Two part question: Stations of the Cross Crucifix

[Epistemes]

Just today, I ordered a custom rosary from the Sisters of Carmel. As part of my custom design, I chose the Stations of the Cross Crucifix (pictured below); however, the Sisters state on their website:

*According to Church law, only Franciscan priests have faculties to bless Stations of the Cross, including these crucifixes.
In order to gain the indulgences attached to the Way of the Cross devotion, the crucifix must be blessed by a Franciscan priest. *

While this isn’t a problem, as my parish is pastored by Conventual Franciscans, I was wondering why only Franciscan priests had these “faculties to bless Stations of the Cross”? Where in Church law is this actually stated?

Also, what is this indulgence which is referred to? That is, do I receive some special indulgence by praying the Creed on this type of crucifix versus any other kind? or must I pray the Via Crucis using this crucifix in order to gain the indulgence?

http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/pics/germanstationsmall.jpg

 

[JMJ_coder]

This hasn’t been the case in over one hundred years.

Stations of the Cross:

In 1726 Benedict XIII extended the right to gain indulgences in these Franciscan churches to all the faithful. And in 1731 Clement XII permitted indulgenced Stations to all churches—provided they were erected by a Franciscan priest. In 1862 this last restriction was removed, to accommodate those places where no Franciscans were available.

There is no official indulgence currently attached to this crucifix.

 

[centurionguard]

This hasn’t been the case in over one hundred years.

Stations of the Cross:

There is no official indulgence currently attached to this crucifix.

…

(“A plenary indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who devoutly make the Stations of the Cross.”)

In a world where the certainties seem to vanish in the night of the sensuality and the enjoyment, the man feels himself more alone and astonished with respect to the questions arising from the heart, questions, which expect answers.

The mind is bewildered because of the nonsense and the soul, seized by the senses, moans. Uncertainty generates sometimes anxiety and fear because the man needs firm points. Faith is one of these points and it is strengthened by its symbols.

Saint Benedict

The Cross of Saint Benedict is not a magical symbol that cancels every difficulty of our life, but a means, which can help overcoming them.

This crucifix is one of the Sacramentals of the Catholic Church. It is a sacred symbol whose effects are obtained through the prayer of the Church.

To profit by this crucifix it is not enough to have it blessed and to take it like a mascot. The benefits depend on the degree of our faith and on the confidence you have placed in God and in Saint Benedict. The good effects, which are awarded to the crucifix of Saint Benedict, are many.

In fact, if it is used with faith and with the aid of the Saint it protects:

* From epidemics;
* From poisons;
* From some special diseases;
* From spells;
* From spiritual and material dangers which the Demon can cause;

The Holy faith has enriched it with several indulgences:

* Plenary indulgence in point of death;
* Partial indulgence.