Have you ever wondered what its history and meaning are?

The original one is the large Romanesque cross that hung in the abandoned chapel near Assisi, hometown of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. This cross is now over 800 years old and is about six feet tall and four feet wide. It was painted on linen that was glued to walnut wood. The cross is now kept in the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi.

History of the St. Damian Cross

In 1205, St. Francis of Assisi visited the church of San Damiano. It was in ruins, but this cross was still there. St. Francis knelt in front of the cross and heard the words “Go and repair My Church”. He went out to do so, both physically and spiritually. Later on, the Poor Clares, led by St. Clare of Assisi, took the cross with them to San Giorgio and preserved it for seven centuries.

For this reason, this very iconic cross took on such importance in the Franciscan tradition. In fact, many Franciscans cherish this cross as the symbol of their mission from God to commit their lives and resources to renew and rebuild the Church of God, through the power of Christ.

The images on the cross:

The largest figure is Jesus Christ, represented both as wounded and strong, standing upright and resolute. The bright white of the Lord’s body contrasts with the dark red and black around it and, therefore, accentuates the prominence of Jesus. He projects the life of divine nature in a body pierced by nails in the hands and feet, by the crown of thorns on his head, and by the soldier’s lance in his side. This representation contrasts with the regal Christ portrayed on the cross in earlier centuries and the crucified Christ depicted generally throughout the Church since the beginning of the 14th century.

The next largest figures are the five witnesses of the crucifixion and witnesses of Jesus as Lord. On the left side are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, to whom Jesus entrusted his mother. On the right side are Mary Magdalene; Mary, Mother of James; and the centurion who in Matthew’s Gospel account asks Christ to heal his son. Both Mary and Mary Magdalene have their hands placed on their cheeks to reflect extreme grief and anguish. The first four witnesses have halos because they are saints who gave their lives for the Lord.

The three smaller figures are represented as witnessing the crucifixion. On the lower left is Longinus, the traditional name of the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance. In the lower right is Stephaton, the traditional name for the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine. Peering over the left shoulder of the centurion is a small face. A close look reveals the tops of the heads of three others beside him. This represents the centurion’s son who was healed by Jesus and the rest of his family to show that “he and his whole household believed.” (John 4:45-54)

At both ends of the crossbar are six angels are represented as marvelling over the event of the crucifixion. Their hand gestures indicate they are discussing this wondrous event of the death and calling us to marvel with them.

At the foot of the cross there is a damaged picture of six figures, two of whom have halos. In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria, the region surrounding Assisi: St. John, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter, and St. Paul.

On the top of the cross, one sees Jesus now fully clothed in his regal garments and carrying the cross as a triumphant sceptre. He is climbing out of the tomb and into the heavenly courts. Ten angels are crowded around, five of whom have their hands extended in a welcoming gesture to Jesus, who himself has his hand raised in the form of a greeting.

At the very top of the cross is the Hand of God with two fingers extended. This is to be understood as the blessing of God the Father on the sacrifice of his Son. On the right side of the picture next to the left calf of Jesus, there is a small figure of a fowl. Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, (Jesus’ denial by Peter); other commentators see it as a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality in Early Christian art. Along the lower right side of the shaft, there is a small animal, possibly a cat.

Source: Fr. George Corrigan, OFM, is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa, Fla