Paris, April 16, 2019
Photo: dailytelegraph.com.au
The world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris went up in flames yesterday at about 6:50 local time, stoking fears that the great architectural treasure of Western Christianity would be lost, and with it the precious relics housed inside.
However, thanks to the brave efforts of Parisian firefighters, both the cathedral’s main structure and several of the most precious relics were saved. Fire Department Commander General Jean-Claude Gallet said the main body of the cathedral was saved after hours of tireless work by firefighters, though flames had caused significant damage both inside and outside the cathedral, reports the Townsville Bulletin.
The cathedral is home to one of the most precious relics in Christendom—Christ’s Crown of Thorns, which it had received from Jerusalem in the 13th century, as well as a piece of the True Cross, one of the nails from the Cross, and the tunic of St. Louis, a French saint—all of which were saved by firefighters who formed a human chain to rescue the invaluable relics.
“The crown of thorns, the tunic of Saint Louis and several other major works are now in a safe place,” read a tweet from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
French President Emmanuel Macron also said that an international donation scheme would be developed in the coming days towards the rebuilding of the iconic cathedral.
Follow us on Facebook!
