"Truly Miraculous": Powerful Photo Reveals Notre Dame Cross Untouched inside Devastated Cathedral

Will Maule : Apr 16, 2019
Faithwire

"I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument. My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time." – Queen Elizabeth II

(France) — [Faithwire.com] A stunning image has emerged from the ashes of the fire-ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Standing tall and bathed in a late evening glow, the cross at the famed golden altar remained completely unscathed. (Photo Credit: Kyle Beshears)

As of Tuesday, firefighters have reported that they have been highly successful in isolating the fire so that it has not affected the main body of the twelfth-century church.

With the flames largely extinguished, relentless efforts continue to salvage priceless artifacts from the interior of the building.

Among the items saved was Notre Dame's organ, which is among the world's largest and most famous. 

A precious replica of the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross was also preserved, along with gilded candlesticks, priceless artwork and several furnishings — they were all ferried out of the building via a "human chain," according to reports.

The cause of the blaze, which was tackled by some 500 firefighters, is still relatively unknown — though many have speculated it could have been linked to major renovations on the structure that were taking place at the time of the incident. The Paris prosecutor's office said it had opened an inquiry into "accidental destruction by fire," according to the BBC.