Climbing on the roof of Notre-Dame as a child in the 1970s. Listening to carolers outside the cathedral on a cold Christmas Eve. Feeling at peace in the sanctuary or inspired to make art outside it.

After the 850-year-old Gothic cathedral’s roof was severely damaged in a fire Monday, we asked our readers to share with us their memories from visits to Notre-Dame and reflections on what the cathedral has meant to them.

Thousands of readers responded to us or posted comments on our site about the fire. Here are some of their responses. They have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Magical childhood memories

I have a photograph of myself at age 6 sitting on a park bench outside Notre-Dame, feeding pigeons with — and chattering away to, in English — a French monk who had taken a vow of silence.