Is This Jesus’ Real Crucifixion Cross?

On May 6th, 2023, during the coronation of King Charles III, a remarkable artifact was included in the ceremony—the Cross of Wales. This specially commissioned object holds profound significance, as it contains two tiny slivers of wood believed to be part of the True Cross, the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The inclusion of such a relic underscores its importance to Christian believers worldwide and revives questions surrounding the authenticity and historical journey of the True Cross.

The Importance of the True Cross

The True Cross holds immense significance for Christians as it is believed to have directly come into contact with Jesus during his crucifixion. For believers, such relics are not merely historical artifacts; they are sacred objects imbued with divine power and holiness.

Relics associated with Jesus, such as the Shroud of Turin or the Sudarium—a cloth said to have covered Jesus’ head—are revered for their intimate connection to his suffering, death, and resurrection. The belief is that these objects, having been in direct contact with Jesus, possess the power to inspire faith, facilitate miracles, and connect worshippers to Christ himself. Among these relics, the True Cross stands out as one of the most significant and venerated.

The Origins of the True Cross Tradition

The journey of the True Cross as a sacred relic begins with a pivotal figure in Christian history: Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. According to Christian tradition, Helena, a devout convert to Christianity, embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the early fourth century. Her mission was to trace the steps of Jesus and visit the sacred sites of his life, including Golgotha, the site of his crucifixion.

While in Jerusalem, Helena was guided to an area near the tomb where Jesus was buried, a location that would later become the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There, she reportedly discovered three wooden crosses buried near the site. However, identifying which cross was the True Cross posed a challenge.

The Miraculous Identification

The story of how Helena determined the authenticity of the True Cross has become a cornerstone of Christian lore. According to tradition, Helena tested the three crosses by bringing a dying woman to them. When the woman was laid upon the first two crosses, her condition remained unchanged, and she groaned in agony. However, upon being placed on the third cross, she was miraculously healed, rising and walking as though restored to full health. This miraculous event confirmed to Helena that the third cross was the one upon which Jesus was crucified.

From that point on, the third cross became known as the True Cross. Helena’s discovery cemented her place in Christian history, and fragments of the cross were distributed to various churches and shrines, further spreading its influence and veneration.

The Spread and Legacy of the True Cross

Over the centuries, slivers of the True Cross have been distributed to churches and religious institutions across the world. These fragments are preserved in ornate reliquaries and are the focus of devotion for millions of believers. The power associated with the True Cross, much like other relics of Jesus, is believed to inspire faith and facilitate miraculous healings. Pilgrimages to these relics have been a cornerstone of Christian practice for nearly two millennia.

However, the widespread distribution of these fragments has also led to skepticism. Critics argue that the sheer number of fragments attributed to the True Cross is far greater than what could plausibly have originated from a single wooden cross. Nevertheless, believers maintain that even the smallest sliver of the True Cross carries profound spiritual significance.

The Cross of Wales and the Coronation of King Charles III

In 2023, the Cross of Wales brought renewed attention to the True Cross. Commissioned specifically for King Charles III’s coronation, this artifact serves as a symbol of the monarch’s spiritual and secular roles. The inclusion of two fragments of the True Cross in its design links the coronation to centuries of Christian tradition and underscores the enduring significance of such relics.

The fragments of the True Cross used in the Cross of Wales are housed within the horizontal and vertical arms of the cross, visible through a central glass panel. The design not only honors the historical and religious importance of the relic but also invites contemplation of its journey from ancient Jerusalem to the modern United Kingdom.

The Question of Authenticity

The authenticity of relics like the True Cross has been a subject of debate among historians, theologians, and archaeologists. While Christian tradition provides compelling narratives, there is little concrete historical evidence to verify the provenance of these artifacts. For instance, the Bible does not detail what happened to the cross following Jesus’ crucifixion. It simply notes that Jesus’ body was taken down by Joseph of Arimathea and placed in a tomb.

Skeptics point out that the Romans crucified tens of thousands of individuals, making it nearly impossible to definitively identify the wood used in Jesus’ crucifixion. Furthermore, the discovery of the True Cross by Helena, occurring more than 300 years after the event, relies heavily on accounts that blend history with religious tradition.

Despite these uncertainties, the enduring veneration of the True Cross highlights the deep spiritual connection that believers feel toward relics. For many, the authenticity of the wood is secondary to the faith and devotion it inspires.

The Power of Relics

The veneration of relics, including the True Cross, illustrates the profound human desire to connect with the divine. These objects serve as tangible links to sacred events, enabling believers to feel closer to their faith and to the figures at its center. The miraculous healings and spiritual transformations associated with relics only deepen their significance and reinforce their role in religious practice.

The story of the True Cross also reflects the interplay between history, faith, and tradition. Whether or not the fragments of wood housed in reliquaries around the world truly originated from Jesus’ crucifixion, their impact on the Christian faith is undeniable.

Conclusion

The Cross of Wales, with its inclusion of fragments believed to be from the True Cross, serves as a modern reminder of an ancient tradition. It bridges the gap between the historical and the spiritual, connecting contemporary believers to the foundational events of Christianity. While questions of authenticity may persist, the power of the True Cross lies in its ability to inspire faith, evoke reverence, and serve as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Jesus Christ.