AboutLaura Trauth Expertise PhD program in History. A more conservative Catholic institution, the school is also less self-contained. This means it has less of a sense of family and community, but also that it is connected with the nation`s capitol and all the academic, artistic, and social resources that DC provides. The History and Medieval Studies grad programs have a core faculty of dedicated and talented scholars who encourage students to pursue original research and analyse current scholarship.
Question I read that a priest has seven crosses on his tomb while a bishop has five and us mere mortals have one. Is this true and is so what is the history behind this?
Answer Hi Mark,
This isn't my area of expertise. I am listed under CUA as someone who can tell you about Graduate studies there (where to live, what the professors are like, if the library is good, etc).
I do know this, however: The five crosses almost certainly symbolize the five wounds of Christ. Many altars were marked with 5 crosses for the five wounds. The seven probably represent the seven sacraments (which are the responsibility of the priests). Exactly why bishops get 5 and laymen get one, I can't tell you.
I'd suggest that, if you want to learn more, you ask one of our experts in the area of Religion. There are a lot of very knowledgable people in that area! I wish I could have given you more information.
