The Smile of Reims

The history of the Cathedral at Rheims (Reims - prounounced rance, as in France) is quite amazing. The foundation stone was laid in 1211. There was a labyrinth in the floor of the Cathedral with the four architects who designed this Gothic structure represented in the four corners of it. The labyrinth was destroyed in 1779.

The Cathedral was nearly destroyed itself in World War I.   Twenty-five French Kings were crowned in the present Cathedral. It seems that no King of France at that time would be considered a proper King, if not crowned at the Cathedral of Reims.  There is a statue inside the Cathedral, as well as outside of St. Joan of Arc, because of her role in the crowning of King Charles VII of France.  I was especially struck by the role that St. Joan of Arc played at Reims.  Her youth, her strength and her faith are certainly inspiring.  

The stained glass windows are breathtaking.  The light that streams through them changes as each ray changes throughout the day, creating thoughtful patterns across the walls and floors.

 Stories are told in the windows, tapestries and statues within and outside.  It seemed as if the entire Bible was portrayed in one or the other.  One could spend a week here and not be able to truly see or absorb it all.

The story and statue that I most enjoyed is that of the smiling angel.  

Through some research, I discovered that she might not have been smiling in her original form.  Though, I don't know if anyone knows for sure.  It appears she was quite damaged and placed in storage, partially repaired and then hidden again before she was completed restored and placed again on the structure.  She is on the Western Facade of the Left Portal (north) of the Cathedral. It was fortunate that I had a telephoto lens, as that entire area was fenced off for some repairs and restoration. I was so taken with her smile that the entire three week trip would have been worth just seeing her.  Her smile was joyful, playful, comforting and inspiring.  I heard her say to me, "you can do all things through faith, you are loved, you are precious in His eyes,  do not worry, trust, be compassionate,have hope, love others as you wish to be loved, do not judge, let go of all that prevents you from believing in the goodness of others and all that keeps you from love  Above all else, remember to love.."  Her sweet face is something I will carry with me forever.  If there is anything that a statue, a stained glass window or a tapestry should tell us, it is that.  To remember to love.

In my research, I found this poem and I think it gives a bit of clarity as to the message this angel brings.  

THE SMILE OF REIMS

"The smile," they called her,—"La Sourire";

            and fair—

   A sculptured angel on the northern door

   Of the Cathedral's west façade—she wore

Through the long centuries of toil and care

That smile, mysteriously wrought and rare,

   As if she saw brave visions evermore—

   Kings, and an armored Maid who lilies bore,

And all the glories that had once been there.

How like to thee, her undefeated Land!

   Wounded by bursting shells, a little space

      Broken she lay beneath her ancient portal;

But lifted from the earth with trembling hand,

   Victorious, still glowed upon her face

      Thy smile, heroic France, love-given and

            immortal!

Florence Earle Coates.

  

No matter what we go through in life, there is always hope and there is always love,  I think that is the pure message this sweet angel brings to all who enter Reims Cathedral.