(by David S. Cook, Scoutmaster Troop 414, Big Apple District, GNYC)

Note: Following is a very rough translation, subject to correction and refinement.

SIDE FACING OFFICE (Face of bell, in Latin)
Pius X, Supreme Pontiff, having graciously received the prayer of Frederick, Archbishop of Rouen, with the greatest of joy grants this magnificent bronze bell in honor of Blessed Joan (nicknamed "of Arc") to the ready service of blessed God.
Just as a girl once marched forth from servitude to bring the nation close to God, so this most powerful bronze voice will bring together the entire nation of France in perpetual religious and civic good.

(Top band, in French)
Born in 1914, silent during the war, I gave my first song upon victory and peace.

(Bottom band, in French)
His Holiness Benedict XV reigning, His Eminence Cardinal Dubois Archbishop of Rouen, Chan. Leserceant Archpriest of the Cathedral, Mr. Paul Deschanel being President of the Republic.

SIDE FACING ROAD (Face of bell, in French)
In the year of Grace 1914, on the initiative of Msgr. Frederick Fuzet, Archbishop of Rouen, Primate of Normandie, thanks to the generosity of his patron our Holy Father Pope Pius X and that of his generous patroness Madame Louise Josephine Georges Ferrere this bell, "the Joan of Arc" of total weight of 20000 kilograms was founded by the Sons of Georges Paccard at Annecy-le-Vieux and placed here by the efforts of Mr. Chaine, Architect of the Government, Mr. Raymond Poincare being President of the Republic.

Explanatory Notes:
Pius X was Pope from 1903 to 1914.
One of the Pope's titles, is "Pontifex Maximus," abbreviated "Pont. Max."
Joan of Arc is here called "Blessed." "Blessed" is a rank below "Saint."
Joan of Arc was not canonized as a Saint until the middle 1920's.
Some guesses as to the history of the bell: Both the Latin and French large inscriptions, as well as the top band, indicate that the bell was founded (bells are made in a foundry, but are said to be "born"and given names like persons) in 1914 to be hung in the Cathedral of Rouen in Normandy, in France. Since it was customary not to ring any bells during wartime, the bell was silent until the end of the First World War on November 11, 1918. By that time, Pope Pius X had died (in 1914), and the bell must have been rededicated under the patronage of the new Pope, Benedict XV (reigned 1914-22), the new Archbishop of Rouen, and the new President of France, which accounts for the inscription on the bottom band.

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Last Updated: March 05, 2006
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