[father_elijah]

I don't get the part of the blessing by the priest. Oh Catholic friends- what is the meaning/significance of blessing an item like that? (curious)

Once blessed by a priest, a cross may not be sold or used in any sort of commerce.

Once blessed by a priest these steel beams that form the shape of the cross are acknowledged and sanctified as the Sign of Christ's Cross in their midst.

The work of blessing by priests is especially important in places where great evil is felt or has been experienced.

The work of blessing brings the great and holy Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to a place much like raising our flag in the midst of the enemy's camp.

[lawgirl]

wow! that is so cool and thanks for taking the time to educate me. I wonder what they'll do with this cross after the excavation work is done? I bet they put it into the memorial.

[ohioWfan]

I thank you too, father_elijah, for that explanation of what blessing this cross means.

We will never know for sure whether or not this impressive cross standing tall amid the rubble was specifically left by God as a sign, but what we do know is that it serves as a sign of hope for these incredibly brave rescue workers, and a reminder to all of us of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins.

It is through His death, and Resurrection that all evil on earth will some day be vanquished. Satan has already lost this war! Praise God!

[alnick]

That's a beautiful explanation. I'm not a Catholic either and I'm happy to learn that. Thank you.