In a significant event marking the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the revered Crown of Thorns has been returned, five years after it was saved from a catastrophic blaze.
Crown of Thorns Returns to Notre-Dame Cathedral Amidst Celebrations
Crown of Thorns Returns to Notre-Dame Cathedral Amidst Celebrations
Ceremony marks the return of the revered relic following a devastating fire.
The Crown of Thorns, believed by many to have been placed on Jesus Christ's head during his crucifixion, has officially returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral, following the fire that ravaged the iconic Paris landmark in April 2019. In an elaborate ceremony chaired by Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, the relic was placed in a newly constructed reliquary, symbolizing both its historical significance and the resilience of the cathedral.
Originally obtained by King Louis IX of France in 1239 during his campaign in Constantinople for the hefty sum of 135,000 livres, the Crown had an eventful journey through history. Initially housed at the Sainte-Chapelle, it later took residence in Notre-Dame's treasury in 1806, where it remained until the fire—an inferno that destroyed much of the cathedral's interior and prominent spire.
In a heroic effort to preserve cultural history, firefighters and police formed a human chain to rescue the Crown of Thorns alongside other invaluable artifacts during the blaze. For a period, the crown was displayed at the Louvre Museum while restoration efforts on the cathedral progressed, costing an estimated €700 million and requiring the skills of around 2,000 craftsmen and professionals.
The return of the Crown coincided with a ceremony that included a procession of members from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, signifying its importance within the Catholic faith. Starting January 10, the public will be able to view this sacred relic, each piece of which carries immense historical and spiritual weight.
At the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 8, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of the restoration journey, saying, "We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility, and will." The Crown of Thorns now serves as a poignant reminder of both the trials faced by this esteemed structure and the unwavering spirit of the Parisian community.
As Notre-Dame stands restored, it represents hope for many and reaffirms the significance of preserving historical heritage amidst adversity.
Originally obtained by King Louis IX of France in 1239 during his campaign in Constantinople for the hefty sum of 135,000 livres, the Crown had an eventful journey through history. Initially housed at the Sainte-Chapelle, it later took residence in Notre-Dame's treasury in 1806, where it remained until the fire—an inferno that destroyed much of the cathedral's interior and prominent spire.
In a heroic effort to preserve cultural history, firefighters and police formed a human chain to rescue the Crown of Thorns alongside other invaluable artifacts during the blaze. For a period, the crown was displayed at the Louvre Museum while restoration efforts on the cathedral progressed, costing an estimated €700 million and requiring the skills of around 2,000 craftsmen and professionals.
The return of the Crown coincided with a ceremony that included a procession of members from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, signifying its importance within the Catholic faith. Starting January 10, the public will be able to view this sacred relic, each piece of which carries immense historical and spiritual weight.
At the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 8, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of the restoration journey, saying, "We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility, and will." The Crown of Thorns now serves as a poignant reminder of both the trials faced by this esteemed structure and the unwavering spirit of the Parisian community.
As Notre-Dame stands restored, it represents hope for many and reaffirms the significance of preserving historical heritage amidst adversity.
