The Crown of Thorns, a relic of immense historical and spiritual significance, has been returned to its home at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a five-year absence.
The Crown of Thorns Returns to Its Historic Home
After a five-year absence, the Crown of Thorns has been returned to its home at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The ancient relic was saved from the devastating fire that ravaged the 850-year-old building in 2019.
A Rich History
The Crown of Thorns is said by some to have been placed on the head of Jesus Christ at his crucifixion, as described in the Bible. It was acquired by King Louis IX of France in Constantinople in 1239 for a staggering 135,000 livres – nearly half of France’s annual expenditure at the time. Initially kept at the Sainte-Chapelle, it was moved to Notre-Dame’s treasury in 1806.
A Heroic Rescue
When the fire broke out in 2019, firefighters and police officers formed a human chain to rescue the relic and other historic artefacts from the cathedral. The crown was temporarily relocated to the Louvre Museum while Notre-Dame underwent extensive renovation.
A New Reliquary
The Crown of Thorns has been placed in a newly built reliquary to replace the one from 1806. A ceremony marking its return was led by a procession attended by members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, a Catholic order of knighthood.
A Symbolic Return
The crown will be displayed for the public from January 10th, according to French media reports. Its return is a significant moment in the history of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which reopened its doors to the public on December 8th after extensive restoration works costing €700m and involving over 2,000 workers.
According to the Bible, the Crown of Thorns was used by Jesus’s captors to cause him pain and mock his claim of authority. The relic is a powerful symbol of faith and history, and its return to Notre-Dame Cathedral is a testament to the enduring spirit of this iconic landmark.
