Christ is Risen!
Joyeuses Pacques! Joyous Easter!
The Easter celebration in France is announced by the ringing of the bells in the Christian churches and cathedrals early on Easter morning.
Several years ago, a group of local students were in France during the week before Palm Sunday. The cities and small towns were preparing for Easter. On Palm Sunday, the students visited Chartres Cathedral. The current structure of Chartres Cathedral was completed in gothic style around 1220. During this period of history, the stained glass windows and the sculpture “told” stories to the faithful, most of whom were unable to read.
The three portals of the west facade contain massive amounts of Biblical Art, each doorway focusing on a different aspect of Christ's life. Around the doorway on the right, the sculpture depicts his earthly life, and includes scenes like the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, and the Presentation in the Temple. On the left, is pictured in beautiful glass the Second Coming of Christ. The center portal illustrates the End of Time as laid out in the Book of Revelation.
If you might enjoy additional historical information about Chartres Cathedral, please click HERE.
The Chartres bells chiming
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