St. Francis of Assisi
was born into a wealthy merchant family in Umbria,
Italy, where he became well known for his incredible
gift of music, and well loved for his generous nature.
Francis often went to
pray in a nearby chapel in a town called San Damiano.
One day God spoke to him through the cross in the
chapel. God asked Francis to repair the San Damiano
Chapel, which had fallen into ruin. Without hesitation,
Francis took a costly piece of silk from his father's
warehouse, sold it, and with the money bought stones to
repair the chapel.
Angry with Francis for
his thievery, his merchant father took Francis to court,
prompting Francis to give up his inheritance in order to
devote himself completely to God, serving Him in any way
he could.
The crucifix became
known as the San Damiano Crucifix and is referred to as
an icon cross because it contains images of people who
have a part in the meaning of the cross.
Jesus, Mary the mother
of Jesus, St. John, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of
James and the Centurion who expressed his belief in
Christ are featured on the painting.
The Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus and the
soldier who offered Him the sponge dipped in wine are
pictured at the bottom.
Six angels rest on the crossbar and at the foot of the
cross is a picture of six figures believed to be the
patron saints of Umbria. There is also a small rooster as a reminder of Peter's
denial, as well as a reminder not to put too much
reliance on our own strength. At the top of the cross is a fully robed Jesus ascending
into heaven.
Angels crowd around Him as the right hand of God blesses
all that Jesus has done.
The
San Damiano Cross