(KGTV) -- The massive fire at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is hitting a San Diego school especially hard.
Children at the Notre Dame Academy in Carmel Valley recently visited the sacred site during a school trip.
Francesca Pinney, who is in 8th grade, said stepping inside such a holy place is something she will never forget.
"I remember it being an incredibly majestic and beautiful cathedral and it was incredibly inspiring to my Catholic faith being able to see this in person," said Francesca.
The mood at the school on Monday afternoon was one of sadness and shock.
"During Holy Week, the fact that the cathedral is burning down is just truly awful. It's so tragic," said Francesca, who visited Paris last year.
Other classmates visited the famous attraction in just the last few weeks.
Clare Deloux, a 7th grader, is one of them. She was stunned to learn about the massive fire that captured headlines around the world.
"I was in shock. I didn't expect this to happen. It's very sad that this is amazing and that history was made even building that, " said Clare.
The loss is also personal to their teacher.
Marielle Hacher is from Paris.
"It's a symbol of France and Catholic France for all the Catholic. It's very sad to see that it is burning, and hopefully, they gonna restore it," said Hacher.
The students have already decided to use their next service project to raise money to help with the restoration; meanwhile, they will continue to pray for the people of France.
"Our faith is not only building, we are the living bricks of the building, it is a terrible tragedy but our faith is going to build it up, and the important thing is we are all united," said Sister Angelique Therese.
