Notre Dame to hold first mass since fire

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to hold its first mass since an April fire destroyed the 13th century structure’s spire and parts of its roof, CNN reports.

{mosads}Only 20 to 30 people will be expected to attend the mass, which will take place Saturday evening, out of safety concerns, the Archdiocese of Paris told CNN.

“May all those who have mobilized since April 15 and all those who continue to work every day for Notre Dame, be they donors, architects, construction workers, political leaders, be warmly thanked for their efforts,” Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit, who will lead the mass, said in a statement to the network.

While the blaze, which lit up the cathedral April 15, destroyed its spire, its iconic twin bell towers and three stained-glass windows survived the massacre.

In the nearly two months since the fire, the Notre Dame Foundation has received $17.7 million worth of donations, and another $425 million has been pledged by donors, CNN reports.