Events at Baltimore basilica mark history, religious freedom

Published: 2006-11-15

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Bells rang simultaneously in Baltimore and Lyon, France, during a Nov. 10 ceremony marking the special American-French connection in the establishment of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In honor of the basilica's bicentennial, the French-cast bells inside the basilica's twin towers tolled 200 times while their counterparts rang at the same time at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Notre Dame Basilica of Fourviere in Lyon. The celebration of the basilica's ties to France was one of several events that took place in conjunction with the reopening of the church after a massive $32 million restoration. There was also an interfaith service Nov. 9 and a youth Mass Nov. 11. Standing on the basilica portico beneath flags of the United States and France, French Consul General Jean-Pierre Allex said he was proud that France had made contributions toward "one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks in the United States."

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .