Crucifixes
Every Catholic home
should have a Cruficix hanging over the bed in each bedroom,
and, most importantly, at least one in a common area, such as the
Dining Room, Living Room, or Family Room (these should be blessed
by a priest). In addition, Catholics should wear Crucifixes -- not
empty Crosses -- around their necks.
Why Crucifixes instead
of empty Crosses? Because, as did Paul, we preach Christ
crucified, and know that it is His Blood that saves us, not His
Resurrection, which is a wonderful fruit of His Sacrifice. We get
to the Resurrection through the Cross, and we are called to pick
up our own Crosses and carry them, offering up our sufferings in
imitation of Him.
Crucifixes may be gotten at
any Catholic
gift shop and are the perfect gift for a newlywed couple
as one can't have too many of them. You'll find Crucifixes to be
worn around the neck, some to be hung on walls, some on stands to
be placed on tables, etc. 1
There
are a few Crucifixes, though, that stand out and should be mentioned.
The first of these is the San Damiano Crucifix.
The
San Damiano Crucifix
The San Damiano Crucifix was
written by an 11th or 12th c. Umbrian artist, and it came to adorn
the chapel of San Damiano in Assisi, Italy. It was before this Crucifix
that Saint Francis of Assisi was converted and received word from
the Lord to repair His Church. The Poor Clares, an Order of nuns
founded by Clare of Assisi, a good friend of St. Francis, took the
Crucifix with them to San Giorgio in 1257, and it now resides at
San Giorgio's Chapel in the Basilica of St Clare of Assisi. Now,
look at the Crucifix more closely:
This Crucifix is full of the Gospel events of
His Passion. At the top, we see Our Lord ascending into Heaven, toward
the hand of His Father.
The Blessed Virgin and John, who was appointed
to be her caretaker, stand to Christ's right (our left). To Christ's
left (our right) are the Magdalen, Mary Cleophas (mother of James),
and the Centurion whose words we speak at Mass, "Dómine,
non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum: sed tantum dic verbo, et
sanábitur ánima mea" (Lord, I am not worthy that
Thou shouldst enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul
shall be healed). The little boy behind the Centurion is the Centurion's
son whom Jesus healed.
Also present are two other Roman soldiers, Longinus,
who pierced Jesus' side with a lance, and Stephen, who gave Him vinegar
to drink (some say this second figure is that of Pilate).
Beside His right leg is Adam, biting into the
apple, and above Adam is the rooster as a symbol of Peter's denial.
At the very bottom, under His feet, are six unknown
Saints.
The transverse arm of the Cross is actually a
tomb -- the empty tomb -- and at either end are Peter and John running
toward it, being met by the two groups of two angels who let them know
"He is not here."
The
Pardon Crucifix
I have to mention this Crucifix because it is
so lovely and is relevant to one of my favorite Popes, Pope St. Pius
X, who granted these indulgences:
-Whoever carries on his person the Pardon
Crucifix, may thereby gain an indulgence.
-For devoutly kissing the Crucifix, an indulgence is gained.
-Whoever says one of the following invocations before this crucifix
may gain each time an indulgence: "Our Father who art in heaven,
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against
us." "I beg the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray to the Lord
our God for me."
-Whoever, habitually devout to this Crucifix, will fulfill the necessary
conditions of Confession and Holy Communion, may gain a Plenary Indulgence
on the following feasts: On the feasts of the Five Wounds of our Lord,
the Invention of the Holy Cross, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross,
the Immaculate Conception, and the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
-Whoever at the moment of death, fortified with the Sacraments of
the Church, or contrite of heart, in the supposition of being unable
to receive them, will kiss this Crucifix and ask pardon of God for
his sins, and pardon his neighbour, will gain a Plenary Indulgence.
And there is this: Pontifical Rescript of June
1905, to M.M. the Abbes Lemann:
Prefect of the Sacred
Congregation of Indulgences
To the faithful, who devoutly kiss this Crucifix
and gain these precious indulgences, we recommend to have in view the
following intentions: To testify love for Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin;
gratitude towards our Holy Father, the Pope, to beg for the remission
of one's sins; the deliverance of the souls in Purgatory; the return
of the nations to the Faith; forgiveness among Christians; reconciliation
among members of the Catholic Church. By another Pontifical rescript
of November 14 1905. His Holiness Pope Pius X, has declared that the
Indulgence attached to the Pardon Crucifix are applicable to the souls
in Purgatory.
On the back of the Crucifix, on the transverse
arms, are the words, "Father, forgive them." On the long part
of the Cross are the words, "Behold this heart which has so loved
men." The Sacred Heart is shown where the two arms of the Cross
meet.
For the shapes of other types of Crucifixes (and
Crosses) see the page on Christian Symbols.
Footnote:
1 Note on
getting wearable Crucifixes: don't waste your time getting pewter ones,
even though they are so inexpensive. They bend, break, turn black, etc.;
get silver, gold, wood, etc.
To
clean a tarnished silver Crucifix, apply toothpaste to it and clean
it away with a sponge. If it is badly tarnished, make a paste of baking
soda and water and leave it on the Crucifix for a while. Then rub away
with a wet sponge. Another method is as follows: Put a sheet of aluminum
foil in the bottom of a pan and add 2-3 inches of water, 1 teaspoon
baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Add Crucifix, boil 2-3
minutes, making sure the water keeps covering the silver. Remove Crucifix,
rinse, dry, and buff with a soft cloth.
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