Notre Dame Cathedral de Paris
Rose Restored: Oh How She Glows
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is recognized as an international church, welcoming the world, all nationalities and faiths. There is an inscription on the bells of Notre Dame Cathedral that reads, "Everyone is welcome. All faiths are welcome". Saturday’s celebration proceedings of the re-opening ceremony was a testament to that, where people from all walks of life and of all nationalities and faiths were invited to participate in the celebration of this historic event.
On April 15, 2019, the world watched in disbelief as this symbol of faith, hope and strength was engulfed in flames and very nearly completely destroyed. At the time, President Macron of France made a commitment to rebuild the church within five years, a commitment that many doubted would be met.
After 5 plus years of uneasy slumber and quiet recovery, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris has once again opened her doors with a revitalized energy and commitment to welcome all for many more generations and centuries to come. Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has been witness to horrific historical events and has suffered great damage and destruction throughout its lifetime, but despite these tragedies, the cathedral has remained steadfast and strong, offering safety and refuge within its walls.
Today, Saturday the 7th of December, 2024, the Grand Lady of Paris has once again opened her doors to welcome the world.
“Rose Bleu” is my interpretation of the rose window from the southern transept of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Elizabeth Janzen: 2022
"La Rose Bleue" tells a story. It is my little Boutis tribute to a place that became an important part of our journey during the years that my husband and I lived in France. The cathedral, always welcoming, became a familiar and comfortable place where we could find moments of quiet reflection and inspiration as we learned to negotiate our way in a new country.
Started prior to the fire, the rose window had already been stitched once with white thread. After the fire, the white no longer seemed appropriate, so to convey the charred remains, I re-stitched it with a dark, ash blue thread. Completed in 2022.
On this weekend of the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, Hubert Valeri has designed and published a new pattern to commemorate and celebrate the occasion. Full of symbolism and hope, it portrays a new beginning.
Design: Hubert Valeri
(printed with permission)