Alerts Sign-up
Firefighters and police officers formed a human chain to save the crown of thorns from the flames at Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019. On December 13, 2024, this sacred relic was returned to its rightful place on Île de la Cité in Paris.
The procession carrying the crown of thorns traveled from Palais du Louvre across the Seine River to Notre Dame. A knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held the relic on a red velvet cushion. More than 400 members of this order, including 200 knights dressed in white coats with red Jerusalem crosses, took part in the procession. They have been responsible for safeguarding the crown since it was entrusted to them by the archbishop of Paris in 1923.
"The crown of thorns, placed on Jesus’ head by his captors to cause him pain and mock his claim of authority, was acquired by St. Louis, then-King Louis IX of France, in Constantinople in 1239 for 135,000 livres — nearly half France’s annual expenditure at the time," according to historical records.
A crowd gathered as the relic made its way back to Notre Dame. Bénédicte de Villers, among those present, recounted her experience: “I arrived in front of Notre Dame just as the procession was beginning to enter the cathedral through the central door. Hearing the organ and the singing, I begged the security guards to let me in."
Once inside Notre Dame Cathedral, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich addressed about 2,000 attendees: “We are moving from the time of Advent to the time of Passion." Father Olivier Ribadeau Dumas then presented the crown during a moment of silence.
The procession continued through side aisles with participants observing quietly. "It was a very slow, very contemplative tour," said Villiers.
The new reliquary housing the crown is designed by Sylvain Dubuisson and features marble and cedar wood elements with gilded bronze thorns. The altar is lit by candles and includes a blue niche that shelters the crown.
Archbishop Ulrich blessed this new reliquary and prayed for future visitors. Father Pascal Ide expressed admiration for its design: “This new reliquary is all radiance.”
Starting January 10, 2025, until Good Friday, visitors can view this relic every Friday; otherwise it will be secured within its altar.
Father Ide described Notre Dame as now being entirely a "cathedral of light" following its reopening: "Reopening day was a historic moment."
Caroline de Sury reports for OSV News from Paris.
