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IMHO -- it would be an excellent sign things are improving
if the Pope (perhaps the next one?) would wear
a pectoral cross like the one Fr. Gabriele Amorth is holding here:
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Now THAT'S a serious crucifix!
When the devil sees that coming he knows you mean business.
Great for exorcisms -- hey, perhaps the Papacy needs one
(and a St. Benedict crucifix, too, would be a great start!)
Source page:
I agree, the crucifixes the last few popes have used are awful.
Could someone help me understand the great attachment people have to the "St Benedict Cross" also called the Happy Death Cross?
Prior to 1992, these crucifixes were unseen and unheard of, outside perhaps a Benedictine monastery. I looked through wholesale religious catalogues going back to 1960 and nary a one. In 1992 the 101 Foundation in New York started importing them from a Benedictine in Italy who was hand making them in wood and they sold for $110.00 U.S. for a 3-4 inch crucifix.
Well like anything else, some manufacturer saw them and figured he could make a buck so over the next 5 years or so they started appearing in every color, size and material.
Now this is the part I have a problem with.
The Jubilee medal of St. Benedict (first struck in the 1800's) is impressed into the cross. On the medal
St. Benedict is holding a crucifix . It was the power of the crucified Christ that he used to dispel demons.
Never before, traditionally, has anyone ever been added to a Crucifix. Mary, who was immaculate and shared in the passion of Our Lord was never added so why a mere mortal, regardless of his now being a saint?
He had absolutely nothing to do with our redemption ! The Crucifix is THE SIGN of our redemption.
St Benedict Jubilee Medals have been attached to rosaries since their fist appearance but never incorporated into anything least of all a crucifix.
There is NOTHING that can make a crucifix more powerful, Christ doesn't need any help,so what's the big attraction?
I think St. Benedict would be mortified.