Fragments of 'True Cross' to feature in Coronation Procession

Fragments of the True Cross given as a Coronation gift to King Charles will be included in the Coronation Procession.

Archbishop Cushley has described last month's gift of the relics from Pope Francis as "a fitting gesture" and offered prayers and best wishes ahead of tomorrow's religious ceremony that will see him crowned King Charles III.

He said: "Service is at the heart Christian leadership and Christian monarchy, and the Cross is the supreme symbol of service. I thought the gift was a very fitting gesture.

“In his speech following his declaration as sovereign of the United Kingdom, King Charles said he was praying for 'the guidance and help of Almighty God'.

"We add our own prayers and wish him every success in guiding the nation."

The two small wooden fragments of the Cross are those on which Jesus was crucified, according to Christian tradition.

They have been included in a newly made Cross of Wales that will be used at the head of the coronation procession in Westminster Abbey on Saturday morning.

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland issued prayers for the new monarch that have been sent to all parishes in the Archdiocese. Read them here

Prayer

O God, to whom every human power is subject,
grant to our sovereign Charles
success in the exercise of his high office,
so that, always revering you and striving to please you,
he may constantly secure and preserve
for the people entrusted to his care
the freedom that comes from civil peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.