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Thursday, June 03, 2004
The Notre Dame Cathedral an eloquent testament of faith
By Belinda N. Rodriguez
Considered the finest example of Gothic architecture in Europe, the Notre Dame seen from a distance looks ethereal. Standing majestically in Paris’ oldest part, the Ile de la Cité, this famous architectural wonder is as often visited and admired as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, easily two of the most recognizable of Paris’ landmarks.
The Notre Dame (French for “Our Lady”) is a hallowed structure made more so by time and circumstance. It has been a witness to great events in history, both in times of peace and war.
Kings and emperors have been crowned here, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte who crowned himself here on Dec. 2, 1804, a ceremony outrageous to both his enemies and supporters, because the Pope, Pius VII who came all the way from Rome, was supposed to crown him, but at the last moment, Napoleon snatched the crown from the Pope and set it on his own head himself.
A huge painting commemorating this event hangs in the Royal Palace at Versailles with the painter successfully capturing the astonished, if not shocked face of the Pontiff and suggesting to the viewers the extent of Napoleon’s ambition.
Both the famous and the infamous have marched down the cathedral’s marbled aisles and worshipped in its sacred altar. It has been a place of much ambiguity-hosting the most despicable acts of man as well as his most glorious and noble deeds. In the past, it had been a sanctuary for refugees of war and for the poor and hungry of France devastated by famine. It had also served as a mini-battleground of warring kings and despots.
A marvel to see inside the cathedral and a major work of art are its famous stained-glass windows. Strategically located, they provide ample sunlight to an otherwise dark interior. They are a visual delight to visitors. Some of the most breath-taking are those with floral patterns found on the highest walls looking like huge chandeliers decked in multi-colored lights or bursts of a fireworks display amid a dark sky. This, I think, is the reason why the main altar is surprisingly simple, just a marble table-like stand with a crucifix upon it as a lone fixture, as if it doesn’t want to take away the glory and our attention from these marvels of art. The stark simplicity of the altar, while making the contrast more defined, creates a dramatic effect on the entire architectural layout.
Numerous artworks also line the walls of this great cathedral. The most memorable to me is the painting “The Crucifixion of St. Peter”, showing the great apostle nailed to his cross upside down as he had wished, the expression on his face one of great faith and total surrender. It is a very moving piece, worthy of its timeless and ageless setting. There are drawings that tell the story of its construction and miniature models of the original structural plan. Several masterpieces also hang here.
The exterior of the cathedral is equally impressive. The numerous spires, arches, statues, reliefs and other intricate carvings on all four sides of he cathedral speak of the Gothic style at its most glorious and noblest expression of faith.
Notre Dame has been immortalized both in fact and in fiction by great men throughout the ages. The noted French writer, Victor Hugo, wrote a novel set here entitled, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. After leaving the cathedral, I looked up at the bell tower and thought for a fleeting moment that I saw the old hunchback, Quasimodo, routinely but joyfully tugging at the bell ropes.
This is the effect the cathedral has on the visitor--- it stirs his soul to the heights of sublimity.
(June 3, 2004 issue)
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