Have you ever thought about why many Catholics wear a cross around their neck or why the cross is the generic item associated with Christianity?  The cross is a representation of what Jesus lost his life for. On that cross, Jesus died for the sins committed, and in brutal fashion. Consequently, Christianity was born. In addition, my family holds the tradition of passing down a cross. The cross I own was first owned by my great grandfather. He had passed this down to my grandfather, who then passed it to my father, who eventually passed it to me. After my first confirmation, I received this cross at the age of 13. Over the years, I have unfortunately had to purchase new necklaces to best fit me but the cross remained the same. For me, the cross is a representation of why I am here today. Not only does it trace me back to my family, but the cross also traces back to my devotion to Christ. For this reason, when wearing the cross I feel thankful, relieved, and as if I must not disappoint the ones above me. At the same time,  it makes me feel like I must better myself as a person. Ultimately, generations of my family have led successful lives wearing this cross and obviously, I hope to continue that. In the future, I would like to hand this cross down to my child and educate them of this items importance to my family.

– Ryan Pase

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more