... from the original cross, altar, and tabernacle from the first mission church in California, consecrated by Father Junipero Serra in 1777 and abandoned after a severe flood in 1802. They were found in the Mission Santa Clara de Asis and measure about 2 1/2 in x 1 1/2 in. The brown enameled wood cross is worn out, and bits and pieces of the wood is flaking away due to normal wear and tear and reveals a fresh tan colored wood beneath the enameling. The crosses were brought over by the Franciscan Monks and were symbolized as the representation of their suffering for Christ. They believed that they must take up their own crosses, not literally, but spiritually and that they must all suffer for the cause of Christ. They wore these crosses as symbol of what Christ said in the bible. "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must ...

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