An ode to the old rugged Cross. Collection of almost 2000 types of Crosses -- By Nisser Dias

Cross with Station of
Crosses

For Christians, the cross is a symbol of the atonement that reminds Christians of God's love in sacrificing his own son for humanity. It represents Jesus' victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through his death and resurrection he conquered death itself. Hence for Christian faith especially as the Lenten season comes to end, Cross place a significant role to portray the sufferings of Jesus as he was condemned to death on the cross.

Interestingly there are different styles of Cross’ like the ‘Y’, ‘X’, ‘T’, Mexican, Russian, Eithopian,  Anchor, St. Peter’s, St. Andrew, St. Thomas and many more. It would be even more interesting to realize that the only Cross Museum existing in India is based in Goa.

The man behind the museum is Maendra Joceline Araujo Alvares, more popularly known as the ‘The Big Foot’ man.

Maendra Joceline Araujo Alvares

In conversation with Maendra says that it is a accidental discovery that led to investigate, gather and collect crosses from all over the world. He claims that in 2004 he picked up an upside down cross which brought out the curiosity in the artist. On researching he found that it was called St. Peter Cross. It is believed that St. Peter was crucified upside down at his own request as he did not feel worthy to die the same way as Jesus. Similar is the story of St. Andrew Cross, he requested his executioners to alter the style of the cross and was crucified on a ‘X’cross.

St. Peter Cross

From then on there was no looking back and in a short time he says he had collected 100 different crosses in Goa itself. “In 2004 internet access was either limited or patchy hence I had to speak to priests like Fr. Savio Rodrigues, Fr. Levis Gomes or visit libraries for details.

In 2005 he and his family went on an European tour and picked up 400 different crosses. Same year he held his first exhibition at Casa Araujo Alvares, Loutolim of 500 crosses followed by exhibitions at Fundacao Oriente in Panjim, then in Pilar and at Old Goa, “this had its effect, family members, friends and even priests started gifting me various crosses, Fr. Ozzie gave 4 Ethiopian crosses, Archbishop of Lesaka T. G. Mpundu Zambia, South Africa, has contributed some crosses from Africa.

Part of the Cross Museum

In 2006 Maendra’s collection had touched 1548 crosses, “with so many crosses I decided to open a museum adjoining ‘Big Foot’. “It was like a blessing because at the time of the inaugurating the Museum ‘His Eminence’ Paul Cardinal Poupard, President of Pontifical, Commission of Culture, Vatican Rome happened to be in Goa and did the honours of inaugurating the museum”.

Mexican Cross

This museum has also made it to the record books of World Record India & World Amazing Record in 2012, India Book of Record also in 2012 and Limca Book of Records in 2013. “On display from 2006 are 1548 various crosses, since then I have collected another 300 more which are yet to be displayed”.

Brief descriptions of some crosses according to the book published by Maendra Alvares based upon his research titled ‘In Search…’

‘Y’ or the Forked cross:- The Bible states that Jesus was crucified on a tree, and it is from there we get this ‘Y’ shape. It is also called a Thief’s cross or Robber’s cross since it is believed that criminals in the Roman Judea were crucified on a Forked cross.

‘Papal Cross’:- The Papal Cross is the official emblem of the Catholic Papal office and is used only by the Pope. The 3 beams represent different things to different people, but some of the interpretations include: the Trinity, the three crosses on Calvary, the Pope’s religious authority in the Church, the world and Heaven.

‘Russian Cross’:- It is similar to the Papal cross, the only difference being the slanted lower beam. The slant beam at the foot signify that those on the right side of Christ will rise up into heaven and those on the left will slide down into held.

‘Anchor Cross’:- Also call the St. Clement’s Cross or Mariner’s Cross. Clement is the patron saint of the mariners, anchor smiths, blacksmith and others. When Christians were persecuted and forced underground, their emblem has often been the Anchor Cross. To the outside world, it is just an anchor but to Christians it is a camouflaged Latin cross to keep their faith firm.