A Treasure!

A few months ago I stopped to browse in a local antique mall and saw this huge metal plate with a crucifix. The owner of the booth also had a couple of large old crucifixes that I would love to have, too. Maybe next month. :o) I always want to buy Catholic items when I see them in thrift stores, flea markets or antique stores.

At the time, I didn't want to pay the asking price, but I kept thinking that I should have bought the plate. Today Lily and I were out and about, and we stopped at the antique mall. I was surprised to see that the plate was still there, and on sale for 20% off! I felt like it was waiting for me. :o)

I've never seen anything like it, and wonder if it is a handmade piece. It's 24" in diameter, and the pictures and words are raised. The Corpus is a separate piece, added to the raised cross. The metal may be copper, but I'm not sure.

If someone can translate the Dutch* inscription for me, I'd appreciate it. I suspect that it says something like, "Give us this day our daily bread," but I'm just guessing.

Now I have to figure out where to hang it. It looks much bigger than it did in the store!

Prayer Before A Crucifix
Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus,
I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul
I pray and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity,
with true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment,
while with deep affection and grief of soul
I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five Wounds,
having before my eyes that which David, the prophet, spoke of Thee, my Jesus:
"They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."
Amen

*edited to say Dutch inscription rather than German inscription. Thanks, Jason!