Fr.
Terrance joined our November gathering and made a presentation on the San
Damiano Crucifix.
Fr.
Terrance joined our November gathering and made a presentation on the San
Damiano Crucifix.
Few among us � indeed, few among Franciscans � have not seen a copy of this crucifix. It is at the heart of Franciscan history. It was before this crucifix that Francis prayed in the church of San Damiano. Then he received his instructions, "Francis, go and repair my Church which, as you can see, is completely fallen to ruin."
Francis, not being one to delay once he knew what he was to do, proceeded immediately to repair the church of San Damiano. However, this was only the beginning of Francis� career as a repairer of the Church. Later when Francis visited Rome, Pope Innocent III dreamed of Francis supporting the Lateran Basilica as it tried to crumble to ruin. Innocent III was the first to recognize Francis� call to repair the life of the universal Church.
The crucifix of San Damiano is now kept by the Poor Clares in the Basilica of St. Clare. There it is seen by countless pilgrims and tourists. At San Damiano there is a reproduction on view. Whether we are looking at the original or one of the millions of reproductions we cannot help but be impressed by the many symbols written into the image.
Surely everyone sees Jesus, the largest and most important person present. Do you notice that he is wounded but strong? His halo has the cross in it, the symbol of his glorification. His body is very white, contrasting with the black and red background. All the other figures are smaller. Their relative size is an indication of their importance.
There are five major witnesses: Mary and John on the left - Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and the centurion, who proclaimed, "Surely this man was the son of God," on the right.
Smaller on the left is the soldier who pierced Jesus side with the lance. Note that Jesus wounds are like fountains and some of the blood is falling onto this soldier with the lance.
A smaller figure on the right is the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar.
Over the shoulder of the centurion are one face but two foreheads. One of these might be the writer of the icon.
There are six angels by Jesus� arms. Four are using hand gestures that indicate discussion. Two point to Jesus� wounds.
Under Jesus� feet are six figures, but only two are still visible. The six are Saints John, Michael, Rufino, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul.
Above Jesus� head the risen Christ carries the cross as a triumphant scepter. Around him are ten angels, five with hands in welcoming gesture. At the very top is the hand of God the Father.
The Trinity is present in the image of Jesus. On his abdomen is an outline of the face of the Father. There is also a circle, the symbol of eternity. Inside the circle is the eternal Word of God. On Jesus� forehead is the Holy Spirit, descending as a dove.
These are only some of the symbols written to this icon. Hopefully, knowing these, finding others and meditating on their meanings to our salvation will make our prayers before this crucifix more fruitful. Maybe will might come to know more fully our own roles in repairing the Church of Christ.