“Just imagine! In the early nineteenth century, this cathedral was in such a state of disrepair that the city considered tearing it down. Luckily for us, Victor Hugo heard about the plans to destroy it and wrote The Hunchback of Notre-Dame to raise awareness of its glorious history. And, by golly, did it work! Parisians campaigned to save it, and the building was repaired and polished to the pristine state you find today.” ― Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

I finally made the time to examine…

  up close and personal…

Our Lady of Paris…

dedicated to the Virgin Mary...

better known as…

Notre Dame de Paris.

Touring with a parent of two Notre Dame University alums 

was the incentive needed to slow down…

 for a contemplative stroll…

observing its history, art and spirituality.

Following a full year of celebrating its 850 years in the heart of Paris,

the Cathedral still welcomes 14 million people through its doors each year.

Meanwhile, the gargoyles peering from each spire above…

are practical as well as intriguing.

It would be worth a trip during a rain storm 

to see the rainwater pour from their mouths.

Happy Thursday.