San Damiano cross...

The San Damiano Cross is the icon cross that St. Francis of Assisi was praying before when he received the commission from the Lord to rebuild the Church.

The original cross presently hangs in the Basilica of Saint Clare (Basilica di Santa Chiara) in Assisi.Franciscans cherish this cross as the symbol of their mission from God. The cross is called an icon cross because it contains images of people who have a part in the meaning of the cross.

The tradition of such crosses began in the eastern Church and was transported by Serbian monks to the Umbria district of Italy.The San Damiano Cross was one of a number of crosses painted with similar figures during the 12th century in Umbria.

The name of the painter is unknown, but it was fashioned around the year 1100.The purpose of an icon cross was to teach the meaning of the event depicted and thereby strengthen the faith of the people.The cross is called an icon cross because it contains images of persons who have a part in the meaning of the cross.

The tradition of such crosses began in the Eastern Church and was carried by the Serbian Monks to the Umbrian district of Italy. The Byzantine style was common in Italy before Cimabue and Giotto.These conclusions have been reached based on a thorough study of the history of the cross and the literature concerning it.

Very little literature is available in English. Most of it can only be read in Italian or French.The author also found it very helpful to compare the cross to similar crosses in Umbrian art.Finally, much of the English literature on the cross is faulty in its analysis since it dates back to sources prior to 1938 when the cross was restored to its original depiction.

When the Poor Clares moved from San Damiano to the Basilica of Santa Chiara in 1257, they took the original San Damiano Cross with them and still guard it with great solicitude.It now hangs over the high altar of the Basilica of Santa Chiara.

The crucifix hanging over the altar of the ancient church of San Damiano is a copy.

All Franciscans cherish this cross as the symbol of their mission from God to commit our lives and resources to renew and rebuild the Church in the power of God.