There are eight points of the cross to symbolise the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3 - 12), in between which you will see four Fleur de Lys with three petals each that are said to signify the twelve apostles. Traditionally, these crosses also feature doves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16), but throughout history and times of persecution, this dove has been replaced with a pearl to represent a teardrop.