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Tampa Bay area Catholics remember Notre Dame after devastating fire

Posted at 3:37 PM, Apr 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-16 19:11:02-04

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. -- Hundreds participated in the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. It’s an annual tradition during Holy Week but many parishioners were still thinking about the tragedy at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

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"We are suffering, because of the loss of the cathedral,” said Isabel Rojas.

Rojas said she had visited Notre Dame three times in the past. She said it holds a special place in her heart.

“It’s so majestic, spiritual and then I feel connected to all the catholic people in the world," Rojas said.

About 200 Catholic leaders attended Tuesday morning’s mass. Many of them said they had a special connection to Notre Dame.

Father Justin Paskert spent time at the cathedral after he was ordained.

"I was quite blown away by the grandeur of the building, it’s really a spiritual home for so many people,” Paskert said.

Catholics are hoping some good will come from this week’s tragedy.

"I hope it can be rebuilt and maybe it’ll attract more people maybe the faith will increase,” Rojas said.