King Charles III’s coronation: 7 Christian elements to look for Page 6

"The Cross of Wales" is displayed for a photograph ahead of a ceremony to bless the Cross at Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno, north Wales, on April 19, 2023. | Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

5. Fragments from the cross on which Jesus was crucified

Two splinters, believed to be from the “true cross” of Christ, were recently gifted to King Charles III by Pope Francis. The pieces of wood form a small cross directly at the center of the processional cross, according to a statement from the Church of Wales.

Known as the Cross of Wales, the precession cross was formed from recycled silver bullion, Welsh slate and timber.

As part of the coronation, the cross will be used to lead the procession into Westminster Abbey.

Crafted by silversmith Michael Lloyd, the cross was presented to the Church in Wales by the King to commemorate its centenary. However, this will be its inaugural use.

It will feature Welsh words from the last sermon of St. David on the back: “Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain." The words are translated as: "Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.”

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