(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/pb-121212-notre-dame-anniversary-kb-445p-02a.photoblog900.jpg)Yoan Valat / EPA
Priests celebrate Notre Dame Cathedral's 850th anniversary in Paris, Dec. 12, 2012.
(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/pb-121212-notre-dame-anniversary-kb-450pa.380;380;7;70;0.jpg)Patrick Kovarick / AFP - Getty Images
Archbishop Andre Vingt-Trois leads a Pontifical Mass during Notre Dame Cathedral's 850th anniversary in Paris, Dec. 12.Associated Press reports — Dignitaries, tourists and Parisians gathered in the thousands Wednesday for a ceremony and Mass marking the beginning of year-long commemoration of Notre Dame Cathedral's 850th anniversary.
The 12th-century Gothic cathedral looming over the heart of the French capital will get a set of new bells in February, one of the highlights of a year's worth of planned events including seminars, concerts of sacred music and the issuance of commemorative stamps.
Archbishop Andre Vingt-Trois and Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe are among the civil and religious dignitaries taking part in Wednesday evening events marking the beginning of the cathedral's construction in 1163.
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