Chicago area church bells ring in solidarity with Paris

Local Catholics are struggling with the Notre Dame tragedy, while also showing their support for Paris.

Cardinal Blase Cupich asked the Archdiocese of Chicago churches to ring their bells at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday, which was the same time the fire broke out at Notre Dame on Monday.

The cardinal says it shows solidarity with all in France, especially the Archdiocese of Paris.

“I think it's very important because we're all a human family and we have to stay unified,” said parishioner Carla Freudman.

Holy Name Cathedral is roughly 4,000 miles from Notre Dame, but for many at the church, that distance doesn’t lessen the impact of the fire.

“I was surprised by how many people outside the Catholic church really cared too, because they saw it as a symbol of faith - across all faiths,” said parishioner Sean McGowan.

Chicagoan Sylvie Resch once lived in Paris. Like many, watching it burn left her in tears. But now she has hope.

“The cross survived and that gave us all hope and the news that keeps coming out is hopeful and that's what it's all about, right? For Easter,” she said.

Holy Name Cathedral was built from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire. During this Holy Week, which focuses on resurrection, many here are praying for Notre Dame to rise again.