During a
few months in 2009 and 2010, I was a member of in an association called “Association
des Guides de la Treille” which emphasizes the architecture and the sacred art,
modern or contemporary, of the cathedral. My mission was to guide tourists and
inquiring minds: I explained the history of the construction, the signification
of the stained glass windows in different chapels and the signification of
contemporary liturgical furniture.
This church
was built in part in the 19th century but the west wall was
constructed in the 1900’s and 2000’s. Actually, the cultural patronage and the
crowdfunding permitted this later construction. The materials of this facade are
the marble and the concrete.
The marble
wall receives the stained glass window of Ladislas Kijno. The rose window illustrates
the Passion and the Resurrection. Christ's face, at the bottom in the tomb,
is the starting point of the fruits ripening which symbolizes the
Resurrection. The dove, a figure of the Holy Spirit, is surrounded by the Trinity
and looks a multicolored scene. The scene presents the Jessé tree and the
alliance between God and men. The wine and the bread which symbolize the
Eucharist are at the top of the composition. Like any work of art, some readings
are possible depending on anyone’s sensibility.
The art of
stained glass window making is difficult and subtle because this is the light variation which emphasize this color or other depending on hour, day or season.
At noon, for example, a circle of colored light moves toward the choir. This
stained glass window is completed by the marble wall which plays with the light
too.
The
liturgical furniture and the Way of the Cross are added at the same time. In spite
of liturgical requirements, artists give us their vision of religious subjects.
Recently, the
west wall was the support of a manifestation with Lille Fantastic. The
mapping takes place again during the centenary of the diocese.
