The highly revered Crown of Thorns, believed by many to have been placed on Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, has been formally returned to its place at Notre-Dame Cathedral, following a significant restoration period after the catastrophic fire that occurred five years ago.
Crown of Thorns Celebrated with Grand Return to Notre-Dame Cathedral
Crown of Thorns Celebrated with Grand Return to Notre-Dame Cathedral
Ancient relic returns home after five years post-devastating fire in Paris, symbolizing resilience.
The Crown, which consists of rushes encased in a stunning crystal and gold tube, was welcomed back during a solemn ceremony led by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich. King Louis IX of France originally acquired the relic in 1239, purchasing it in Constantinople for an astronomical sum equivalent to almost half of France's annual budget at the time. After residing at the Sainte-Chapelle and later moved to Notre-Dame's treasury in 1806, it survived through the devastating flames that consumed the cathedral's interior and destroyed its iconic spire.
Brave firefighters and police officers formed a human chain to rescue the Crown along with other invaluable artifacts during the fire rescue operation. For a time, the relic was housed at the Louvre Museum while extensive renovations were undertaken at Notre-Dame, totaling approximately €700 million (£582 million) and involving around 2,000 skilled workers. The Crown has now found its new home in a modern reliquary, replacing the previous one from 1806.
The heartwarming return ceremony featured a procession with members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Starting from January 10, the Crown of Thorns will be displayed for public viewing. Referencing biblical accounts, the thorns were reportedly used to inflict pain on Jesus and mock his claimed divinity.
The cathedral itself was reopened to the public on December 8, with President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing the importance of humility and determination in the wake of such adversity during the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by numerous global dignitaries. The successful restoration has reinstated Notre-Dame as a vital symbol of heritage and faith in France.
In the aftermath of the fire, the return of the Crown has been a poignant reminder of resilience and enduring faith amid destruction, encapsulating the spirit of Notre-Dame’s historical and spiritual significance.
Brave firefighters and police officers formed a human chain to rescue the Crown along with other invaluable artifacts during the fire rescue operation. For a time, the relic was housed at the Louvre Museum while extensive renovations were undertaken at Notre-Dame, totaling approximately €700 million (£582 million) and involving around 2,000 skilled workers. The Crown has now found its new home in a modern reliquary, replacing the previous one from 1806.
The heartwarming return ceremony featured a procession with members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Starting from January 10, the Crown of Thorns will be displayed for public viewing. Referencing biblical accounts, the thorns were reportedly used to inflict pain on Jesus and mock his claimed divinity.
The cathedral itself was reopened to the public on December 8, with President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing the importance of humility and determination in the wake of such adversity during the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by numerous global dignitaries. The successful restoration has reinstated Notre-Dame as a vital symbol of heritage and faith in France.
In the aftermath of the fire, the return of the Crown has been a poignant reminder of resilience and enduring faith amid destruction, encapsulating the spirit of Notre-Dame’s historical and spiritual significance.
