The San Damiano Crucifix

The central, dominating On the top of the cross we

figure is Jesus. He stands see Jesus fully clothed in
upright on the cross, eyes regal garments. The cross
open, looking out on the has become a triumphant
scepter. He is climbing
world. He is portrayed as from the tomb and into the
both wounded and strong. It heavenly courts as ten
is a combination of a strong angels crowd around. At the
Christ (divine) and a very top of the cross is the
wounded Christ (human). All right hand of God with two
other figures are small in fingers extended in
comparison to Jesus. blessing.

The next larger figures are the On both ends of the cross bar
five witnesses to the are six angels who marveled at
crucifixion – Mary and John, the death of Jesus. On the
Mary Magdalene, Mary the lower part of the vertical beam
mother of James and the are six figures. Most likely
centurion. Their names are they are the patrons of Umbria
written below their pictures. – St. John, St. Michael, St.
To the lower right and left of Rufino, St. John the Baptist,
these figures are smaller St. Peter and St. Paul.
figures of Longinus, the
Roman who pierced Jesus’
side. The other figure is Near the thigh of Jesus is a
Stephaton, the soldier who fowl of some sort. Some say it
offered Jesus the sponge is a rooster. Others say it is a
soaked in vinegar. peacock (a symbol of
immortality).

Most High glorious God enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me correct faith, certain hope, and
perfect love, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command.
“Prayer of St. Francis before the Crucifix” St. Francis of Assisi – Writings for a Gospel Life