{"id":6450,"date":"2023-04-24T09:50:20","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T13:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/christnewstoday\/?p=6450"},"modified":"2023-04-24T09:50:20","modified_gmt":"2023-04-24T13:50:20","slug":"king-charles-coronation-cross-to-include-fragments-from-jesus-crucifixion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/christnewstoday\/2023\/04\/king-charles-coronation-cross-to-include-fragments-from-jesus-crucifixion.html","title":{"rendered":"King Charles’ Coronation Cross to Include Fragments From Jesus’ Crucifixion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Pieces of wood believed to be from the cross Jesus Christ was crucified on over 2,000 years ago will be part of the cross that will lead the coronation service for King Charles III in May at Westminster Abbey. Pope Francis gifted the two splinters before his coronation, and, according to Reuters, they\u2019ll form their cross in the middle of the processional cross. The Church of Wales also stated that the processional cross \u201cwill incorporate a relic of the True Cross,\u201d calling it a \u201csignificant ecumenical gesture.\u201d<\/p>\n

The processional cross, known as the Cross of Wales, was created from Welsh slate and timber, recycled silver bullion and given to the monarch by the Church of Wales as a gift. On the back are words from the last sermon of St. David in Welsh. It reads, \u201cByddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain,\u201d which translates to, \u201cBe joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.\u201d The Archbishop of Wales also blessed it.<\/p>\n

At the blessing service in Wales, Andrew John, the Archbishop of Wales, said, \u201cIts design speaks to our Christian faith, our heritage, resources, and commitment to sustainability. We are delighted too that its first use will be to guide their majesties into Westminster Abbey at the Coronation Service.\u201d Before the service, Mark O\u2019Toole, the Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia, said on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church in Wales, \u201cWith a sense of deep joy, we embrace this Cross kindly given by King Charles, and containing a relic of the True Cross, generously gifted by the Holy See.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued, \u201cIt is not only a sign of the deep Christian roots of our nation but will, I am sure, encourage us all to model our lives on the love given by our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We look forward to honoring it, not only in the various celebrations that are planned but also in the dignified setting in which it will find a permanent home.\u201d<\/p>\n