Fire Update: Notre Dame holds its first mass since blaze destroyed the cathedral’s roof and spire – with attendees in HARD HATS!

• The cathedral held its first mass this evening since the ferocious inferno which stunned the world on April 15
• Paris archbishop Michel Aupetit was leading the service with a reduced congregation for security reasons
• Just 30 congregants, including priests, canons and reconstruction workers were admitted to the side chapel 
• Clerics wore hardhats for safety reasons as restoration works continue on the scorched symbol of France

Notre Dame held its first mass since the inferno destroyed the cathedral’s roof and spire, with the Paris archbishop donning a hardhat instead of a mitre.  

Saturday’s mass at the Gothic building was led by archbishop Michel Aupetit amid reduced attendance for security reasons.

Around 30 congregants, including priests, canons and a number of workers taking part in the church’s reconstruction, were admitted. 

The world watched in horror as the blaze tore through Notre Dame on April 15, plunging France into national mourning over the loss of priceless works of art and its 600-year-old architecture.