Paris’s iconic Notre Dame cathedral, which fell silent after the devastating fire in 2019, is set to ring out once again with new bells. Three new bells, including one used in the Paris Olympic Games at the Stade de France, were delivered to the cathedral on Thursday. The Olympic bell, a gift from the Paris 2024 organizing committee, will be installed alongside two smaller bells named Chiara and Carlos above the altar for Mass ceremonies.
The arrival of these bells ahead of Notre Dame’s reopening on December 8 is a significant milestone in the restoration and modernization of the 861-year-old cathedral, known worldwide through Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the rector of Notre Dame, expressed his gratitude for the bells during a ceremony, highlighting the joy they bring to Mass ceremonies.
Crafted by the renowned Cornille Havard foundry in Normandy, the bells represent France’s long-standing tradition of bell-making. In a solemn moment, the bells were consecrated with holy water and a tree branch by Dumas. The bells were then struck by Dumas and Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, with a wooden mallet to mark the occasion.
The new bells replace the three that were near Notre Dame’s spire, which collapsed during the fire. They will be placed in a different location within the cathedral to enhance the daily soundscape of Notre Dame. These new bells join the eight historic bells from the cathedral’s north tower that were reinstalled in September after being cleaned and renovated.
The reconstruction of Notre Dame has involved numerous companies and skilled craftsmen, highlighting a combination of old and new in the evolving restoration of the cathedral. The addition of the golden rooster weathervane atop the newly designed spire by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve symbolizes a blend of ancient tradition and modernity, signifying hope and revival.
The Notre Dame cathedral continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and unity, with the new bells adding to its rich history and cultural significance. As the cathedral prepares to reopen its doors, the echoing chimes of the new bells will once again fill the air, resonating with visitors and worshippers alike. The blending of old and new in the restoration process serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Notre Dame and its importance in the heart of Paris.
