What the Tertium Millennium Cross Meaning Is

What the Tertium Millennium Cross Meaning Is and Other Important Facts You Should Know About It

One of the most common questions people ask when it comes to buying spiritual accessories is what the tertium millennium cross is? The answer to such a deep question can be nothing but intricate, given the fact that each person may interpret information differently. Some people may wear the tertium millennium cross simply because it is beautiful, and it is part of their religion, while others might find salvation in such a tiny piece of accessory.

A considerable part of Catholics wear the tertium millennium cross without being aware of the powerful meaning about it. This article exists to end the never-ending confusion that resides around this topic, by answering the most common questions: what the tertium millennium cross meaning is, where it all started, what is the story behind it, why should you wear it, and others. Keep reading to find out more about this topic and give meaning to your beautiful accessory.

Tertium Millenium Meaning

The words “tertium millennium” come from the third millennium after Christ. This is the first thing you should know when buying such a crucifix. In 2000 AD, Pope John Paul II wrote a letter named “Tertio Millenio Adveniente”, which was meant to proclaim the Holy Year for Christians. Since then, people praise the tertium millennium by wearing crucifix pendants that were released with the celebration of martyrdom. The latter word refers to the suffering of death that a person goes through for a specific cause related to faith.

The word “martyrdom” comes from “witness” and – in the Catholic faith – it refers to praising the belief that Christ suffered and died for people. The spiritual rationale behind the tertium millennium can be interpreted in various ways and each Christian can give it a different meaning. Pope John Paul II did not forget to emphasize the witnesses’ role in our Church and carefully described martyrdom in some of his sayings. He called martyrdom the deepest proof of faith that is meant to give people power in moments when they doubt themselves or when they suffer unimaginable pains.

The story

In Christianity, one of the stories that stir interest among Christians has to do with how they could express God’s eternity better. Wearing a crucifix or other spiritual accessories does help, but not without knowing exactly what the meaning behind that accessory is. The same goes for the tertium millennium cross that many people wear with their rosaries without knowing much about it.

First of all, it is important to understand why rosaries are so special. Each bead in your rosary should remind you of an event in the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The rosary itself is meant to help Catholics pray the most common prayers – Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. The rosary beads can help to keep track of the prayers based on different events. Also, rosary beads are usually accompanied by a cross, a crucifix, a medal or larger beads. In this situation, the rosary will consist of the beads and the tertium millennium crucifix.

The tertium millennium crucifix is meant to express God’s eternity. One way to do that is by using the first and last letter of the Greek letters Alpha & Omega, which are often placed on the back of the cross. The combination between Alpha & Omega signifies perfection, and it means that Christ is both the first and the last. Oftentimes, these attributes are also related to truth and goodness. Therefore, we can say that the tertium millennium cross is here to remind people all over the world that God is there from the very beginning and until the very end and that they should always praise the great divine attributes.

The effect

Wearing a tertium millennium crucifix can change a person’s overall mood. Making the difference between cross and crucifix is required here, even though both practices are followed. A cross is exactly what the name says it – a cross, as an instrument. The crucifix, on the other hand, reminds Catholics of Jesus and his ultimate act of martyrdom that justifies God’s love for people. Wearing a crucifix and gazing at it in times of distress should remind the person who wears it about God’s goodness and love, both for the world and for yourself, as a wearer.

What is different about the tertium millennium crucifix compared to other types is that it reminds you that God’s presence is never-ending. He surrounds you and helps you go through your day, as long as He is close to you. Wearing a crucifix should also remind you of the challenges Christ went through and motivate you to go further, no matter how difficult your hardships may seem. Thus, the crucifix becomes a sign of discipleship and inspiration, that helps you contemplate on your own decisions and follow the footsteps of Christ when the times seem dark.

People also wear spiritual accessories in order for other fellow Christians to see it. The power of fraternity is very important, as people can share their mutual love for God and surround themselves with people who respect the same values. Talking about spirituality with people who share the same opinion can be liberating and wearing a tertium millennium crucifix can be the best conversation starter.

Final word

Now that you know what the tertium millennium signifies, it’s paramount to understand that motivation to wear one comes from within. There is no article, book or person who can give meaning to your crucifix and rosary other than yourself. Make sure that you get informed about the story behind the spiritual accessories you would like to carry around with you each day before anything else. Having an idea about their meaning will help you find the required strength and motivation in it. Choose a tertium millennium crucifix and wear it in combination with your preferred rosary.

 You can find a selection of this precious crucifix, in three different sizes, blessed by Pope Francis, in our store