Thread by @MesMitch

Notre Dame Cathedral stays dark for first time in 200 years
French Catholics go to nearby church in Paris for Christmas mass following fire in April

“It isn’t the same feeling but it’s still a Christmas mass,” said 16-year-old Juliette, who had made the 700km (435 miles) trip from Aix-en-Provence with her family. “There will be a thought for Notre Dame tonight, that’s for sure.”

“We have been crying since 15 April, and today even more,” said Danielle, a Parisian, who attended last year’s mass. She said she felt lifted by the choir of Notre Dame, who performed at the mass.

Meanwhile, the rector of the cathedral said it was still so fragile that there was a 50% chance it might not be entirely saved, because scaffolding installed before this year’s fire is threatening the vaults.