notre Dame architect: Virgin Mary helped with reconstruction

 


Paris - As a civil servant, he had kept a low profile for five years – now the architect in charge has come out as a devout Christian and revealed why he believes the reconstruction has progressed so quickly.

The chief architect for the reconstruction of Notre-Dame, Philippe Villeneuve, has revealed his deep attachment to the Virgin Mary. In an interview with the private Catholic broadcaster EWTN News, Villeneuve said that he had felt the help of the Virgin Mary during the restoration of the Paris cathedral, which was badly damaged by fire.

For five years, he had not spoken about the subject "because I am a civil servant in a secular republic," Villeneuve said. But now "I have to say it: yes, I have a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. I have never stopped feeling support from above. I don't think this project would have been possible otherwise. I think that gave me the strength and determination to continue," says the architect.

Notre-Dame was almost completely destroyed by the devastating fire in April 2019. Under Villeneuve's direction and in collaboration with architects Remi Fromont and Pascal Prunet, an international team of 2,000 craftsmen rebuilt the world-famous church in record time. The Cologne Cathedral Building Lodge was also involved. Notre-Dame was ceremoniously reopened last weekend. (KNA)