An ancient relic said by many Christians to be the "Crown of Thorns"—believed to have been placed on the head of Jesus Christ at his crucifixion—has returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after it was saved from the flames of the cathedral's devastating fire. The crown, consisting of a circle of rushes encased within a crystal and gold tube, made its way back to the newly restored cathedral during a ceremony overseen by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich.
This significant moment signals not only the return of the revered relic but also reflects the broader restoration efforts of the cathedral, which was heavily damaged during the April 15, 2019 fire. The Crown of Thorns was acquired by King Louis IX of France from Constantinople back in 1239 for 135,000 livres, nearly half of France's annual budget at the time.
Initially housed at the Sainte-Chapelle, the crown was moved to Notre-Dame's treasury in 1806, where it continued to reside until the fire. During the blaze, which decimated much of the cathedral's wooden interiors and caused its iconic spire to collapse, firefighters and police officers formed human chains to rescue the precious relic along with other historic artifacts from the cathedral.
Once the flames were extinguished, the Crown of Thorns was safeguarded and eventually housed at the Louvre Museum during the extensive restoration of the cathedral. Now, it has returned to its historic residence and has been placed within a newly constructed reliquary, replacing the one lost to the fire.
The ceremonial return on January 6, 2024, was marked by participation from members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre—an order of Catholic knighthood—bringing a ceremonial weight to the proceedings. Following this event, the Crown of Thorns will be publicly displayed starting January 10 and available for veneration every Friday until April 18, culminating on Good Friday, marking one of the most significant periods on the Christian liturgical calendar.
The significance of the Crown of Thorns goes beyond its history; according to Biblical traditions, this relic was used by Jesus's captors to inflict pain and mock his claimed authority during his crucifixion. This adds layers of meaning to its return, reflecting both the historical narrative and the enduring faith it symbolizes for many Christians.
The restoration of the cathedral itself has also drawn considerable attention. After years of extensive work, which cost approximately €700 million (£582 million) and required the expertise of around 2,000 skilled workers, Notre-Dame officially reopened its doors to the public on December 8, 2023. This momentous occasion was attended by various world leaders and marked the culmination of efforts to restore the cathedral to its former glory.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the lessons learned during the restoration process during the reopening ceremony. He emphasized the importance of resilience, stating: "We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility and will." This sentiment resonates deeply as the cathedral, which has stood for over 850 years, symbolizes both the rich cultural heritage of France and the shared history of faith.
The return of the Crown of Thorns to Notre-Dame is not just the restoration of a physical artifact but also embodies the revival of community faith and resilience against adversity. It serves as a basis for reflection on the importance of heritage, memory, and continuity, especially after enduring such catastrophic loss.
With the Crown of Thorns now back at Notre-Dame, the cathedral will once again serve as a space for public devotion and reverence. Visitors and worshippers will have the chance to view the relic and engage with the history it carries, especially leading up to significant Christian observances. Meanwhile, the French government and faith communities remain committed to preserving both the cathedral and its narratives for generations to come.
