Perhaps you’ve seen a friend carrying an ornate crucifix with the words “Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum” engraved across the top. And perhaps you think, “What a lovely crucifix…” and move on.
But do you know what you are looking at?
That is no ordinary crucifix. It’s a Pardon Crucifix.
If you look at the back of the cross, an image of the Sacred Heart will be emblazoned at the crossing of the beams. Along the horizontal beam run the words: “Father, forgive them” and upon the vertical beam it will say: “Behold this Heart which has so loved men.”
This crucifix takes its name from the special indulgences attached to it by Pope Pius X. Here are the granted pardons:
- Whoever carries on his person the Pardon Crucifix, may thereby gain an indulgence.
- For devoutly kissing the Crucifix, an indulgence is gained.
- Whoever says one of the following invocations before this crucifix may gain each time an indulgence: “Our Father who art in heaven, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” “I beg the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray to the Lord our God for me.”
- Whoever, habitually devout to this Crucifix, will fulfill the necessary conditions of Confession and Holy Communion may gain a Plenary Indulgence on the following feasts: On the feasts of the Five Wounds of our Lord, the Invention of the Holy Cross, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Immaculate Conception, and the Seven Sorrows (Dolors) of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Whoever, at the moment of death, fortified with the Sacraments of the Church, or contrite of heart, in the supposition of being unable to receive them, will kiss this Crucifix and ask pardon of God for his sins, and pardon his neighbor, will gain a Plenary Indulgence.
It's important to remember that Catholics should never treat sacramentals as superstitious objects. Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church to prepare us to receive grace and to sanctify the circumstances of daily life (CCC 1677). They do not work by magic. They reveal the truth of the faith of the person using it. Their value comes through the prayers of the Church, the intercession of the saints, and a life lived in union with Christ.
This powerful sacramental can overthrow the devil and his attempts to steal souls—that’s why he hates it! When coupled with the Rosary, this crucifix is perfectly lethal to him and his wiles. The mini combines these sacramentals. It is crafted from tough, manly gunmetal and styled after rosaries carried by soldiers in World War I. Get this powerful sacramental today from The Catholic Company!
