Paris's iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is one step closer to reopening, with the delivery of three new bells marking a key milestone in its restoration following the devastating 2019 fire.
On Thursday, the cathedral received the special gift of a bell from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, along with two smaller bells named Chiara and Carlos.
The Olympic bell, which rang during this year's track and field events at the Stade de France, will be placed alongside the other two bells above the altar.
These new additions will join the cathedral's historic bells when Notre-Dame reopens on Dec. 8, after a four-year restoration effort.
Why Are The Olympic Bells Special?
During a ceremony to mark the occasion, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector of Notre-Dame, expressed his joy at the arrival of the bells.
"What a joy it is," he said, noting that the bells would ring at the most significant moments of Mass, just as they had during the Olympics when they celebrated the victories of athletes.
The Olympic bell is engraved with the Paris 2024 logo, while Chiara and Carlos feature symbols that combine elements of Notre-Dame's famous rosary window with a monstrance, a religious vessel central to the altar.
The bells were cast at the Cornille Havard foundry in Normandy, renowned for its craftsmanship in bell-making.
How Much Damage Did Notre Dame's Fire Cause?
In a traditional ritual, Dumas consecrated the bells with holy water and a branch of a tree, before striking them with a wooden mallet in the presence of Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organizing committee.
Estanguet described the Olympic bell as a powerful symbol of revival, connecting the spirit of The Games with the rebirth of Notre-Dame.
The new bells replace the three that were destroyed when the cathedral's spire collapsed during the fire.
They will be installed in a new location within the cathedral, contributing to the soundscape of daily life at Notre-Dame.
The cathedral's eight original bells from the north tower were returned in September after extensive cleaning and restoration.
These bells, cast for the cathedral's 850th anniversary in 2013, include Gabriel, Anne-Geneviève, and Denis, among others.
The cathedral's two larger bells in the south tower were unharmed in the blaze and remain intact.
What Other Restoration Is Happening at Notre Dame?
The rebuilding of Notre-Dame has involved the efforts of over 250 companies and hundreds of craftsmen.
In addition to the new bells, the restoration includes modern elements including a golden rooster atop the spire, designed by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve.
The rooster, intended as a symbol of hope and renewal, represents a blend of the cathedral's ancient legacy with a modern touch.
As Notre-Dame's restoration nears completion, the installation of the new bells serves as a reminder of the city's commitment to preserving its cultural and historical heritage.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
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