Notre-Dame reopening: Parisians celebrate as 'the city gets its soul back'

The melody of psalms and hymns resonated eerily throughout the streets of Paris.

Melodic sounds flowing to the ears of people outside the freshly renovated walls of Notre-Dame.

Even in the freezing cold and pouring rain, crowds gathered along the Seine to see and be close to this cherished French landmark during its triumphant moment.

The lights shining on the spire and surrounding the cathedral made it a stunning focal point for the city this evening.

Some of the spectators who stood beneath umbrellas shed tears of happiness as they witnessed the momentous reopening from afar.

It wasn't only the faithful who came; there were also visitors who journeyed from distant places to witness the cathedral's resurrection from the ruins.

A woman from the United States called it "an experience you can have only once in a lifetime."

"It was incredible," she exclaimed. "I can't quite express how it felt to see everything illuminated and to listen to the music. I really enjoyed it."

Another woman from Paris shared how her heart "shattered" as she witnessed the fire five and a half years ago. "Now, the city has regained its spirit," she said.

Some individuals were spotted kneeling in the wet ground, engaged in prayer. Meanwhile, a man from Spain was bursting with enthusiasm and gave me a high-five, exclaiming just one word: "amazing."

Check it out: A look inside Notre-Dame cathedral five years after the tragic fire. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has met with Prince William for the second time in Paris.

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Father Maxime Deurbergue, a priest who has dedicated the past two and a half years to renovating the interior of the cathedral, referred to it as a "beacon of spirituality."

He talked about how various craftsmen and workers collaborated throughout the years of restoration, stating, "All the finest contributions of humanity are united here in harmony."

The wonder of this restoration lies not only in how quickly it was completed but also in its perfect blend of history, the present, and what’s to come.

It has maintained its historical roots while also embracing modern technology to ensure a secure future for many years ahead.

As the audience cheered for the glowing "thank you" displayed in various languages on the walls, it became clear, especially after the tragedy at Notre-Dame, that this aspect of French cultural identity reaches well beyond its own borders.