Montreal blacksmith celebrates role in Notre-Dame Cathedral restoration ahead of reopening

MONTREAL — Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on Saturday, five years after a devastating fire. Canadian blacksmith Mathieu Collette contributed to the restoration by forging 60 axes used by carpenters to rebuild the roof's timber frame. Collette, who led a team of blacksmiths, worked in France for four months in 2022. He expressed pride in his role, stating he feels he has a "little place in paradise" for his contribution to the historic site. The reopening will feature invite-only ceremonies attended by world leaders. Security will be tight, with the cathedral's location closed to tourists during the events.