Mission cross

These were common throughout Europe prior to the 20th century, and the tradition continues.

The cross is usually inscribed with the year of the mission with a common inscription like, "Save your soul!"

That was the task of the Jesuit priests even in the 18th century, albeit probably stated differently.

In the following centuries, regular missions were undertaken, later also by members of other orders.

[1] The padres held numerous events, masses and sermons - formerly delivered separately to men and married women, single adults, young people, and children - as well as times of worship, confession, house visits and other activities.