Glorious Table Cross Neocatechumenal Way | Silver Color

Glorious Table Cross Neocatechumenal Way | Silver color

• Primitive Glorious Cross made of high-density resin.
• Interior reinforced with a metal rod.
• 20 cm (7.87 in) high.
• 9 cm (3.54 in) wide.
• 1 cm (0.39 in) thick.
• Silver color plating with a metallic effect.
• Approximate weight of 190 g.
• Another Glorious Cross of the Neocatechumenal Way is available for sale.

The Neocatechumenal Way and the Glorious Cross

The Neocatechumenal Way is a movement within the Catholic Church. The fundamental objective is to lead people to an adult and mature faith through a process of rediscovering and fully living their baptism, through catechesis and formation developed in small communities. The Way is a formation itinerary that helps adults deepen their faith and experience Christian community.

These communities regularly gather to celebrate the Word of God, share their faith experiences, and participate in the Eucharist. The itinerary is structured in several stages, each with a specific focus, and culminates in a celebration of the renewal of baptismal promises.

It emerged in Spain in the 1960s, founded by Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández, together with priest Mario Pezzi. The Neocatechumenal Way was officially recognized by the Holy See in 2008 when its definitive statutes were approved.

Since its foundation, the Neocatechumenal Way has been implemented in more than 120 countries. The movement has been valued for its evangelizing work and for revitalizing faith in many parishes.

The Glorious Cross is a central liturgical symbol in the Neocatechumenal Way. It was designed by Kiko Argüello.

Meaning of the Glorious Cross

The meaning of the Glorious Cross is deeply rooted in Christian theology. It represents the exaltation of the risen and glorified Christ, emphasizing his triumph over death.

The characteristic elements that define the Glorious Cross of the Neocatechumenal Way are:

• The Risen Lord

The figure of Christ is represented as alive on the Cross. Triumphant over death, symbolizing the defeat of sin and the salvation of humanity.

• The Four Evangelists:

The arms of the Cross are decorated with the symbols of the four evangelists:

Saint Matthew represented by a man or angel: Represents the humanity of Christ, as his Gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus (Mt 1:1-17), highlighting his human lineage.

Saint Mark represented by a lion: Symbolizes the majesty and kingship of Christ, as well as his power and courage. His Gospel begins with John the Baptist in the desert, crying out with a strong voice, like a lion (Mk 1:3).

Saint Luke represented by a bull or ox: Represents sacrifice and atonement, as his Gospel begins with Zechariah in the temple offering sacrifices (Lk 1:8-23), and emphasizes Christ's passion as a victim for the salvation of the world.

Saint John represented by an eagle: Symbolizes the divinity and spiritual elevation of Christ, because his Gospel begins with the sublime prologue about the Word of God (Jn 1:1-18), soaring like an eagle to the heights of the divine mystery.

• The Virgin Mary

The figure of the Virgin Mary is placed at the lower part of the Cross. The other elements of the Glorious Cross rest above her image. Placing Holy Mary in this position symbolizes that the Virgin is the foundation upon which Christ’s message is built. The Virgin is the foundation upon which the Catholic Church is established.

• Light rays in Christ’s figure

The light rays represent the divine light emanating from Christ. They also remind us that Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. Christ died on the Cross for us, and through his sacrifice, he conquered darkness and brought the hope of eternal life to the world.

• INRI

The INRI inscription, which appears at the top of the Crucifix, comes from the Latin expression Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). This inscription was placed by order of Pontius Pilate on Jesus' Cross.

The Hymn to the Glorious Cross

The Hymn of the Glorious Cross is a song composed by Kiko Argüello that exalts the Cross as a symbol of salvation. It is one of the most emblematic songs in the Neocatechumenal Way’s repertoire.

This musical work originates from the adaptation made by Kiko Argüello of an ancient text known as The Holy Passover.

This text, attributed to an anonymous author from the 2nd century, exalts the Cross of Christ as the tree of salvation and the source of eternal life for believers. Argüello adapted this homily, preserving its poetic and symbolic essence, to be sung in Neocatechumenal celebrations.

The hymn faithfully follows the content of the ancient text, defining the Cross as a source of regeneration and new life, not just as an instrument of suffering. The Cross is the "tree of salvation" from which the faithful can nourish themselves and seek refuge in the difficulties of life.

Kiko Argüello uses music as a means of evangelization and faith formation, creating a hymn that places Christ at the center of everything, where the kerygma—the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery as the key to the Christian faith—is emphasized.

Hymn to the Glorious Cross Lyrics

The Glorious Cross
of the Risen Lord,
is the tree of salvation.
From it I am nourished,
in it I find delight,
in its roots I grow,
on its branches I extend.

Its dew gives me strength,
its spirit, like a breeze, makes me fruitful;
in its shadow, I have pitched my tent.
In hunger, it is food,
in thirst, it is living water,
in nakedness, it is my garment.
Narrow path, my narrow gate,
Jacob’s ladder, bed of love,
where the Lord has betrothed us.

The Glorious Cross
of the Risen Lord,
is the tree of salvation.
From it I am nourished,
in it I find delight,
in its roots I grow,
on its branches I extend.

In fear, it is my defense,
in stumbling, it gives me strength.
In victory, it is the crown,
in battle, it is the reward.
Tree of eternal life,
mystery of the universe,
pillar of the earth,
its summit touches the heavens,
and in its open arms,
the love of God shines.

The Glorious Cross
of the Risen Lord,
is the tree of salvation.
From it I am nourished,
in it I find delight,
in its roots I grow,
on its branches I extend.