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I would like to wear a Petrine Cross. As history goes, Peter was crucified upside down in respect to Jesus, in that he felt he was not worthy enough to die in the same manner as Jesus.
I know that an upside down crucifix is more "satanic" or evil in nature in the public eye, but what about wearing the Petrine Cross as a necklace?
I am thinking about wearing just a plain wooden cross, maybe stained to deep brown in color.
What are your thoughts?
Jack
{
I would like to wear a Petrine Cross but I don't want to communicate the wrong message. }
Mary Ann replied:
Jack —
A cross is a sign. When one wears it, it is a sign to others. In the case of the upside down cross, unfortunately, without any other reference, it means what others would take it to mean.
What they would take it to mean would be a cause of scandal, so it would not be good to wear such a thing.
Mary Ann
Jack replied:
Thanks, Mary Ann —
So, according to your description, wouldn't it help those who questioned this sign that the meaning is
a reference to St. Peter?
He wasn't scandalous, and I would help open eyes and minds to the truth. If it is scandalous, then our current Pope would not be sitting on a chair with said Petrine Cross.
(See photo).
Jack
Mary Ann replied:
The sign seen in context of the Pope is one thing, and obvious in its meaning.
Most people would not ask questions, but would assume the cross was anti-Christian. The sign would not only give people the wrong idea about you, but would attract people you might not want interested in you. However, it is not a serious moral issue.
Mary Ann
Mike replied:
Dear Jack,
While I agree with what Mary Ann said, after re-reading your original question, I want to make sure you understand there is nothing wrong with wearing a Petrine cross the proper way:
right side up.
As a matter of fact, I wore a replicate of the crucifix that Blessed John Paul II had on his Papal staff, for at least three years. No Christian, let alone a Catholic Christian should be ashamed to wear either a Cross or Crucifix, especially a Papal crucifix, the proper way.
We need more visible witnesses of Christians who are proud of their Christian heritage.
As Mary Ann said though, wearing a Petrine Cross upside down would cause scandal and be
very inappropriate because of the lack of context.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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