THE Manila Cathedral expressed grief over the blaze that hit the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, Tuesday, April 16.

In a brief statement, the Manila Cathedral said it is one with France in mourning over the burning of the long-standing Gothic church.

“The mother church of the Philippines grieves with the mother church of Paris,” said the Manila Cathedral in its Facebook page.

“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,” it added.

Still, the Episcopal See of the Archdiocese of Manila expressed optimism that the people of Paris will soon see a stronger Notre Dame Cathedral.

“Amidst this grief, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus signals the hope of rebirth and reconstruction,” said the Manila Cathedral.

On Tuesday, April 16, a massive blaze hit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris that resulted in the devastation of large parts of the 850-year-old church.

The cathedral’s iconic spire fell during the blaze.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in turn, promised Parisians that they will “rebuild this cathedral together.” (HDT/SunStar Philippines)