(ZENIT News / Paris, 08.30.2024).- In a historic and symbolic move, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to welcome a new addition that bridges the worlds of faith and sport. A bell, which played a prominent role during the recent Paris Olympics, will be installed in the cathedral and will ring for the first time during the Christmas Mass, marking a new chapter in the ongoing restoration of this legendary monument.
From the Olympics to Notre Dame
The 500-kilogram bell, crafted by the renowned Cornille Havard foundry in Normandy, was originally designed for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Cornille Havard, celebrated as «the last bell maker in France,» has a deep connection to Notre Dame, having produced nine new bells for the cathedral in 2013 to commemorate its 850th anniversary. After the catastrophic fire in 2019 that severely damaged Notre Dame, Cornille Havard was entrusted with the task of restoring the cathedral’s bells, ensuring that their sound would continue to echo across Paris.
The bell, which once marked the finish line for Olympic champions in the Stade de France, will soon find a new home within the hallowed walls of Notre Dame. Rather than being installed in the cathedral’s iconic towers, the bell will be placed in an interior gallery near the organ, where it will join two newly cast bells in ringing during the most solemn moments of the Mass.
The Symbolism of the Bell
Beyond its Olympic origins, this bell carries a powerful symbolic weight, representing resilience and unity—two themes that have been central to both the Olympic Games and the restoration of Notre Dame. During the Olympics, the bell’s chime signaled triumph and camaraderie. Now, in a poignant twist, it will serve as a reminder of these values within the spiritual sanctuary of Notre Dame, reinforcing the spirit of fraternity and solidarity that the Olympic Games fostered in Paris.
Father Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector and archpriest of Notre Dame, emphasized the significance of this transition. “What we must remember is the bond between sport and religion, and how both celebrate life and human connection,” he said. The installation of the Olympic bell in Notre Dame is a testament to this connection, uniting the realms of athletics and spirituality in a space that has long stood as a beacon of faith and hope.
A New Voice for Christmas Mass
The Olympic bell will not merely serve as a memento of the recent global sporting event; it will also take on a liturgical role during the Christmas Mass. As it joins the other bells in the cathedral, its sound will resonate during the consecration, weaving together the past and present in a profound act of devotion and celebration.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s original bells, including the historic “le bourdon Emmanuel,” will continue to play their roles during significant occasions. “Le bourdon Emmanuel,” which has withstood wars and disasters, remains a testament to the cathedral’s enduring history. It has tolled during key moments since the 2019 fire, including Easter, Christmas, and the passing of Pope Benedict XVI.
The installation of the Olympic bell at Notre Dame not only adds a new chapter to the cathedral’s storied history but also embodies a profound connection between sport, faith, and community. Its resonance will carry a message of hope and unity that is sure to echo through the generations.
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