Franciscan Symbols

San Damiano Crucifix

The Crucifix of San Damiano is an icon of Christ in glory. It is the fruit of long meditation, of contemplation and of fasting.

About the year 1100 this icon was painted on canvas and then applied to a walnut wooden cross. It is the work of an unknown artist of the Umbrian School. It was inspired by the roman style of its time and by oriental iconography.

The San Damiano crucifix is precious to the Franciscan family. One day, soon after his conversion, Francis, led by the Spirit, went into the little church of San Damiano. He was attracted by the crucifix and looking at it intently said to Christ: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” From Christ he heard these words, “Francis, go repair my Church.” It was a decisive inspiration for him. How often he must have returned to San Damiano and contemplated this crucifix, looked closely at its details and let himself be filled again with its message.

The face and body of Christ in this icon are filled with light. The light comes from the interior of his person.

We are looking at a glorified Christ who shows no signs of tension whatsoever. We are here beyond his sufferings, beyond his death. We are contemplating the living Christ, the risen and glorious Christ who reminds us that one day all our sufferings will be transformed into glory.

The face of Christ is serene and calm. According to the tradition in iconography, the eyes are large, the mouth is small and the ears are almost invisible because in the contemplation of the Father in glory, words are no longer necessary; it is enough to see, to look and to love. And so the eyes of Christ who contemplates the Father are opened wide. He looks out to the multitude of peoples … to all generations; and in love, he wants to save them all.

Christ, abandoned to the Father and turned towards peoples: this is the Christ who held Francis enthralled throughout his entire life.

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© Missionary Franciscan Sisters, Australian Governance Circle