There is simply a fight for the form of stained glass in the rebuilt Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Despite the expert opinion and the reconstruction committee, convincing to faithfully reproduce the first works, the Ministry of Culture, under force from president Emmanuel Macron, pushes the repression of the “track of modernity” at the cathedral. Perhaps, like erstwhile presidents, Macron besides wants to leave something behind in the architecture of Paris? But why is he utilizing a symbol so crucial to Catholics?
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, equipped with modern stained glass windows, is to be reopened on 8 December. A akin situation applies to another burnt cathedral in Nantes, where modern images are besides to be installed.
Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul Cathedral in Nantes has been closed since its arson in July 2020. fresh organs and a fresh glass roof are presently being assembled there. The renovation of the part most affected by flames will not begin until the spring of 2025. Although any elements are inactive subject to consultation, the renovation task is intended to be "contemporaryly oriented".
The thought of modern stained glass in this case is little gross than the proposal of the revolution in Paris' Notre Dame. The Nantes Cathedral was supplemented by modern stained glass windows as early as the 1950s and 1980s. It should besides be remembered that the cathedrals in France are owned by the state. In Nantes, the work is financed by the budget and there is EUR 32 million. However, changes in the architecture of Gothic cathedrals are controversial.
W Nantes' construction of the cathedral began in 1434 and lasted over 400 years. In the 16th century, stained glass was made for the cathedral (the stained glass on the facade was founded by the Duchess of Brittany Anna, who later became Queen of France). During the French Revolution, the church was closed and it was not until 1802 that the Catholics were reinstated. The cathedral then required renovation and reconsecration only took place in 1876. In 1944, the building was bombed; sacristy and absidum suffered. In 1972, a fire broke out on the roof of the cathedral during decoding work, which destroyed a large part of the interior equipment. In May 1985, the cathedral had to be commissioned again.
In July 2020, the cathedral was set on fire in 3 locations. The organ empire suffered the most, 400-year-old baroque organs burned, which avoided demolition even during the French Revolution. The stained glass was besides destroyed.
The arsonist turned out to be a helpful citizen of Rwanda. 39-year-old Emmanuel Abayiseng, thus making a kind of "revenge" for refusing to renew his right to reside in France. During the trial, the prosecutor stated that the origin of the fire was "a massive anger and a sense of revenge related to its administrative situation". The motivation of the arsonist is hard to understand, due to the fact that the diocese in Nantes had his efforts to stay...supported.
Emmanuel Abayiseng has an even more severe crime. After being released from deportation detention, in 2021 he murdered Fr Olivier Maire, who hosted him in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre. yet Emmanuel Abayisenga, due to "mental problems", was sentenced to only 4 years in prison. That's little than it'll take to rebuild the cathedral.
Bogdan Dobosh
