CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Catholics in Chicago offered prayers Monday after the huge fire in Paris that engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral.
As Notre Dame went up in flames, Mass was held at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral. Prayers were offered for those who were at Notre Dame when the fire started and for the fire crews who dealt with the massive blaze.
“It’s something we should all pray for,” parishioner Nick Costello said. “I was in Paris in 1990 and went to Notre Dame. So, yeah, it’s very sad.”
Longtime parishioner Mary Gordon was also saddened by the catastrophe but said she has hope.
“I said something to a friend of mine who lives in Paris: I’m devastated for everybody, the Parisians and all, but just the way Jesus Christ resurrected on Easter, so will Notre Dame.”
Holy Name has been no stranger to disaster.
The church underwent a roof restoration in 2008. The roof caught fire in 2009 and suffered severe water damage before more repairs were made.