The Wind & Fire of Pentecost in Notre Dame Cathedral

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 

 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Acts 2: 1-4 NRSVue 

Many of us watched the spectacular re-opening service for the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. While some aspects of that restoration involved meticulous attention to the history of this magnificent building dedicated to the glory of God there were nods to modernity as well, including the striking vestments for the clergy. 

This work continues in imaginative ways such as a set of stained glass windows telling the story of Pentecost, the tumultuous blessing of the Holy Spirit on the first believers before the term Christian had been coined. While it shouldn't come as a surprise that there are some who strongly oppose installing windows that don't reflect a more traditional style there have been many renovations and additions to Notre Dame through the centuries. 

Not all changes are fitting for church buildings and I've been in some sanctuaries where strange decisions are so jarring I get antsy sitting in them. Yet I strongly believe that the Holy Spirit can sweep into spaces and the communities they serve in refreshing and enlivening ways. 

Here is a description from the National Catholic Reporter about what these new windows represent that I find really helpful. Congratulations to those who were wlling to make bold choices for a living congregation: 

The models for six new contemporary stained-glass windows planned for Notre Dame Cathedral are now on public display in Paris following months of intense national debate.

Critics argue historic elements should not be removed, while supporters say the new windows honor tradition and reflect the living faith of the Church today.

The works, designed by French artist Claire Tabouret, are featured in the exhibition "In One Breath" at the Grand Palais through March 15. Since Dec. 10 visitors have flocked to the vast white gallery where the work is displayed along with sketches and other preparatory items.

Tabouret, a 44-year-old French painter of international renown, lives between France and Los Angeles. Her stained-glass windows models depict the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the Virgin Mary, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. Prints on display are figurative works nearly 23 feet high and 13 feet wide.

The theme of Pentecost was chosen for the stained-glass windows by the Archdiocese of Paris and Archbishop Laurent Ulrich as part of a new educational program designed by the chaplains of Notre Dame to help visitors discover the foundations of the Christian faith while exploring the cathedral. This journey takes them from Genesis to the beginnings of the Church, through Christ's death on the cross, symbolized by the crown of thorns, which is in a reliquary located in the central chapel of the cathedral.