Here is our new reliquary for our relic of the True Cross. A reliquary is a vessel that displays a relic. A relic is typically something related to a saint, and there are three classes of relics. It can be something that touched the bones of a saint (3rd class), something that the saint personally owned (2nd class), or part of the saints body, hair, bone, etc. (1st class). This relic is most special, as it is a splinter of the wood from the True Cross, that is the cross on which Jesus was nailed to on top of Mt. Calvary.

It was handmade by Mr. Andrew Coleman of Coleman’s Handcrafted: Sacred Art & Fine Woodworking out of Baton Rouge. It stands at a total of 33in. high, and 27in. when the cross is pulled out of the base. It is made out of ebony wood, which helps to elevate the reliquary itself, but also points to how special the relic is. What is most important, is not the reliquary, but the relic itself. A beautiful reliquary helps us to appreciate more how special this relic is, which is why ebony wood was chosen.

On the base there are three symbols related to Jesus’ passion. They are the crown of thorns, the spear head that pierced His side, and a hammer and nail. This helps to further the connection with this reliquary to its relic. It also is used for Good Friday veneration, so will help to evoke a deeper appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice for us all on that day.

The cross itself detaches from the base to facilitate public veneration on Good Friday and other days related to the Cross.