Jerusalem Pilgrim's Cross

The Jerusalem Pilgrim's Cross (Latin: Signum Sacri Itineris Hierosolymitani) is an honour awarded in the name of the Pope as a recognition of merit to pilgrims to the Holy Land.[1]

Jerusalem Cross
Signum Sacri Itineris Hierosolymitani
Obverse of the decoration (silver)
TypeThree degree medal
(Gold, Silver and Bronze)
Awarded forSupport for Christian holy sites during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Country  Holy See
Presented bythe
Franciscan Custodian of the Holy Land
for the Holy See
EligibilityPracticing Roman Catholics
StatusCurrently awarded
Established2 May 1901
Ribbon of the decoration
Precedence
Next (higher)Benemerenti medal
RelatedPapal Lateran Cross

The decoration is worn on the left side of the chest. It should not be worn except in religious solemnities, processions, pilgrimages, or in the presence of the Pope.[1]

History

The Signum Sacri Itineris Hierosolymitani was established by Pope Leo XIII on 2 May 1901 to honour and to endorse pilgrimage to the Holy Places of Christianity in Palestine.[1]

A certificate from a parish pastor was originally needed attest to the morality of the candidate and affirm that there was a pious motive to undertake the voyage.[1] As of 2015, a certificate is no longer needed.[1] The medal is never sent and can only be conferred at the office of the Custodian of the Holy Land in Jerusalem, belonging to the Franciscan Order.[1] He presents it in the name of the Sovereign Pontiff.[1] At least one Catholic tour organiser arranges the presentation for visitors to Jerusalem, if the requisite conditions are met. The grade depends on the number of trips the recipient has made to the city and whether appropriate suggested donations to the Franciscans have been met.[2]

Insignia

The medal is a Jerusalem cross in gold, silver or bronze. The centre of the front is a small depiction of Pope Leo XIII with the surrounding Latin inscription LEO XIII CREAVIT ANNO MCM (Leo XIII created [this medal] in 1900).[1] In the crossbars, there are four biblical scenes showing the early life and the ministry of Jesus with the inscription CHRISTI AMOR CRUCIFIXI TRAXIT NOS (Christ's love attracted us):[1]

In the center of the reverse, there is the image of the risen Christ. The crossbars show four scenes of the Passion with the inscription SIGNUM SACRI ITINERIS HIEROSOL[YMITANI] (Sign of the holy voyage of Jerusalem):[1]

The cross is suspended from a ribbon of red silk with four blue stripes in the middle. On the edges at each side runs a white band broken by a dark yellow bar.[1]

See also

References
  1. "The decoration created by Leon XIII for the Holy Land Pilgrims". www.custodia.org. Gerusalemme - San Salvatore Convento Francescano St. Saviour's Monastery. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  2. Orbis Catholicus Travel Blog
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