A medieval statue of the Virgin Mary and Child, known as “The Virgin of Paris,” returned to Notre Dame cathedral Friday evening, five years after surviving the devastating 2019 fire that engulfed the landmark.

A procession of hundreds of people holding candles walked through the streets of Paris to bring a famed statue of the Virgin Mary and child back to Notre-Dame Cathedral on Friday, five years after it was moved to a nearby church after a devastating fire.

Hundreds in Paris marched with candles and hymns as the Virgin Mary statue returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral, ahead of its December 8 reopening. The cathedral’s $580M restoration, funded by global donations,

The 1.8-metre stone sculpture is a symbol of hope and faith for Catholics, and was relocated after the 2019 fire that devastated the historic cathedral.

A medieval statue of the Virgin Mary and Child, known as the “Virgin of Paris,” has returned to Notre Dame cathedral, five years after surviving the devastating fire of 2019

Notre Dame welcomes back restored Virgin Mary statue The return of the Virgin Mary statue marks a significant milestone in the restoration of Notre Dame. Watch more on Independent TV: The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand,