Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

On Saturday, December 7, the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln will join other cathedrals across the United States in ringing their bells at 1 p.m. CT. This event coincides with the Rite of Opening the Doors of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, which has been closed since a fire on April 15, 2019.

The initiative invites dioceses in the U.S. to ring their bells as a gesture of unity. Bishop James Conley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln stated, “When particular communities and churches within the Body of Christ suffer a tragedy, the entire Church suffers.” He added that this sentiment is especially true for "the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris." Bishop Conley expressed honor in participating in this celebration marking Notre Dame's restoration.

In 2019, following the fire, an online collection organized by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception raised over $500,000 from U.S. contributors for Notre Dame's restoration.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, supported this initiative. He remarked that "in addition to the funds donated," uniting local churches with Notre Dame is another sign of solidarity with "the eldest daughter of the Church whose forefathers contributed so much to the U.S. struggle for independence."