In brief
The Crown of Thorns, believed to be a symbol of Christ's suffering, has been ceremonially returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, marking a significant moment since the devastating fire in 2019. The ancient relic, brought back by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, is encased in a crystal and gold tube and has deep historical roots, having originally been acquired by King Louis IX in 1239.
Relocated to the cathedral’s treasury in 1806, the crown survived perilous conditions during the fire that wrecked the iconic structure. Last Friday, amidst a ceremonial procession attended by members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the relic was placed in a new custom-built reliquary to ensure its preservation. The grand ceremony signals a fresh chapter for Notre-Dame, which reopened earlier this month after comprehensive restorations that cost around €700 million and involved thousands of skilled workers. The public will have access to view the Crown of Thorns starting January 10, as Notre-Dame continues to reclaim its place as a cornerstone of French heritage and spirituality.
