Philippines in solidarity with France over cathedral fire

DAVAO CITY  , Philippines  —   Malacañang expressed its solidarity with France following the fire that razed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday that the Palace is deeply saddened and bothered by the fire that hit the historic landmark.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of France as well as in solidarity with the rest of the world for this heartbreaking incident. We wish the French nation all the best as they undertake efforts to rebuild this great monument in Paris (and see it) restored to its majestic sight,” Panelo said in the same statement.

Panelo noted that the Notre Dame Cathedral is an architectural treasure, symbol of Catholicism that housed several historical artifacts and beloved icon immortalized by French novelist Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

The Palace official also said thousands of various races, including Filipinos, have at one time or another stood either by themselves or with their families or friends in front of the cathedral and marveled at its architectural grandeur. 

“Their sojourn there left beautiful memories engraved in their hearts and recorded in photographs. Pain and sorrow were felt by the millions upon hearing the catastrophic fire of the Notre Dame place of worship,” Panelo said.

For their part, the Manila Cathedral and some bishops expressed their sympathy for the Catholic Church in France.

“As a church that suffered various calamities and destruction throughout the centuries, the Manila Cathedral grieves with the Church in France for the fire incident in their beloved Notre Dame Cathedral. But amid this grief, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus signals the hope of rebirth and reconstruction,” the Manila Cathedral said in its Facebook account.

In an interview over the Church-run Radio Veritas, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said they offer their prayers to the French.

“It is very sad news. We are all affected. Yet our faith in God stands firm and He will build up. God is our comfort, He will console us all. Our prayers and holy masses are for them,” said Santos. 

Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad said he hopes that the church would immediately be rebuilt.

“I was saddened when I learned that the Notre Dame Cathedral was partially destroyed. It is the symbol of our faith. I hope that it would be rehabilitated immediately. At the same time, it also serves as a reminder to us that the people should return to God in order to sustain their faith,” Jumoad said. – With Alexis Romero, Evelyn Macairan, Pia Lee-Brago