The hero Priest who saved some of the world's most precious artefacts in the Notre Dame fire said: “I just did what I had to do.”
Jean-Marc Fournier bravely walked into the blazing cathedral absolutely determined to save the priceless relics about to be burnt.
Chaplain of the Paris Fire Department, Father Fournier saved the famous Blessed Sacrament and the ornamental Crown of Thorns.
Last night he said: “I find it difficult to describe myself as a hero.
“I was both the priest and the firefighter when I worked on Monday night when I entered the cathedral when the spire was burning at its top point.
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“But if being a hero consists of fulfilling a mission with passion and self-denial then maybe I have been a little bit.
“But on the floor of the the cathedral I could feel no heat or smoke.
“To watch as the cathedral was devoured by the flames inspired me with a deep sadness.
“I felt it was up to me to go beyond myself to fulfil my mission and put into place what I was trained for
“During the 20 minute period in which the firefighters were saving the cathedral I was evacuating the holy sacrament.
“I urged Jesus to help us if he did not want to “sleep outside” and I like to believe that General Gallet (fire chief) has made the right decision to save the belfreys and the cathedral and that my prayers were heard.”
