As the Roman Empire crumbled and fell, its territory fell into the Dark Ages, so-called because of the lack of historical sources for us to look back on this time clearly today, but also because of the regression of society and culture, and the suffering experienced by the people due to the lack of infrastructure, defense against violent invaders, political machinations, and lack of available education. It was in this darkness that the Church took up the Cross as a source of light shining on the Truth.