The phrase represents a specific devotional prayer, often found in a portable document format, that focuses on the purported wound Jesus Christ sustained on his shoulder while carrying the cross. These documents typically contain the text of the prayer itself, sometimes alongside related imagery or supplementary devotional material. For example, a document titled “Prayer to the Shoulder Wound of Christ” might contain the prayer, an image of Christ carrying the cross, and instructions on how to recite the prayer for maximum spiritual benefit.
Devotion to the Holy Wound is rooted in medieval mysticism, with claims of revelations received by figures such as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux regarding the immense pain suffered by Christ due to this specific wound. Recitation of such prayers is believed by some to grant spiritual graces, forgiveness of sins, or other divine favors. The historical context demonstrates a long tradition of focusing on specific aspects of Christ’s suffering to deepen personal connection and elicit divine intervention. The proliferation of these prayers in easily distributable digital formats such as PDF makes them readily accessible to a wide audience.
