The Pardon Crucifix has become a beloved Sacramental for many Catholics. Besides its beauty, perhaps it is because this particular sacramental reminds everyone so vividly of that which each one of us so urgently needs, and that which we are often so reluctant to give: forgiveness. “Father forgive them.” This prayer, and Our Lord’s merciful heart is set before us once again when we use the Pardon Crucifix, so that with the example of Christ Crucified before our eyes, we may learn to ask pardon for our sins and generously impart forgiveness towards our neighbor.
The crucifix is well known for the personal love Pope St. Pius X had for it, as well as his remarkable interest in promoting it worldwide. He granted to its use many indulgences, including the Happy Death Indulgence, a blessing which is usually reserved to wood crucifixes only.
The Pardon crucifix is a crucifix that reminds us specifically of the need to grant mercy and forgiveness to our neighbor even as we ask it of God. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” we pray each day in the Our Father. But how often do we pause and realize the meaning of those words? Do we truly mean what we say? Do we truly wish Our Lord to forgive us only as readily as we forgive others? This prayer is set before us once again when we use the Pardon Crucifix, so that with the example of Christ Crucified before our eyes, we may learn to ask pardon for our sins and generously impart forgiveness towards our neighbor.
The Pardon crucifix is a crucifix with specific distinct symbols and imagery. What stands out as unique on this crucifix is the title of the Cross, which spells out the entire title, “Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews,” rather than the traditional abbreviation (INRI). This reminds us more vividly of Our Lord’s Kingship over us all. On the reverse, we see the Sacred Heart and two inscriptions: “Father forgive them,” and “Behold This Heart which has so loved men.” Our Lord is King, but a merciful King, and His heart is open, ready to receive us. Lastly, at the base of the reverse, an ornate “M” – recalling the steadfast presence of Christ’s Mother at the Cross.
Although not much is known of the history of this crucifix, we do know that it originated in France and was first introduced in Rome in 1904. The crucifix is well known for the personal love Pope St. Pius X had for it, as well as his remarkable interest in promoting it worldwide. He, the pope who grieved at the inevitability of the coming First World War, was deeply moved at the message and purpose the crucifix championed: mercy, forgiveness, pardon. He granted the crucifix many special indulgences including the Happy Death indulgence.
The Pardon Crucifix is the only non-wood crucifix that can be given the Happy death indulgence, making it a powerful sacramental to keep nearby during one’s final hours. In order to come to the aid of the dying and to remit the temporal punishment that they would have to expiate in Purgatory, the Church blesses "Happy Death Crucifixes." She attaches to them a plenary indulgence that can be gained at the hour of death. "Each of the faithful," says St. Pius X, "who kisses one of these crucifixes thus blessed even if it is not his, or touches it in some way can gain a plenary indulgence on the condition that having confessed and received Holy Communion (or if that's not possible having at least contrition for his sins), he invokes devoutly and sincerely, even if he can't with his lips, the Most Holy Name of Jesus and accepts with resignation death from the hand of God as a chastisement for sin. " (Declaration of the Holy Office, June 11, 1914).
Besides the Happy Death indulgence, St. Pis X granted indulgences to those who carry it (making it a popular choice for rosaries), and for devoutly kissing it. There are also indulgences attached to special invocations as well as special Feast days of the Church (such as the Exaltation of the Cross). A complete list is detailed in an information pamphlet we include with our crucifixes..
It is very important to have Pardon crucifixes, as is the case with all sacramentals, blessed by a Priest in order to obtain the spiritual benefits of that sacramental. Our crucifixes are not automatically blessed, but we are happy to have this done before shipping your order. Please mention in the comment section of your order that you would like your crucifix blessed by a Priest.
