From Golgotha it is fifty paces to the place where the Cross was discovered, which is in the Basilica of Constantine, which adjoins the Tomb and Golgotha. In the courtyard of the basilica is a small room where they keep the Wood of the Cross. We venerated it with a kiss. The title is also there which they placed over the Lord's head, on which they wrote “This is the King of the Jews”. This I have seen, and had it in my hand and kissed it. The Wood of the Cross comes from the nut-tree. At the moment when the Cross is brought out of this small room for veneration, and arrives in the court to be venerated, a star appears in the sky, and comes over the place where they lay the Cross. It stays overhead whilst they are venerating the Cross, and they offer oil to be blessed in little flasks. When the mouth of one of the little flasks touches the Wood of the Cross, the oil instantly bubbles over, and unless it is closed very quickly it all spills out. When the Cross is taken back into its place, the star also vanishes, and appears no more once the Cross has been put away. In that place are also the sponge and reed mentioned in the Gospel (from this sponge we drank water) and also the onyx cup which he blessed at the Supper, and many other marvellous things beside: a portrait of Blessed Mary on a raised place, her girdle, and the band which she used to have on her head. In that place there are also seven marble seats for the elders.
(transl. Wilkinson)
| Bibliography |
|---|