Politician’s desperate search for lost wedding ring is inspiring

Rory Stewart took to social media in a bid to find his lost gold band. He explained how he'd "dropped" his ring after an event where he'd given a speech.

In another unlikely move for a former politician, he admitted to being "very embarrassed" about the loss, and asked his followers to retweet his message.

His request resulted in thousands of retweets, but as yet there has been no report of his ring being found. But what is particularly endearing about the 49-year-old's message was that he was willing to further share a particularly unflattering picture that had a close-up of the ring.

It was also encouraging to see the hundreds of responses on Twitter. While some offered to help look for it, others suggested praying to St. Anthony. There were also a few who used their editing skills to share sharper images of the photos, while some people commiserated with Stewart by sharing stories of their own lost wedding rings.

At Aleteia, we did question the unusual cross design that Stewart's wife had custom-made for their nuptials, and a team member pointed out that the design is called a "cross pattee." This cross is associated with the Knights Templars, to whom Pope Innocent III granted the use of this Christian symbol in 1205, and more recently with the Nazi Iron Cross.

Over the centuries, though, it has been rich in more positive symbolism, including the valor and faith of medieval crusaders. In Britain, the design is associated with the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious award bestowed upon members of the armed services.

While as yet there is no update on the hunt for the wedding ring, hopefully St. Anthony will intercede and unite the former politician with his meaningful gold band.