It was so disheartening to watch the news today and learn of the fire that engulfed the roof at Notre-Dame-de-Paris Cathedral. If there’s any good news to be had, it appears much of the structure remains intact and many of the historic artifacts and artwork were saved from the blaze.

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the church in September 2012, as millions of visitors did yearly until today. I did not get the chance to scamper up to the top for a city view — next time, I thought then. With hope, this grand place of worship and one of Paris’s jewels will be rebuilt and reopen with renewed splendour.