Mar 23, 2025

Titulus Crucis


           A part of this sign, relic known as the "Title" or "Titulus Crucis", kept in the Cappella delle Reliquie in Rome, Italy

About the Titulus Crucis

The Titulus Crucis, meaning β€œTitle of the Cross” in Latin, is a sacred piece of wood kept in the Church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome. Many believe it’s the title panel placed above Jesus on the True Cross during His crucifixion, naming Him β€œJesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews” (John 19:19). The Bible’s Gospelsβ€”John, Matthew (27:37), Mark (15:26), and Luke (23:38)β€”mention this sign, marking the reason for His death. Cherished by some Catholics as a holy relic from Jesus, our Savior, it’s a treasured link to His sacrifice, though its age is debated. It rests in a special chapel, drawing hearts to honor His love.

Its Appearance

The Titulus Crucis is a walnut wood board, measuring 9.8 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 1 inch thick (25 cm Γ— 14 cm Γ— 2.6 cm), weighing 1.5 pounds (687 grams). One side has three lines of writing: the top line is mostly gone, the second line is in Greek with reversed letters, and the third is in Latin, also reversed, reading β€œIesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum” (Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews), or INRI. The wood is old and worn, its faded script a quiet echo of the cross, carrying the mark of Jesus’ suffering in its grain.

Its Journey

The Titulus Crucis

The Titulus Crucis begins around 33 AD above Jesus on the cross in Jerusalem. In 325, Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, found the True Cross and its title during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, bringing them to Rome for the Church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, which she built. In 383, pilgrim Egeria saw it there in a silver-gilt casket with the Cross. By 570, Antoninus of Piacenza noted a β€œnut” wood titulus in Jerusalem with β€œHic est Rex Iudaeorum” (Luke 23:38). Around 1144, Cardinal Gherardo Caccianemici, later Pope Lucius II, sealed it in a box at Santa Croce during a renovation. It stayed hidden until February 1, 1492, when workers restoring a mosaic found it behind a brick marked β€œTitulus Crucis.” Cardinal Pedro GonzΓ‘lez de Mendoza then promoted its veneration. In 1997, experts studied its writing, and in 2002, radiocarbon tests dated it to 980-1146 AD. It remains in Rome’s Cappella delle Reliquie today.

Its Meaning

This relic, with its walnut wood and ancient words, has been loved for centuries as a sign of Jesus’ sacrifice. It reminds us of His great loveβ€”how He was crowned King in suffering to save us, turning a sign of shame into one of glory. Found by Helena, hidden and rediscovered, it carries a story of faith over 1,900 years. Though some see it as medieval, others hold it as a copy or true piece from Jesus’ time, blessed by His presence. Kept safe in Rome, it brings peace and thanks, a treasure showing His mercy endures, lifting our hearts to Him.

Timeline of the Titulus Crucis

  • Around 33 AD: Placed above Jesus on the cross in Jerusalem.
  • 325: Saint Helena finds it, brings it to Rome’s Santa Croce.
  • 383: Egeria sees it in a casket at Santa Croce.
  • 570: Antoninus notes a titulus in Jerusalem.
  • Before 1144: Cardinal Gherardo seals it in a box at Santa Croce.
  • February 1, 1492: Rediscovered behind a brick in Santa Croce.
  • 1492: Cardinal Mendoza encourages its veneration.
  • 1997: Michael Hesemann and experts study its script.
  • 2002: Radiocarbon dates it to 980-1146 AD.
  • Present Day: Kept in Santa Croce’s Cappella delle Reliquie.
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