Consecration cross

One version says that from Constantine's reign onward, a consecration was a public celebration to be commemorated in the following years, so that visual symbols of this event, such as writing the Greek and Roman alphabets on the church floor, became possible.

[3] Another version credits Theodosius I with starting the tradition between 379 and 395 by purifying pagan temples during the transition of the Roman Empire to Christianity.

[3][5] In the medieval tradition, the twelve interior crosses may be painted on plaster, or manufactured in an indestructible material and affixed to stone walls.

[3][5] The most common and ancient form of four curved arms of equal length within a circle could easily be constructed by a stonemason using a compass.

[4] Typically, there might be twelve painted crosses high on plaster walls within a church, and others engraved outside on door frames, pillars or corners.

Since the bishop sprinkles the altar and floor with holy water crosses also, it is not impossible that permanent commemorative marks may be placed there.

[10] The Sacred Heart church at Bushey was consecrated in 1977 by Cardinal Hume, and contains twelve commemorative crosses which were donated by the local social club.