PARIS — An ancient relic revered by millions of Christians around the world as Jesus Christ’s “Crown of Thorns” has made its much-anticipated return to Notre Dame Cathedral, marking five years since it was saved from the catastrophic flames during the cathedral’s devastating fire on April 15, 2019. The relic—comprised of branches arranged within a gilded golden tube—was returned during a solemn ceremony held on December 13, 2024.
The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich and honored by the presence of knights and dames from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, a Catholic order of knighthood. The event symbolizes not only the restoration of the relic but also marks significant progress within the larger revitalization efforts of the historic cathedral itself.
The Crown of Thorns has captured the attention and devotion of Christians for centuries, with its origins tracing back to 5th century Jerusalem. Initially, it was transported to Constantinople, before being acquired by King Louis IX of France in 1239 for 135,000 livres—a staggering amount, equivalent to nearly half of France's annual expenditure at the time. King Louis IX later housed the relic at Notre Dame after commissioning its safekeeping at the Sainte-Chapelle.
During the catastrophic fire, which ravaged the 850-year-old cathedral, firefighters quickly sprung to action, forming human chains to rescue many objects of historical importance, including the Crown of Thorns. Their dedication and resolve ensured the survival of the relic, which had been kept securely within a sealed case. After the fire, it spent some time at the Louvre Museum before being ceremonially welcomed back to its original home.
Now, with the restoration efforts nearing completion, the cathedral is set to reopen its doors fully to the public. The Crown of Thorns will be available for public veneration every Friday starting January 10, 2025, leading up to Good Friday on April 18, with plans to continue offering public access on the first Friday of each month thereafter.
The reliquary containing the precious relic is newly constructed, having been personally crafted by French artist Sylvain Dubuisson. The return of the Crown of Thorns is particularly noteworthy, considering the depth of its connection to the Christian narrative. According to biblical accounts, this crown was used by Jesus's captors to inflict pain and ridicule him during his crucifixion.
Notre Dame Cathedral, which endured extensive damage, has required significant restoration work costing an estimated €700 million (around £582 million). This labor of love involved the efforts of about 2,000 skilled artisans, including masons, carpenters, and sculptors among others. The immense collaborative effort reflects not only the cultural importance of the cathedral but also the resilience of the French spirit.
French President Emmanuel Macron, during the cathedral's reopening ceremony, remarked, “We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility, and will.” This sentiment captures the overarching narrative surrounding both the cathedral and its cherished relic—the Crown of Thorns—as they both symbolize endurance and faith within the face of adversity.
The ceremonial return of the Crown of Thorns serves as not just the restoration of a tangible item but rather, it embodies the revival of hope, faith, and unity for many. Its placement back within the walls of Notre Dame is sure to attract numerous visitors and devotees, all eager to engage with this deeply significant symbol of Christian history.
While the return of the Crown of Thorns marks the latest chapter for Notre Dame Cathedral, it also plays a pivotal role within the broader narrative of resilience and recovery in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Each Friday, as believers and history enthusiasts gather to honor this sacred object, they will join together to share not just their faith, but their collective memory of the cathedral’s storied past and hopeful future.
