Quest for the True Cross

For the past 1,700 years a wooden artifact known as the “Titilus Cruces” has been housed in the Church of Santa Cruce in Rome. Claimed to be a piece of Jesus's Cross brought back from the Holy Land by Helena, mother of Constantine, the first Christian Emperor, it had--like most medieval relics--long been dismissed as a forgery, until Dr. Carsten Peter Thiede, author of the book Quest for the True Cross, removed it from its case for close inspection. Drawing on his expertise in biblical languages and ancient manuscripts, Thiede's quest (as he explores clues found in the inscription, compares similar archaeological finds, and traces the story of the cross's journey to Rome) is photographed at various church sites, inside catacombs, and within other locations in the Holy Land (including the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem), while artwork depicting historic events provides context. The conclusion? Not only does Thiede think that a good case can be made that this is indeed a piece of the “True Cross," but the Vatican has announced a commission to examine it. Whatever the outcome, this is an interesting reflection on the central image of Christianity--the Cross--sporting fine photography and deft narration. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)