The Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Christ, has returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral in a significant ceremony, marking a hopeful revival following the church's tragic fire.
Crown of Thorns Celebrates Return to Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Historic Reunion
Crown of Thorns Celebrates Return to Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Historic Reunion
The revered relic, rescued five years prior, finds its home again after a devastating fire.
In a moment of religious significance and historical reverence, the Crown of Thorns has been returned to its historic resting place at Notre-Dame Cathedral, five years after it was saved from a catastrophic fire. Encased in a striking crystal and gold reliquary, this ancient relic—believed to have adorned Jesus Christ at his crucifixion—was presented on Friday by Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, during a solemn ceremony.
The Crown, which King Louis IX of France rescued from Constantinople in 1239, first found its home at the Sainte-Chapelle before being transferred to Notre-Dame's treasury in 1806. However, the church experienced a devastating blaze in April 2019, which ravaged its wooden interior and led to the collapse of its iconic spire. As chaos ensued, firefighters and police joined forces to form a human chain, successfully evacuating the Crown of Thorns and other invaluable artifacts from the burning structure.
While undergoing restoration, the relic had been housed at the Louvre Museum. Following extensive renovations costing around €700 million, the cathedral opened its doors to the public on December 8. The return ceremony for the crown featured a processional with members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, a prestigious Catholic knighthood, underscoring the immense cultural and religious importance of the relic.
Starting January 10, the Crown of Thorns will be available for public viewing, allowing patrons a closer glimpse of this significant piece of Christian history. Reflecting on the cathedral's restoration during its reopening ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the necessity of cherishing the lessons drawn from such fragility and resilience.
The Crown, which King Louis IX of France rescued from Constantinople in 1239, first found its home at the Sainte-Chapelle before being transferred to Notre-Dame's treasury in 1806. However, the church experienced a devastating blaze in April 2019, which ravaged its wooden interior and led to the collapse of its iconic spire. As chaos ensued, firefighters and police joined forces to form a human chain, successfully evacuating the Crown of Thorns and other invaluable artifacts from the burning structure.
While undergoing restoration, the relic had been housed at the Louvre Museum. Following extensive renovations costing around €700 million, the cathedral opened its doors to the public on December 8. The return ceremony for the crown featured a processional with members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, a prestigious Catholic knighthood, underscoring the immense cultural and religious importance of the relic.
Starting January 10, the Crown of Thorns will be available for public viewing, allowing patrons a closer glimpse of this significant piece of Christian history. Reflecting on the cathedral's restoration during its reopening ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the necessity of cherishing the lessons drawn from such fragility and resilience.
