PARIS -- Evening Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral was filled to the brim with churchgoers Sunday, many of whom had travelled for the occasion. They were there to remember some of the 129 people killed in a wave of terror attacks Friday night, and security was high.
Police vans lined the streets surrounding the cathedral and armed officers rifled through bags. Another check took place by the cathedral's heavy doors. Inside, a figure lurked on a high balcony, keeping watch.
During the service, the distant sound of sirens could be heard periodically, much louder and more real than the muffled bells ringing from the roof.
Around halfway in, mass panic briefly set in over at Place de la Republique, after firecrackers were reportedly set off, and another false alarm occurred in the Marais near the cathedral.
The news filtered in to some of the congregation, and several people left after looking around nervously. Some carried on in prayer oblivious but those that checked their phones seemed spooked.
The rest of the service passed without incident, and was a sombre and dignified affair contrasted with the panic elsewhere outside. Bookended by powerful blasts of organ at the beginning and a short rendition of "La Marseillaise" near the end, during which everyone spontaneously stood, it was a moving hour.
The cathedral, like many other buildings and attractions in Paris, has been closed to the public since Friday. On Sunday night, though, its doors were open, its candles were lit, alter bells rang out and incense pervaded the air.
Archbishop of Paris Andre Vingt-Trois addressed the terrorist attacks, referring to them as barbaric, and insisted that the country must fight back with strength within.
As they left, people agreed it was a moving service.
Virginie Villain, from the 19th arrondissement, told Mashable it was a perfect moment to reflect on those who had lost their lives and those people's families.
Virginie Villain said service was nice moment to think about those who lost their lives and their families. pic.twitter.com/Aygmbzp3Mp— Tim Chester (@timchester) November 15, 2015