(O bona crux)
The apostle Andrew was martyred. He died nailed to a cross. His desire to be identified with Christ was so great that when he was being led toward the place of his martyrdom, and saw his own cross in the distance, he cried:
"O good Cross, made beautiful by the body of the Lord: long have I desired you, ardently have I loved you, unceasingly have I sought you out; and now you are ready for my eager soul. Receive me from among men and restore me to my Master, so that he-who, by means of you, in dying redeemed me-may receive me. Amen."
