The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is getting its bells back, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing restoration following the devastating fire of 2019. A convoy of trucks carrying eight restored bells, the heaviest weighing over 3,500 kg, arrived at the monumental construction site on Thursday, a testament to the cathedral’s slow but steady revival.
These newly restored bells, a symbol of the cathedral’s voice and its call to prayer, will be blessed in a special ceremony within the cathedral walls before being hoisted to their rightful place in the twin towers. This poignant ceremony is scheduled to take place before the cathedral’s much-anticipated reopening to the public on December 8th.
“These bells are a sign that the cathedral will again resonate, and that its voice will be heard again,” stated Cathedral Rector Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, wearing a hardhat as he prepared to enter the cathedral for the blessing. He sees the return of the bells as a symbol of hope, signifying not only the cathedral’s physical resurrection but also its ability to once again bring people together.
Philippe Jost, overseeing the mammoth Notre Dame reconstruction project, describes the arrival of the bells as “a very beautiful symbol of the cathedral’s rebirth.” While the cathedral itself began construction in the 12th century, the bronze bells, which were damaged in the fire, are from the 21st century. These bells were crafted following historical tradition to replace older, discordant bells, commemorating the monument’s 850th anniversary.
As the cathedral prepares for its reopening, the roof and spire, which collapsed in the fire, have been painstakingly replaced. Scaffolding is gradually being removed from the site, leaving behind a renewed and resilient monument. The return of the bells represents not only the completion of this monumental restoration project but also the resurgence of the cathedral’s powerful spirit and its enduring connection to the Parisian community.
