Basilica holds prayer service following Notre Dame fire

Basilica
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The Basilica of St. Mary's in Minneapolis Tuesday holds a special mass to show support for those affected by the massive fire that left the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris in ruins.

The mass begins at noon in St. Joseph Chapel on the Basilica's ground level, followed by a rosary to Our Lady of Paris.

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Officials at the Basilica released a statement:

The Basilica of Saint Mary stands in prayer and support with the Notre Dame Cathedral community and the city of Paris. We pray for the safety of the first responders working to manage the fire. During this Holy week, Catholics around the world are saddened by the destruction of the iconic cathedral. The loss of precious relics, irreplaceable art, striking architecture, rich history and culture, are simply devastating. We invite our community to join us in prayer and to share a message to the people of Paris. A book of messages will be placed on the Altar of the Sacred Heart in The Basilica. This book will be sent to the Archbishop of Paris.

The Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bernerd Hebda says he's been there many times and is heartbroken to hear reports of damage to the 900-year-old structure.

"I love it from an architectural perspective, but I really come to see it as a great spiritual oasis, as well, in the midst of Paris," said Hebda. "Notre Dame is such an iconic structure, speaks to the presence of the church in Europe, that blend between faith and culture. To see it in flames is something that really is jarring."