ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 12, 1993                   TAG: 9305120066
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: PARIS                                LENGTH: Short

VATICAN-CERTIFIED RELIC GOES ON AUCTION BLOCK

A Vatican-certified piece of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified is going on the auction block.

The Drouot auction house refused to estimate the relic's value, but proceeds from Wednesday's sale are to benefit autistic children.

The relic consists of tiny slivers of wood from an olive tree presented in the shape of a cross. It is protected by a crystal cover.

- Associated Press 


 by CNB