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BOOK PICK: Do we know why an Orthodox cross looks a bit different, or what the St. Peter, St. Benedict and St. Brigid crosses are?
Clockwise from upper right: anointing of the sick crucifix, cross of the Good Shepherd, St. Brigid cross and Celtic cross, along with book cover (photo: Marian Press)
The Cross
A Universal Symbol
By Helen Hoffner
Marian Press, 2024
136 pages; $23.95
To order: ShopMercy.org or (800) 462-7426
As Catholics, we are all familiar with the crucifix. Every church has at least one, for a crucifix must be present when Mass is said. Stations of the Cross are a major devotion, especially during Lent. Also, every Catholic home should have a crucifix. We routinely and reverently make the Sign of the Cross when we bless ourselves.
Yet how many times have we come across other distinct crosses? Do we know why an Orthodox cross looks a bit different, or what the St. Peter,St. Benedict and St. Brigid crosses are? Why do bishops wear their pectoral crosses in what appears to be “to the side”?
In addition, where did the Jerusalem cross come from — and where did Pope Francis’ cross come from?
The new book The Cross: A Universal Symbolanswers all these queries — and more — in enlightening ways. It is easy-to-read, informative and enjoyable.
Continued below.
www.ncregister.com

The Cross
A Universal Symbol
By Helen Hoffner
Marian Press, 2024
136 pages; $23.95
To order: ShopMercy.org or (800) 462-7426
As Catholics, we are all familiar with the crucifix. Every church has at least one, for a crucifix must be present when Mass is said. Stations of the Cross are a major devotion, especially during Lent. Also, every Catholic home should have a crucifix. We routinely and reverently make the Sign of the Cross when we bless ourselves.
Yet how many times have we come across other distinct crosses? Do we know why an Orthodox cross looks a bit different, or what the St. Peter,St. Benedict and St. Brigid crosses are? Why do bishops wear their pectoral crosses in what appears to be “to the side”?
In addition, where did the Jerusalem cross come from — and where did Pope Francis’ cross come from?
The new book The Cross: A Universal Symbolanswers all these queries — and more — in enlightening ways. It is easy-to-read, informative and enjoyable.
Continued below.

An Encyclopedia of the Holy Cross: Symbol of Redemption
BOOK PICK: Do we know why an Orthodox cross looks a bit different, or what the St. Peter, St. Benedict and St. Brigid crosses are?