Ritual Edition
The front cover is a design that combines two motifs from the first millennium of Christian art: a cross with foliate carving on its arms and a wreathed Chi Rho with alpha and omega. The cross is inspired by a 9th century ivory Evangeliary cover, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Chi Rho is from an early Christian marble carving in the Museo Pio Cristiano. Traditionally the sign of Christ that converted Constantine, the Chi Rho became his protective emblem, and then his victory banner. In LTP’s design by Anna Manhart, this ancient symbol unites the arms of the cross at their apex. The wreath that encircles the Chi Rho was part of the labarum, or military standard, on which it was affixed. Now, as then, this “crown” of victory focuses the viewer’s attention. The leafy arms of the cross speak of the life that sprang from the sacrifice on that Cross, and the alpha and omega remind us that Christ’s victory over death, his Paschal Mystery, is for all time. These images seem especially expressive for the book by which the Church will celebrate, again and again, this mystery. The sign that Christians trace upon their bodies also embraces this book.