Discover the journey of the original San Damiano Cross, its importance in Christian history, and its symbolic value in Franciscan spirituality.
Where is the original San Damiano Cross?
The original cross, fashioned about 1100, hangs in Santa Chiara Church in Assisi. When in 1257, the Poor Clares moved to Santa Chiara, they took the San Damiano Cross with them and still guard it with great solicitude. The crucifix now hanging over the altar of the ancient church of San Damiano is a copy.
What is the cross of St Damien?
The San Damiano cross is the large Romanesque rood cross that hung in the abandoned chapel near Assisi. While still in his early 20’s and seeking his place in the world, Francis of Assisi was praying before this cross when he heard the voice of God commanding him to “rebuild my church.”
Why is it called the San Damiano Cross?
Meaning Behind the Crucifix. This new crucifix is modeled after the original 12th century Romanesque cross of the San Damiano Chapel in Assisi, Italy. The most widely familiar of all the Italian painted crosses, it has become the symbol of the spirituality of St.
Why is the Franciscan cross different?
Why do Franciscans so often wear a Tau cross or use it in their artwork? Also, compared to the crosses we usually see, why doesn’t it have a top part? Tau is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is thought to be the symbol with which Ezekiel marked those chosen by God (Ez 9:4).
What type of cross was Jesus crucified on?
The instrument of Jesus’ crucifixion (known in Latin as crux, in Greek as stauros) is generally taken to have been composed of an upright wooden beam to which was added a transom, thus forming a “cruciform” or T-shaped structure.
Can anyone wear a Tau Cross?
Followers of St Francis today, both lay and religious, often wear this Tau Cross as an exterior sign of their loyalty to the way of Jesus. The Tau Cross shape is probably the actual shape of cross on which Jesus was crucified.