Priest sacrifices himself to save Crown of Thorns from Notre Dame fire
Priest Jean-Marc Fournie joined the Paris firefighters to rescue precious artifacts from the "flaming torch" that consumed Notre Dame Cathedral.
The priest who comforted the injured in the Bataclan concert hall during the bloody terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015 once again joined the crowd of firefighters rushing to "rescue" priceless religious relics from the church amid the raging fire.
Jean-Marc Fournier, chaplain of the Paris fire brigade, insisted on entering the church with firefighters, the mayor of Paris' 15th arrondissement, Philippe Goujon, toldGuardian.
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| Priest Jean-Marc Fournie selflessly rescued artifacts from the church. Photo:Twitter. |
Father Fournier successfully rescued the Crown of Thorns and the Eucharist.
Mr. Fournier previously served for seven years in the French army, including in the war in Afghanistan. His bravery was recognized by the public after the 2015 Bataclan attack, when he tended to the wounded and prayed for the dead.
The Crown of Thorns, the artifact Mr. Fournier just rescued, is one of Notre Dame's most precious relics. The Crown of Thorns was originally placed on Jesus' head during his crucifixion.
The original Crown of Thorns originated in Jerusalem. In 1238, it was given to King Louis IX, who commissioned the construction of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris to house it. It was later moved to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
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| The Crown of Thorns, one of Christianity's most sacred relics, is housed in Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo:AFP |
Notre Dame Cathedral has stood tall for 850 years, witnessing the joys and sorrows of France, but could not withstand the fire.
The "fireball" burned down the dome, spire and wooden frame of the cathedral overnight. This is not only the heart of Europe but also a treasure trove of irreplaceable artworks, musical instruments, statues, furniture and religious relics. Officials have planned to quickly remove these artifacts, which are currently at Paris City Hall before being transferred to the Louvre Museum. French Culture Minister Franck Rieste shared photos of this "rescue operation".
"Culture ministry staff, assisted by the archbishop's men, the Paris fire brigade and security forces are removing the structures inside the cathedral," Mr Riester said. "They are being gradually moved to a safe place."
