PARIS — The beloved Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which suffered a catastrophic fire in 2019 that silenced its historic bells, is preparing to restore its melodic charm with the arrival of three new bells.
On Thursday, the cathedral welcomed these bells, which include a notable piece that rang during the recent Paris Olympic Games at the Stade de France.
This Olympic bell, presented as a gift from the Paris 2024 organizing committee, will be positioned alongside two smaller newly crafted bells named Chiara and Carlos, situated above the altar where they will resonate during Mass, according to officials.
Their arrival is a significant event as it coincides with the anticipated reopening of Notre Dame on December 8, marking an important step in the careful restoration and modernization of the nearly 862-year-old structure, famously immortalized by Victor Hugo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
During a ceremonial event, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, the rector of Notre Dame, expressed his delight over the bells’ arrival.
“What a joy it is,” he remarked, highlighting the anticipation of hearing these bells ring at the most pivotal moments during Mass, reminiscent of celebrations for competition victors.
Throughout the Paris 2024 Games, this iconic Olympic bell rang for each track and field champion, proudly bearing the inscription “Paris 2024.”
The accompanying smaller bells feature a unique design that merges the emblem of Notre Dame’s famed rose window with a monstrance, a significant religious artifact central to the worship within the cathedral.
Crafted by the renowned Cornille Havard foundry located in Villedieu-les-Poêles, Normandy, these bells reflect France’s rich heritage and expertise in bell-making.
In a ceremonial act, Dumas consecrated the bells using holy water and a branch, before he and Tony Estanguet, chair of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, commemorated the occasion by striking the bells with a wooden mallet.
“What a powerful symbol it is to see this second life given to the Paris 2024 bell, which brought us so many emotions during these Games,” Estanguet noted, emphasizing the significance of the moment.
These new bells will be installed to replace three older bells that previously occupied the area near Notre Dame’s 19th-century spire, which tragically fell during the fire that devastated the cathedral’s rafters and roof structure.
Officials have confirmed that the new bells will be placed in a different location within the cathedral, contributing to the auditory experience that defines Notre Dame’s daily atmosphere.
In addition, the newly restored eight historic bells from the cathedral’s north tower were reintroduced in September following a thorough cleaning process.
These bells, named Gabriel, Anne-Geneviève, Denis, Marcel, Étienne, Benoît-Joseph, Maurice, and Jean-Marie, were originally cast in 2013 to celebrate Nostre Dame’s 850th anniversary.
The larger bells situated in the south tower have remained unharmed throughout the fire, according to officials.
The restoration effort of Notre Dame involves an extensive collaboration of over 250 companies along with countless skilled artisans.
The Olympic bell represents just one instance of the blend of historical significance and contemporary transformation in Notre-Dame’s revitalization efforts.
Atop the newly crafted spire, a golden rooster designed by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve serves as a striking symbol of the marriage of history and modernity.
This weathervane, resembling a phoenix with flames cascading over its wings, is a poignant emblem of hope and renewal for the storied cathedral.