The top of the cross shows the resurrected Jesus arriving in Heaven in glory, surrounded by angels and blessed by the Hand of God, above.
The main figure shows Christ both crucified and risen (His halo includes the glorified cross, and His empty tomb can be seen behind His outstretched arms). The inscription above Christ's head reads IHS NAZARE REX IUDEORUM (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews).
The heads and shoulders of four angels can be seen along the crossbar, discussing the wonders of the Resurrection. The figures at each end of the crossbar may represent more angels, or possibly the apostles Peter and John arriving at Christ's empty tomb.
The heads and shoulders of four angels can be seen along the crossbar, discussing the wonders of the Resurrection. The figures at each end of the crossbar may represent more angels, or possibly the apostles Peter and John arriving at Christ's empty tomb.
The five main figures standing beside Jesus are (from L to R): The Virgin Mary; St. John the Beloved; St. Mary Magdalene; Mary Clopas (mother of the Apostle James); and the Centurion who professed his belief in Jesus. The smaller figures at the bottom corners are the soldier who pierced Christ's side with a spear (L) and the one who gave Him a sponge soaked in wine (R).
The five main figures standing beside Jesus are (from L to R): The Virgin Mary; St. John the Beloved; St. Mary Magdalene; Mary Clopas (mother of the Apostle James); and the Centurion who professed his belief in Jesus. The smaller figures at the bottom corners are the soldier who pierced Christ's side with a spear (L) and the one who gave Him a sponge soaked in wine (R).
Beneath Christ's feet is a damaged section depicting six saints, probably John, Michael, Rufino, John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul (the patron saints of Umbria).
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THE SAN DAMIANO
CROSS
Our beloved Saint Francis did not start out life as
a fiercely devout and pious man. His early years were
spent indulging in the extravagances available to those
born to money and privilege. As he approached adulthood,
however, he found himself in crisis, searching for deeper
meaning in his life.
This inner conflict led him to the deserted church of
San Damiano in his hometown of Assisi. It was here,
praying before the San Damiano Crucifix, that Francis
first heard the Word of God. "Francis, go and rebuild
my house, which is falling into ruins."
When Francis heard these words, he responded by quickly
taking up a collection to restore the churches of Assisi,
which were in disrepair. Through his efforts, many chapels
and churches were rebuilt.
Francis eventually realized that God was not merely
asking him to restore chapels, but to rebuild His Church
around the world as a community. Francis responded with
decisive action. He embraced a life of poverty, prayer
and service, and began to preach the Word of God.
Place your mouse cursor over a section of the Cross
below to see an explanation of the images. |
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The San Damiano Cross is an
"icon cross," meaning it contains not just
a depiction of Christ, but icons of various people and
scenes relevant to the story of the Crucifixion and
Resurrection. The Cross is in the Eastern style and
was crafted in Umbria, Italy (the region where Assisi
is located) in the 12th century. It is made of painted
walnut and measures 75 inches high, 47 inches wide,
and slightly less than 5 inches thick. The original
Cross is now located in the Basilica of St. Clare in
Assisi; a replica hangs in the San Damiano church.
To read more...
• Saint Francis, Charismatic Penitent
• Events In the
Life of Saint Francis
• The Canticle
of the Sun
• The San Damiano Cross |
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