St. Peter's cross is shown upside down because St. Peter was crucified upside
down, at his request (he did not feel worthy of being crucified in the same
manner as Our Lord).
+ + +
"When Peter the apostle was being led to the cross, filled with great joy he
exclaimed: I am not worthy to be so fixed upon the cross as was my Lord, who was
conceived of the Holy Ghost, whereas he formed me out of the slime of the earth;
even so should my cross point my head downwards to the earth. Therefore did they
reverse the cross, and crucify his feet upwards and his hands downwards. Whilst
Peter was hanging on the cross, a crowd gathered around him, cursing Caesar and
making much wailing before the cross. Peter exhorted them from the cross,
saying: 'Weep not, but rejoice with me, because this day I go to prepare a place
for you.' And when he had said this, he added: 'I give thanks to thee, O good
Shepherd, because the sheep that thou didst confide to me suffer together with
me: Lo! Now I beseech thee that they may be participators with me also in thy
grace for ever.'" (Antiphon)
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