The medieval stone statue of the Virgin Mary and Child back to Notre Dame Cathedral on 15 November, Friday. The 6-foot-tall statue, known as the “Virgin of Paris,” miraculously survived the devastating 2019 fire that destroyed many artefacts.
The centuries-old statue, now nicknamed “Stabat Mater” (the standing Mother), symbolizes hope, faith, resilience, and strength. Hundreds gathered to pay reverence, singing Ave Maria as the procession moved along the Seine River.
Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris blessed the statue upon its arrival, stating, “Tonight, as we accompany the Virgin Mary to her cathedral, she joins the house of Christ.”
This marks another significant step towards Notre Dame’s reopening on 8 December. The famous bells returned last week, and the statue’s return has generated excitement for the solemn yet glorious Mass in the restored cathedral.