An ancient relic that many Christians revere as Jesus Christ’s “Crown of Thorns” is returning to Notre-Dame, five years after it was saved from the flames of the cathedral’s devastating 2019 fire.

The crown – a circular band of branches encased in a gilded golden tube – is being brought back to its historic home Friday. The ceremony will be presided over by the archbishop of Paris and attended by knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, marking a key moment in the cathedral’s restoration journey.

Knights of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre surround the Holy Crown of Thorns during a procession for its return at the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, in Paris, France, December 13, 2024.

Knights of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre pray in front of the Holy Crown of Thorns in Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris, France, December 13, 2024.

The Crown of Thorns and the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns designed by French artist Sylvain Dubuisson as Dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre walk during a procession inside the cathedral of Notre-Dame of Paris, Paris, December 13, 2024.

The relic was first mentioned by Jerusalem pilgrims in the 5^th century before being transferred to Constantinople in the 10^th century. In 1239, it was acquired by King Louis IX of France, who brought it to Paris and housed it at Notre-Dame before commissioning the Sainte-Chapelle for its safekeeping. It was later returned to Notre-Dame.

During the fire that consumed much of Notre-Dame on April 15, 2019, the Crown of Thorns was preserved in a sealed case alongside other relics. Firefighters’ quick actions ensured the survival of those treasures.

Starting January 10, the Crown of Thorns will be displayed for public veneration every Friday until April 18, culminating on Good Friday. Afterward, it will be shown on the first Friday of each month.

The World with AP

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‘Crown of Thorns’ relic returns to Notre-Dame cathedral