Simple Olive Wood Cross

Simple Olive Wood Cross

In a world that pulls for our attention with noise and speed, there is a profound, quiet power in simplicity. It’s a power that doesn’t shout, but whispers. It’s the feeling of walking into an ancient Roman basilica, the scent of old incense and stone, and feeling an immediate, calming peace.

We at Santa Gloria, from our home here in Rome, believe that the items of our faith should carry that same peace. This Simple Olive Wood Cross is the embodiment of that belief.

It is not large. It is not ornate. It does not glitter with gold or jewels. But to hold it, to see the living grain of the wood, is to connect with something ancient, authentic, and deeply rooted in the very soil our Lord walked. This isn’t just another item; it’s a piece of the Holy Land, a tangible connection to the story of our salvation, offered with reverence and understanding of our shared Catholic tradition.

More Than Just Wood: The Soul of the Olive Tree

To truly appreciate this Simple Olive Wood Cross, we must first journey to its source. This isn’t crafted from just any timber. It is born from the Olea europaea, the olive tree—a plant that is more a character in the Bible than a simple piece of scenery.

Think of it. When Noah sought a sign of life after the flood, the dove returned with an olive branch. It was, and remains, the ultimate symbol of peace, restoration, and new beginnings.

But the olive tree’s story goes deeper, into the very heart of the Passion. On that fateful night, where did Jesus go to pray? He went to Gethsemane, a name that literally means “olive press.” He knelt and prayed in an olive grove, surrounded by these ancient, gnarled trees—trees so resilient they can live for thousands of years. The very wood of this cross is a relative of those silent witnesses to Christ’s agony and resolve.

When you hang this Olive Wood Cross in your home, you are bringing in a piece of that sacred history. The wood itself is known for its stunning, chaotic, and beautiful grain. You will see rivers of dark brown, tan, and gold in every single piece. No two crosses are ever alike, just as no two souls are. Each one is a unique creation, handcrafted by artisans, often in Bethlehem, who have passed this skill down through generations. They understand what they are holding. They are not just carving a wooden cross; they are releasing a story held within the fibers of the tree.

This material isn’t just symbolic; it’s practical. Olive wood is a dense, hard wood that resists decay. It has a faint, sweet, peppery scent that can last for years. It is a living material that warms to the touch. This is the antithesis of a cold, mass-produced object. It is a piece of creation, shaped by faith.

The Power of a “Simple” Cross: Hope and Resurrection

In our Catholic tradition, we are deeply familiar with the Crucifix—the cross that bears the corpus, the body of Christ. The Crucifix is a vital and powerful devotional. It is our memento mori, our reminder of the profound, agonizing sacrifice Jesus made for our sins. It calls us to contemplation, repentance, and awe at the depth of His love.

This cross, however, is different. This is a Plain Olive Wood Cross. It is an Olive Wood Cross Without Corpus.

Why is this simplicity so important? Because this cross represents the next part of the story. This is the empty cross. This is the symbol of the Resurrection.

It is a powerful statement of faith. It declares that the story did not end at Calvary. It declares that death was defeated, that the tomb is empty, and that Christ is Risen. Alleluia!

This Simple Olive Wood Cross is not a symbol of an execution, but a symbol of victory. It is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that no matter what suffering we endure, no matter how dark our own Good Friday may feel, Easter Sunday is coming.

For many, this simple cross is a more gentle, uplifting presence, especially in the central living spaces of a home. It is an ideal Christian Cross for a child’s room, a constant, loving reminder of Jesus’ triumph, not just His suffering. It is a perfect wall cross for an office or workspace, a quiet anchor of faith in a busy day. It doesn’t demand; it simply is. It is a sign of faith that is both subtle and absolutely unbreakable.

A Handcrafted Testament: The Santa Gloria Standard

Here at Santa Gloria, we are surrounded by the history of the Church. We are just a stone’s throw from the Vatican, walking the same streets as saints, popes, and pilgrims for millennia. We do not take our heritage lightly. That is why we are so passionate about sourcing items that reflect this deep, authentic tradition.

This Simple Wooden Cross 18 cm is a perfect example. The “handcrafted” label is not just a marketing term for us. It means you will see the touch of the human hand, not the sterile perfection of a machine. You may feel the slight, smooth variation in the beveled edges. You will trace the unique, God-given pattern of the grain with your finger.

This process ensures that your cross is one-of-a-kind. It was not stamped out in a factory. It was cut, sanded, and finished by a person of faith, likely in the very region where this story began. This imbues the cross with an intangible quality, a spiritus that is missing from mass-market religious goods.

When you buy from Santa Gloria, you are not just purchasing a product. You are becoming a patron of these sacred arts. You are supporting the Christian artisans of the Holy Land, families who have kept this tradition alive for centuries despite immense hardship. You are participating in a beautiful, unbroken chain of faith that stretches from the olive groves of Jerusalem, through the artisan workshops of Bethlehem, to our small shop in Rome, and finally, to your home. We are merely the stewards, the humble bridge between these ancient traditions and your modern life of faith.

The Perfect Size: An 18 cm Beacon of Faith

Let’s talk about the practical nature of this beautiful cross. At 18 cm (approximately 7 inches), it strikes a perfect balance. It is not so large that it overwhelms a space, yet it is not so small that it gets lost. It is, quite simply, the perfect size for a personal, daily reminder of faith.

This 18 cm Cross is ideal for:

• A Prayer Corner: Place it on the wall above your chair or kneeler. Its simple, natural beauty helps to focus the mind and heart, removing distraction and grounding your prayer in the pure, simple symbol of your salvation.
• Above a Doorway: A beautiful tradition in many Catholic homes is to place a cross above the main entryways. As you leave and enter, this 18 cm Olive Wood Wall Cross serves as a silent blessing, a reminder to “go in peace” and to welcome all who enter in Christ’s name.
• A Bedroom: Hang it on the wall where it is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night. Let this Simple Olive Wood Cross be your Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of your day, a symbol of God’s protection as you sleep.
• A Child’s Room or Nursery: As mentioned, the Olive Wood Cross Without Corpus is a wonderful, hopeful symbol for a child. Its 18 cm size is gentle and approachable, and the natural, warm wood fits beautifully with any decor, serving as a guardian and a first introduction to the central symbol of our faith.
• An Office or Study: In your place of work, this cross is a quiet statement of identity and a source of strength. It’s a reminder of your why—why you work, who you are, and what truly matters beyond the deadlines and emails.

The cross comes ready to hang with a simple, pre-drilled hole on the back. It sits flush against the wall, sturdy and secure. Its 18 cm height gives it presence without being intrusive. It truly is one of the most versatile and meaningful pieces you can add to your home.

A Gift of Eternal Meaning

In our culture, it can be difficult to find gifts that carry real, lasting meaning. We are surrounded by disposable things. But a gift of faith is a gift for eternity.

This Simple Olive Wood Cross 18 cm is, perhaps, the perfect gift for almost every sacrament and milestone in the Catholic life. Because it is so pure and timeless, it is appropriate for anyone, at any age.

Consider it for:

• Baptism: A beautiful “welcome” gift for a new Christian. It is a foundational symbol of the faith they are just entering.
• First Holy Communion: As a child receives the Eucharist for the first time, this cross is a tangible reminder of the very sacrifice that gives us the Blessed Sacrament.
• Confirmation: For a young adult taking ownership of their faith, this Christian Cross is a mature, beautiful, and “grown-up” symbol. It’s not cartoonish or childish; it’s authentic and real, just like the faith they are confirming.
• Weddings: A perfect gift for a new couple, to be hung in their first home. It is a symbol of sacrificial love, peace, and the foundation upon which their new family will be built.
• Housewarming: What better way to bless a new home than with a piece of the Holy Land? It’s a prayer for peace and protection over the new dwelling.
• Sickness or Bereavement: When words fail, symbols speak. Giving this Olive Wood Cross is a gesture of solidarity and hope. It is a quiet way of saying, “You are not alone,” and “We believe in the Resurrection.”
• RCIA Candidates: For someone newly entering the Church, this is a profound gift. It connects them directly to the most ancient traditions and the physical land where our faith was born.

When you give this cross, you are giving more than a simple object. You are giving a story. You are giving a symbol of peace, a beacon of hope, and a piece of sacred history.

From Rome, With Prayer: The Santa Gloria Promise

We are Santa Gloria. We are not a faceless corporation. We are a family, rooted in the rich, fertile soil of the Catholic faith, operating from the heart of the Church in Rome. We personally select every item we offer, looking for three things: authenticity, beauty, and faithfulness to tradition.

This Simple Olive Wood Cross checks every box. It is authentic, coming from the Holy Land and crafted from the sacred olive tree. It is beautiful, with each piece showcasing a unique, natural grain. And it is faithful, a timeless and powerful symbol of the Resurrection.

When you order from us, your cross doesn’t just get pulled from a dusty warehouse shelf. It is inspected, packed, and sent on its way with care, and yes, with a prayer—a prayer that it will be a source of peace and strength for you and your family.

We invite you to bring this small, simple, and profoundly powerful piece of our faith into your home. Let this 18 cm Olive Wood Wall Cross be a daily reminder of the empty tomb, the promise of new life, and the victory of hope. Let it be a whisper of peace from the Holy Land, delivered to you from the heart of Rome.