The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-04-05
BITS or THE TRUE CROSS HERE.
One OF the LarKest In . Jewciied Reli-
quary ~ the Cathedral.

That well-authenticated relics Of the
true croes Of Nazareth are treasured in
New York Ii not generally known. II is,
however, a fact. The Cathedral authori-
ties have long possessed one OF the largest
pieces Of the true cross in this country.
II is o mere splinter, not much larger than
q cambria needle.
In speaking Of the matter, the Rev. DR..
Lavelle. pastor Of the Cathedral. said:
when Mark Twain, In his 'Innocents
Abroad made the assertion that he had
found enough relics OF the true cross to
build . ship, he made q most ridiculous
blunder and betrayed an almost unpar-
donable ignorance.
The reliquary which holds these sacred
relics Il usually from twelve to eighteen
inches high. The precious specimen il
rarely more than a mere thread Of the wood.
1t is placed In a large ostensorium In
order that the multitude may, on occasions
when the relic IL displayed, be able to dis
tinguish its position upon the altar
The relic which the Cathedral oherishee
was brought to this country BY Cardinal
McCloskey. Before this ons OF the other
priests had a. his private possession q
small relic Of the cross. Archbishop Hughes
also possessed one OF these tiny treasurers-
The relic at the Cathedral Il encased In a
costly jewel-studded reliquary standing
about fourteen inches high. II shows
ancient Roman repouse4 work In gold and
silver. Il il brilliant with diamonds and
sapphiree.
In the centre Of this ostenaorium IL q
small medallion, covered with bevelled
crystal and showing beneath an ivory
cross Of exquisite workmanship. Set In
the centre OF this 10 the relic Of the cross
| Of Nazareth.
Cardinal Gibbons has piece OF the true
cross In his pectoral cross. Upon being
requested to give his opinion as TO the
authenticity Of these relics Of the Passion.
he replied.
As far as We can Judge, We have every
reason to believe In the genuineness Of the
relics which are preserved In Rome, par
ticles Of which have been distributed in
almost every part Of the Christian world.
Archbishop Ryan, who has gone more deeply
into the study Of this subject than any other
prelate In this country. has said:
EVERY Christian Of no matter what
creed, can appreciate the veneration In
which We hold the relics Of the Saviour.
Even as the patriot preserves souvenirs OF
heroes, 90 have the Christians In all CEN
turtles held In reverence relics OF the Naxs-
rene.
THE true cross has been an object q
especial generation ever since its discovery
! in the year Pa by the Empress HeleiI..
MANY pieces OF II have been distributed
among the faithful but these have not,
been larger than a small strand OF hair.
| Thus a small piece Of the wood affords
thousands of relics
s'It Is evident from history and various
monuments Of antiquity, that the veners-
/ ton OF relics Of the Saviour and the sain;s
| dates back to the dawn OF Christianity.
| No relic which il not authenticated. can 10
exposed TO public veneration.
There IL a congregation OF canone
appointed to investigate sacred relics and
| authenticate them. II is one OF the most
| difficult things in the world to obtain such
Authorization. The seal Of the Church
Ia never given to doubtful relics. There
are, however, great many duly authent'
Gated relics.
Archbishop Ryan has a small portion OF
! the true cross. The Franciscans in New
, York have a relic OF the cross IN eman
silver case. which Is kept in the part OF the
monastery reserved to the monks.
A relic OF the true cross will be eTposeo
] for generation In St. Pauls Church at
| O'Clock on Good Friday, after the service
in memory OF the three hours agony ana
death Of Christ. At several other Catholio
| churches, a like relic will be used In giving
| the blessing OF the cross and afterWard
will be venerated. laid upon the communion
rail and kissed by the thousands who attena
these services.
The Abbey Of Getheemane in Kentucky
| treasures as Its most valued possession a
| relic of the cross. Two splinters are la'd
In cruciform on an ivory disk This
covered with a crystal and placed IN tho
head OF a crosier. This pastoral stan was
the life work Of . Trappist monk = tho