Coronations Require Magic Items
Small fragments of wood believed to be from the cross on which Jesus was crucified will be incorporated into the coronation ceremony of King Charles. Pope Francis gifted two shards of the True Cross to King Charles as a celebratory gesture, and they have been fixed into the Cross of Wales, a silver cross that will lead the May 6 procession into Westminster Abbey.
Silversmith Michael Lloyd made the cross as a gift from the King to the Church in Wales. The cross is made of Welsh slate, reclaimed wood, and silver from the Royal Mint in Llantrisant. It bears an inscription in Welsh, the language of Wales, reading "Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things." This inscription is based on the words of St. David, the patron saint of Wales.
The silver portions of the cross bear a full hallmark, including the Royal Mark, which was applied to the cross by King Charles in November 2022. The Church in Wales is honored to receive the cross, which marks their centenary, and Archbishop Andrew has expressed his delight that it will be used to guide Their Majesties into Westminster Abbey at the Coronation Service.
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia, Mark O’Toole, said the church looked forward to honoring the cross. He said, "With a sense of deep joy we embrace this Cross, kindly given by King Charles, and containing a relic of the True Cross, generously gifted by the Holy See. It is not only a sign of the deep Christian roots of our nation but will, I am sure, encourage us all to model our lives on the love given by our Saviour, Jesus Christ."
The cross will be blessed by Archbishop Andrew at Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno on April 19. This gift is a beautiful symbol of faith, heritage, resources, and commitment to sustainability, as well as a powerful reminder of the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
