San Benedetto Standing Crucifix on Base 12.5 cm

San Benedetto Standing Crucifix on Base – Handcrafted Olive Wood

In the heart of Rome, where faith is etched into the very stones of the city, we at Santa Gloria understand that certain objects are more than mere decorations. They are vessels of history, prayer, and divine protection. We are honored to present the San Benedetto Standing Crucifix, a masterpiece of devotional art that brings centuries of Catholic tradition and spiritual safeguarding directly into your home.

Handcrafted from the warm, storied grain of genuine olive wood, this 12.5 cm (5-inch) standing crucifix is a profound symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and the enduring power of Saint Benedict’s intercession. It is not just a cross; it is a sentinel for your soul, a focal point for your prayers, and a tangible connection to the sacred heritage we cherish.

This exquisite Tabletop Crucifix is designed for personal devotion. Its sturdy base allows it to stand with grace on a nightstand, a desk in your office, a family mantelpiece, or within a sacred prayer corner. Every detail, from the finely cast corpus of Jesus to the inlaid St. Benedict Medal, has been crafted with reverence and a commitment to quality that honors its holy purpose. As you welcome this crucifix into your life, you are not simply acquiring a religious item; you are embracing a powerful sacramental, a shield of faith lovingly made to accompany you on your spiritual journey.

A Beacon of Faith and Protection: The Olive Wood Standing Tabletop Crucifix

In our modern world, filled with distractions and unseen spiritual battles, creating a sanctuary of peace and faith within our homes has never been more important. The Olive Wood Standing Tabletop Crucifix with St. Benedict Medal 5 Inch serves as a powerful anchor for your faith. Its presence transforms any space into a place of reflection and prayer, a constant and gentle reminder of God’s infinite love and the protective mantle of the saints.

Imagine beginning your day, your eyes falling upon this beautiful St. Benedict Crucifix. The earthy tones and unique patterns of the olive wood feel warm and alive to the touch, connecting you to the ancient lands where Jesus walked. The silver-toned corpus depicts Our Lord’s ultimate sacrifice with a moving and respectful artistry.

And at the heart of it all lies the St. Benedict Medal, a centuries-old emblem of divine protection. This is the essence of the San Benedetto Standing Crucifix: a harmonious blend of profound symbolism, natural beauty, and sacred purpose. It is a quiet but powerful declaration of faith, standing ready to offer comfort in moments of sorrow, strength in times of temptation, and a steadfast focus for your daily devotions.

The Enduring Legacy of Saint Benedict of Nursia

To truly appreciate the significance of this crucifix, one must understand the colossal figure for whom it is named: Saint Benedict of Nursia. Born in Italy around 480 AD, St. Benedict came into a world marked by the collapse of the Roman Empire—a time of chaos, uncertainty, and moral decay. Seeking a life dedicated wholly to God, he retreated from the world to live as a hermit in a cave at Subiaco. His reputation for holiness and wisdom grew, attracting followers who also yearned for a more profound spiritual life.

St. Benedict Medal Cross

From these humble beginnings, St. Benedict would go on to establish the foundations of Western monasticism. His greatest achievement was the writing of the “Rule of Saint Benedict,” a guide for communal living centered on prayer, work, and spiritual discipline. The Rule was remarkable for its balance, moderation, and deep understanding of human nature. It organized monastic life in a way that fostered both individual spiritual growth and a stable, ordered community. This framework became the blueprint for thousands of monasteries across Europe, making them centers of prayer, learning, and culture that preserved faith and knowledge through the Dark Ages.

St. Benedict was not only a brilliant administrator but also a man of immense spiritual power, known for his ability to combat demonic forces and work miracles. Stories from his life, chronicled by Pope St. Gregory the Great, recount numerous instances where he used the sign of the cross to overcome evil. He once blessed a cup of poisoned wine, and the vessel shattered, saving his life. This legacy of spiritual warfare and divine protection is encapsulated in the St. Benedict Medal, making the St. Benedict Medal Cross one of the most cherished sacramentals in the Catholic Church.

The St. Benedict Medal: A Shield Against Evil

Embedded at the intersection of the cross’s beams on your San Benedetto Standing Crucifix is the powerful St. Benedict Medal. For centuries, the faithful have turned to this medal for protection against temptation, spiritual danger, and evil in all its forms. It is a prayer in itself, rich with exorcistic inscriptions and sacred symbols. Let us delve into the profound meaning held within this small but mighty sacramental.

The medal is rich with Latin inscriptions, each a powerful prayer of protection:

• The Large Letters on the Cross (Vertical): C.S.S.M.L. – This stands for “Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux!” which translates to “May the Holy Cross be my light!” It is a prayer asking that Christ’s sacrifice always illuminate our path, guiding us through darkness and confusion.
• The Large Letters on the Cross (Horizontal): N.D.S.M.D. – This is the acronym for “Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux!” translating to “May the dragon be not my guide!” This is a forceful rejection of Satan, who is depicted as a dragon in the Book of Revelation, and all his empty promises.
• The Circle Around the Cross: V.R.S.N.S.M.V. – S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. – These letters represent a powerful prayer of exorcism.
  • V.R.S. – Vade Retro Satana! (“Begone, Satan!”)
  • N.S.M.V. – Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana! (“Never tempt me with your vanities!”)
  • S.M.Q.L. – Sunt Mala Quae Libas. (“What you offer me is evil.”)
  • I.V.B. – Ipse Venena Bibas! (“Drink the poison yourself!”) This rhyming prayer is believed to be derived from the words St. Benedict used to thwart the devil’s temptations.
• Above the Cross: PAX – The word for “Peace,” the motto of the Benedictine Order. It signifies the peace of Christ that comes from a life lived in harmony with God’s will.
• The Letters Encircling the Rim: C.S.P.B. – These four letters stand for “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” or “The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict.”

When blessed by a priest, the St. Benedict Crucifix becomes a powerful sacramental. It is a source of grace and protection, used by the faithful to guard against spiritual and physical harm, to overcome temptation, and to secure a peaceful passing.

Crafted from the Holy Land: The Symbolism of Olive Wood

The material of this crucifix is as symbolic as the medals it bears. This Olive Wood Cross is crafted from genuine olive wood, a material deeply woven into the fabric of our faith. The olive tree is one of the most resilient and long-living trees in the Holy Land, a living symbol of peace, fruitfulness, and God’s enduring covenant with His people.

Its biblical significance is profound. It was an olive branch, brought by a dove to Noah, that signaled the end of the great flood and the beginning of a new covenant of peace between God and humanity. The psalmist compares the righteous to a “fruitful olive tree in the house of God” (Psalm 52:8). Most poignantly, it was in the Garden of Gethsemane, amidst the ancient olive trees, that Jesus prayed in agony on the night before His crucifixion. The very wood of this crucifix connects us to that sacred moment of surrender and sacrifice.

Each Italian Olive Wood Crucifix from Santa Gloria is unique. The natural grain of the wood, with its beautiful swirls and variations in color, ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike. This isn’t a mass-produced item of plastic or resin; it is a piece of God’s creation, shaped by skilled artisans who understand its sacred character. Holding it, you can feel the history and the holiness of the material, making your prayer experience all the more profound.

The Perfect Size for Personal Devotion: A 5 Inch Standing Cross

While large wall crucifixes have their place in the home, the intimate design of this 5 Inch Standing Cross makes it a versatile and personal companion for your faith life. Its compact 12.5 cm stature and stable Crucifix with Base allow it to be placed in the spaces where you live, work, and pray each day.

Consider its place in your life:

• On your bedside table: It can be the first thing you see when you wake and the last thing you see before you sleep, framing your day in prayer.
• On your work desk: In the midst of daily stresses and challenges, a glance at this Wooden Table Cross can be a centering reminder of what truly matters, offering a moment of peace and perspective.
• In your family’s living area: Placed on a bookshelf or mantelpiece, it becomes a quiet testament to your family’s faith.
• As part of a home altar: It can serve as the beautiful and powerful centerpiece of a dedicated prayer space in your home.

The thoughtful design ensures it is a substantial yet unobtrusive presence, perfectly suited for the rhythms of a modern Catholic life.

From Rome with Love: An Authentic Italian Religious Catholic Gift

As a store rooted in the heart of Catholic tradition here in Rome, Santa Gloria is dedicated to offering items of authentic faith and quality. This San Benedetto Standing Crucifix embodies that commitment. It is not just an Italian-style product; it is a genuine article of faith, reflecting the deep spiritual heritage of Italy.

This makes it an exceptional Religious Catholic Gift, imbued with meaning and purpose. It is a wonderful choice for a multitude of occasions:

• Sacramental Milestones: A perfect gift for a Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, or Ordination.
• Weddings and Housewarmings: Bestow a blessing of protection upon a newly married couple or a family moving into a new home.
• For Students: A wonderful companion for a student heading off to university, a reminder of faith and a shield against temptation.
• RCIA Candidates: A welcoming and powerful gift for someone entering the Catholic Church.
• Times of Sickness or Grief: Offer the comfort and protection of St. Benedict to a loved one who is suffering or has experienced a loss.

When you give this crucifix, you are giving more than a beautiful object. You are giving a prayer, a blessing, and a powerful tool for spiritual protection, all sourced with care from the heart of the Church.

Santa Gloria’s Commitment to Tradition and Quality

At Santa Gloria, we believe that religious articles should be worthy of their sacred purpose. That is why we are so proud to offer this San Benedetto Standing Crucifix. It represents the intersection of faith, history, and artistry. Every element, from the sustainably sourced olive wood to the detailed medal, is chosen and assembled with the utmost care.

We invite you to bring this beacon of faith into your life. Let the sacrifice of Christ, the wisdom of St. Benedict, and the peace of the olive wood enrich your home and your heart. Embrace this Standing Crucifix as a daily companion in prayer and a steadfast shield in the spiritual life. Order yours today and hold in your hands a timeless piece of our beloved Catholic heritage.