Ave crux spes unica

Ave crux, spes unica is a Latin pious expression or motto meaning "Hail to the Cross, our only hope."

The expression has a long history in Catholic and Anglican piety and is a motto occasionally used by bishops and church institutions.

"Ave Spes Unica" is inscribed on the base of the central crucifix atop the tabernacle of the main altar in the Church of St. Lazarus in Bethany, Palestine.

The origins are thought to be a stanza added in the tenth century to an ancient Roman hymn to the True Cross, Vexilla regis prodeunt.

which roughly translates: O hail the cross our only hope in this passiontide grant increase of grace to believers and remove the sins of the guilty.