This crucifix is from the online store of the Precious Blood devotion as begun by Barnabas Nwoye, a Nigerian man who, when he was in his teens in the early 1990s, claimed to have visions of Jesus and Mary.
Some of his writings were approved by his local bishop, but the online store includes cinctures and a “crown of thorns”. These objects are not likely to be approved, at least without the permission of a priest or spiritual advisor.
I just don’t think it’s wise to support products that have to do with apparitions and devotions that may not have the full approval of the Church.
I know this is getting a lot deeper than a “what kind of cross to buy” thread usually does, but it merits looking into. I would hate to see anyone drawn into a devotion that might not be church approved, and may even be dangerous for some. Just buying the cross may be OK, but please look into this before going any further with any other part of this devotional.
First of all, I am a priest.
Second of all, my post – that you are quoting – is in response to a request for a crucifix which has the Sacred Heart exposed on the breast…an item that one encounters in various cultures, including my own, but distinctly less so in North America. Personally, my recommendation was and remains Collevalenza, since that crucifix is widely known and regarded in Italy; I have a crucifix from there but I have no idea if they ship to North America. It is not a shrine frequented by people from the United States, in my experience.
Third of all, the devotion to the Precious Blood was not
begun by any individual in Nigeria in the 1990s. It is a devotion of very long standing in the Church…one of its great apostles of latter times being Saint Gaspar del Bufalo.
Fourth of all, I have NO idea what you mean about the cinctures and the crown of thorns needing to be approved by Church authority. The principle cinctures have been approved for centuries: of Our Lady of Consolation (Augustinians), of Saint Francis of Assisi (Franciscans), of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Dominicans), of Saint Francis of Paolo (The Minims), and of Saint Joseph (which originated in Belgium after the Council of Trent and came to have headquarters in Rome and elsewhere in Italy). The cord of Saint Philomena is of more recent advent but the archconfraternity associated with it was based in the archdiocese of Paris and is, of course, present at her shrine in Mugnano del Cardinale.
The cord of Saint Francis of Assisi, to pick the most popular, has existed since the days of Saint Francis. It is used by all branches of the Franciscan family, including members of the Secular Order, as well as members of the Archconfraternity of the Cord of Saint Francis, which is firstly based in Assisi. Like scapulars and medals, cinctures are sacramentals which may be used by the faithful.
Fifth of all, A crown of thorns does not need to be “approved” – I have used them in Passion displays throughout my priesthood. The crown of thorns is an element from the Passion. One may have one and display it, if one wishes.
And sixth of all, when I go into religious goods stores, online or in person, I typically find all sorts of articles and books of interest and all sorts of articles and books of dubious value. As is true of any commercial enterprise.
