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Reply. The answer is in the affirmative, in accordance with the
following chant of the Church: "Hail, O Cross, our only hope,
during this Passiontide: give to the just increase of grace, grant to
each contrite sinner pardon."[1657]
St. Thomas gives two conclusions.
First conclusion. The true cross of Christ on which Christ was
crucified is to be adored with the cult of latria both inasmuch as it
represents to us the figure of Christ extended thereon, and because of
its contact with the members of Christ, and of its being saturated
with His blood.
Second conclusion. The effigy of Christ's cross in any other
material is to be adored with the adoration of relative latria, as
being the image of Christ.
Reply to first objection. Thus in the cross is considered not
Christ's shame, but its divine power whereby it triumphed over its
enemies.
Reply to second objection. Thus the true nails of the passion, and
the true crown of thorns are adored, inasmuch as they came in contact
with the members of Christ, and were likewise saturated with His
blood.
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