Golden cross in Vatican's collection
gets new look
VATICAN CITY (AP) — One of the gems of the Vaticans priceless religious art collection — a 6th century reliquary containing what is revered as fragments of the cross on which Jesus was crucified — has been restored to its Byzantine-era glory.
The Vatican on Thursday unveiled the restored Crux Vaticana, a foot-high jewel-encrusted golden cross containing what tradition holds are shards of Jesus' cross inside.
The Associated Press was given an early look at the piece, and Byzantine art experts said the restoration rendered the cross much closer to what it would have looked like at the time the Byzantine Emperor Justin II gave it to the people of Rome.
Most significantly, the restoration corrected a botched 19th century restoration that threatened to corrode the piece. And it replaced the brightly colored gems that were added in previous centuries with the large, imperfect pearls that are emblematic of Byzantine-era imperial masterpieces, said restorer Sante Guido.
A circle of 12 pearls now surrounds the relic, and pearls around the cross' edge now alternate with emeralds and sapphires — the two other gems most often associated with Byzantine emperors, he said.
Civic group offers free health screenings
Slots remain available for a day-long clinic offering free health screenings.
The colorful Oklahoma Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit, featuring murals of Oklahoma outdoor scenes, will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 1001 S. Rankin St., until 4 p.m. today to offer free screenings to Edmond residents for several serious health problems.
Lions Clubs in Oklahoma are addressing the most critical health issues in the state. Free health screenings and information on obesity, tests for glaucoma, diabetes, cholesterol, visual acuity, basic pulmonary (lung) functioning and high blood pressure will be included. Bone density screening also will be available, usually for women older than age 40. Osteoporosis, especially in women older than age 40, is a critical concern.
Glaucoma and diabetes are two of the major causes of blindness and often are not discovered until irreversible damage has occurred. Undetected high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and obesity can be life-threatening.
The Lions will provide screenings only, not diagnoses. Results will be given to the person being screened to take to his or her personal health care provider.
The clinic is a community service project of the Edmond Lions Club, the Oklahoma Lions Clubs and BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma.
To register for the free health screening, call the First Presbyterian office at 341-3602.
Church offers free Thanksgiving dinner
Edmond residents are invited to a free Thanksgiving dinner Sunday afternoon at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1501 N. Bryant Street. The dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will continue as long as food lasts.
Church offers spiritual evening of Advent
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at Ninth and Boulevard in Edmond, invites local residents to attend the parishs first Advent Mission at 7:45 p.m. Dec. 8 following the 6:30 p.m. mass.
Church leaders are excited and honored to have a world-renowned liturgical scholar, the Rt. Rev. Abbot Marcel Rooney, current president of the Te Deum Institute of Sacred Liturgy in Tulsa, as the featured speaker. He captivates audiences with his knowledge of the theology and history of the liturgical season of Advent.
Rev. Rooney’s credentials are diverse and impressive, starting in 1958 when he was first professed a Benedictine monk, becoming a priest five years later. He has earned degrees in music and liturgical theology. His experience as a seminary professor includes seven years in the doctoral program of the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy in Rome. After being elected abbot of Immaculate Conception Abbey in Missouri, he was then elected abbot primate of the entire Benedictine Order, serving as liaison to Pope John Paul II.
St. John’s hopes residents will come during this busy time to focus on the rich and sacred traditions offered during this beautiful season of Advent by sharing the wisdom of Rev. Abbot Rooney and opening your hearts to the coming of Jesus.
No registration is required and a nursery will be provided. For more information, call the parish office at
340-0691.
Area church offers Christmas program
Metropolitan Baptist Church invites area residents to “Nativity in the Square,” presented by the Mariner Stage Players, at 6 p.m. Dec. 6. In this Christmas comedy the figures of a public crèche scene come to life on Christmas Eve and attempt to discover who they are. The event is free and open to the public at 7201 W. Britton Road. For more information, call 722-2550 or visit www.mbcokc.org.
