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Crucifixes
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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."
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.