Update on the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire – what we know about relics and art work

French officials are providing more details about which items were saved from yesterday’s fire at Notre-Dame de Paris, although some uncertainty exists over the fate of the many relics and art works contained in the cathedral.

Franck Riester, the French Minister of Culture, tweeted out a video showing workers taking several items to the Louvre, including the Crown of Thorns, the cloak of Louis IX, and a nail from the Holy Cross.

Le Clou de la Passion, la tunique de Saint-Louis, le fragment du Bois de La Croix, la Sainte Couronne, la Discipline de Saint-Louis ainsi que d’autres pièces du trésor de #Notre_Dame_de_Paris ont quitté l’Hôtel de Ville de #Paris pour rejoindre le @MuseeLouvre. pic.twitter.com/N6Dcfukihm

— Franck Riester (@franckriester) April 16, 2019

French media reports the cathedral officials and volunteers made a human chain to remove the artefacts from the burning cathedral, with many of them being taken to the nearby l’Hôtel de Ville for safe-keeping. Christophe Girard, deputy mayor of Paris, tweeted a picture of candlesticks and other items that were also saved.

L’Hotel de Ville a accueilli des tableaux, des candélabres et des objets précieux,sauvés de l’incendie,avant de rejoindre des structures plus adaptées à la conservation de ce patrimoine.Belle mobilisation du #servicepublic dans son ensemble pour sauver tout ce qui est #notredame pic.twitter.com/bUCOCIabcF

— Christophe Girard (@cgirard) April 16, 2019

The deputy mayor also reported that the cathedral’s organ, which dates back to the 15th century, was not damaged by the fire, but has possibly suffered water damage. Dozens of paintings have also been saved from the flames, but according to Minister Riester they too have had water and smoke damage, and have been taken to the Louvre to be repaired.

Photos from inside the cathedral show that the Rose Window has survived.

The Rose Window, which has encouraged so many to faith in Jesus Christ – has survived! #NotreDame #NotreDameCathedralFire #NotreDamePriezpournous @BishopBarron @WordOnFire pic.twitter.com/g0yf61e5WZ

— Br Thomas Thérèse Mannion OP (@TheologicalLion) April 16, 2019

“In the end, there was a miracle!” says Patrick Chauvet, Rector of Notre-Dame de Paris, in response to the efforts of firefighters to stop the blaze from causing further destruction.

If you are looking to make a donation for the work to restore Notre-Dame Cathedral, please visit La Fondation du patrimoine.

Top Image: Photo by Wandrille de Préville/Wikimedia Commons

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