Worshippers in safety hats attend Notre-Dame's first mass since fire

SUMMARY

A small congregation in white hard hats attended mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday, the first service since a fire devastated the Gothic landmark two months ago. Church leaders are keen to show life goes on at the cathedral as donations for rebuilding trickle in. The mass, which commemorates the cathedral's consecration as a place of worship, was held in a side-chapel left undamaged by the April 15 fire, with attendance limited to about 30 people wearing protective headgear.

By ReutersJun 17, 2019 3:04:19 PM IST (Updated)

The Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit leads the first mass in a side chapel two months to the day after a devastating fire engulfed the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, in Paris. Karine Perret/Pool via REUTERS

The mass, which commemorates the cathedral's consecration as a place of worship, was held in a side-chapel left undamaged by the April 15 fire, with attendance limited to about 30 people wearing protective headgear. Karine Perret/Pool via REUTERS

The Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit leads the first mass in a side chapel two months to the day after a devastating fire engulfed the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. The blaze caused the roof and spire of the architectural masterpiece to collapse, triggering worldwide sadness. Karine Perret/Pool via REUTERS

Less than 10 percent of the 850 million euros ($953 million) pledged by billionaires, business leaders and others have been received so far, the French government said. Karine Perret/Pool via REUTERS

A picture shows rubbles and the cross at the altar, inside the Notre-Dame Cathedral after it sustained major fire damage from the previous month, during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France May 15, 2019. Philippe Lopez/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral rector Patrick Chauvet waves as he leaves the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral after taking part in the first mass since the devastating fire in April. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier