The Cross is a potent and universal symbol of faith. The image of the Cross evokes deep emotions of devotion, loyalty and reverence in Christians everywhere. But few know the rich history behind it.

There’s so much more to the Cross than simply being a symbol of Christianity. It’s a testament to God’s love for mankind that we can never fully comprehend. In this book, you will discover how holding the Cross was a dangerous yet courageous act of faith during times when it was considered heresy by the Catholic Church and punishable by death.

Read on to learn more about one man’s courage in holding the Cross during these trying times, and how he became known as “The Holding Cross Brother.”

A Brief History of the Holding Cross

The Cross has always been a powerful symbol of faith, hope and sacrifice. As far back as the first century, Christians were being persecuted for their beliefs. This persecution would continue for almost two millennia and beyond.

In the seventh century, the Catholic Church declared that all crucifixes should be made out of wood, as opposed to the more common use of stone.

The reason behind this was to differentiate between the Cross used to crucify Jesus and the cross used as a method of execution. The Church also declared that the Cross should be hung high on the wall, out of easy reach. This was meant to signify that the Cross was not meant to be used as a tool of punishment but rather as a reminder of the suffering and death of Jesus.

On top of this, the Church also decreed that the Cross should be carved and decorated with great care and attention, as the Cross was the most important symbol of Christianity.

How did people know which cross to choose?

The Church set out a number of rules for the creation of the Cross. This meant that in order for the Cross to be considered a legitimate religious icon, it had to meet certain criteria. Holding the Cross – or any Cross for that matter – was a dangerous and courageous act of faith in the face of adversity.

The Church had declared that any person found guilty of holding or owning a Cross, or who made or sold Crosses, would be charged with heresy and face the death penalty.

Holding the Cross was a bold and daring act in defiance against the status quo. It was a show of faith in a time when the Church frowned upon any worship of the Cross. Holding the Cross meant that you were willing to risk everything.

At any moment, you could be caught by the guards and charged with heresy. You could be tortured or executed without trial. You could lose your home, your possessions, your family and your life.

Because of this, people needed a way to tell which Crosses were authentic. They had to be able to tell a real Cross from a fake one. In order to do this, people came up with the idea of a “signature” carved into the Cross.

The Story of Brother Juniper

During the mid-sixth century, the Catholic Church declared that any person caught owning or worshipping the Cross would be charged with heresy and sentenced to death.

Holding the Cross was a bold and daring act in defiance against the status quo. It was a show of faith in a time when the Church frowned upon any worship of the Cross. Holding the Cross meant that you were willing to risk everything.

At any moment, you could be caught by the guards and charged with heresy. You could be tortured or executed without trial. You could lose your home, your possessions, your family and your life.

Holding the Cross was a courageous and defiant act of faith, and one man in particular was known for his passion for upholding this tradition during this trying time. His name was Juniper, also known as “Brother Juniper”.

Unbeknownst to Brother Juniper, his actions would have great consequence.

Throughout the centuries, Juniper had amassed a large collection of Crosses.

He hid them in secret places, such as inside the walls of his home, under the floorboards, inside books and even within jars of pickled vegetables.

Juniper was fully aware that to be caught owning a Cross during this time would result in certain death. He knew that he would be tortured until he admitted to owning the Crosses.

Juniper knew that one day, when the Church finally came for his Crosses, he would face the death penalty.

Nevertheless, Juniper was steadfast in his resolve. He was prepared to give his life for the cause of upholding the tradition of holding the Cross.

Conclusion

Juniper was fully aware of the consequences of his actions, but he was also fully aware of the importance of keeping the tradition of holding the Cross alive. Juniper was a devout and loyal follower of Christ, and he knew that his actions would result in either his death or the death of others.

Holding the Cross during this time was a show of faith in a Church that frowned upon any worship of the Cross. It was a defiant act of courage in the face of adversity.

Holding the Cross was a courageous and defiant act of faith, and one man in particular was known for his passion for upholding this tradition during this trying time. His name was Juniper, also known as “Brother Juniper”.