The San Damiano Cross is believed to be completely inspired by St. John’s gospel. This is evident in the crown of glory, the characters represented, and the struggle between light and darkness. The icon is called “The Christ of San Damiano” and is a 12th century icon, painted by a Syrian monk. It is painted on walnut wood and cloth glued onto it. Since an icon is created to reveal the essence of profound mystery, at times there is a loss of fidelity to anatomy. Some things may seem out of proportion. (eyes, neck, smiles, size). Everyone is smiling in the icon. It is an icon of Christ in Glory. There is so much to be discovered and read (an icon is read), and each part of the icon can be prayed over or meditated upon.
This icon is important to Franciscans because it is the crucifix St. Francis prayed before when Jesus spoke to him, “Francis, go, repair my house which, as you see, is falling into ruin”.
The People
Christ is at the center, and without Him there, there would be darkness and blackness. He is the one who provides light. He wears a Crown of Glory which is the outline of the cross that is bathed in light. It reminds us that every crown of thorns can be changed into a crown of glory. The vestments of Jesus are a loincloth made of linen with a gold border. Exodus 28 tells us that linen and gold were used for priestly vestments.
The eyes of Jesus are opened wide and are disproportionately large. This is to show that He is the one who sees the Father because He is “always turned towards Him” (Jn 1:18). Some scholars say the eyes are focused between heaven and earth, and that Jesus always is watching out for us and never takes His eyes from us. (Good Shepherd).
Mary, the Mother of God, is at the far right of Jesus, which is considered a place of honor. (Names are printed below each person). She is turned toward the Apostle John, who is now her son. She peers at John with tenderness and love, and since we are “the rest of her children” (Rv 12:17), her glance is turned toward us also.
Mary’s clothing begins with a mantle of white, representing her fidelity to the Gospel: “The victor shall be clothed in white” (Rv. 3:5). It also signifies her purity and being preserved from sin. Lastly, it shows that Mary was able to “dress herself in dazzling white linen, because her linen is made of the good deeds of the saints.” On the mantle are precious stones arranged in rows, which symbolize the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Mary is covered with divine favor as the angel Gabriel proclaimed “Mary, Full of Grace”. (Lk 1:28).
Under this is a red vestment, the color of love, and a purple tunic, which represents the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Word of God made flesh, Jesus Christ (Mary carried Jesus, the Word of God.) The interior of the actual Ark of the Covenant was lined with purple cloth and contained the Ten Commandments.
John the Apostle is placed nearest to Jesus as he was at the Last Supper (Jn 13:23). His head is leaning toward Mary, but he is pointing to Jesus, the object of his adoration. He is standing under the wound of love from which spring water and blood. John is said to represent us, the believers. (We are washed clean by the blood of the cross).
John’s mantle is rose colored, symbolizing love of eternal Wisdom. John was faithful to Jesus to the end, and gained Wisdom and understanding from Jesus. John is wearing a white tunic, a symbol of the perfect chastity that is attributed to him.
Closest to Jesus on His left is Mary Magdalen. She is dressed in bright red, the color of love. This is appropriate for the woman of whom Jesus said: “She has loved much”. (Lk 7:47). Mary Magdalen was freed from seven demons, and from then on, followed Jesus, even as far as Calvary.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Mary, the mother of James, was said to be with Mary at the foot of the cross. She remained faithful to Jesus all the way to Calvary. She is said to represent the multitude of humble and forgotten believers that one day the judgment of God is going to crown with glory.
Mary’s garment is an earthen color to remind us of her humility. She listens carefully to Mary Magdalen, and her hand gesture seems to be admiring Jesus for redeeming her friend from sin.
This Centurion is the royal officer of whom Jesus cured his son at a distance. Over his left shoulder appears his son’s face, along with 3 other people. These 3 people represent the centurion’s family, who were brought to the faith. The centurion’s faith can be seen as his eyes are fixed on Jesus. Also, he is displaying 3 fingers to show his belief in the Trinity, and 2 closed fingers to acknowledge the 2 natures of Christ. The centurion is said to represent all those who have grown up without knowing God, but remain faithful to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The centurion is holding a piece of wood. In this, he is portrayed as the one who listened to the words of Jesus and put them into practice by his generosity.
Minor Characters
The two characters at the bottom of Mary and the Centurion are said to be a Roman soldier (note his clothes) and a Jewish man. These are said to represent those who were charged with the execution of Jesus. Their smaller size signifies that their role was a minor one. The pagans and the Jews only succeeded in glorifying Jesus.
A rooster appears near the left leg of Jesus. Some say it is the rooster that crowed when St. Peter denied Jesus. Others point out that in ancient times, the rooster was the symbol of the rising sun. The sun is Jesus, the sun which rises on the world!
There appear two additional characters at the foot of the cross, although there might have been more. They are within the frame formed by the seashells, so they are thought to be of the kingdom. From their position, they can only see Jesus in an imperfect way. We should recognize ourselves in these people. We are marked by the seal of the Holy Spirit (halos) and called to His kingdom and to His glory, but still in exile because “we retain our earthly dwelling place (2Co 5: 1-6).
Other Symbols
The Medallion and Inscription.
The Ascension is represented inside the circle of red at the top. Jesus is rising above the circle and the angels are greeting Him.
Below is the inscription on the cross, “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.”
God the Father’s hand is at the very top, blessing His Son and showing us that He is present in all things.
The rock is said by some to represent the authority of the Pope, as Peter was called by Jesus. Some say the rock could represent a message for us all. “He is like the man who, when he built his house, dug deep and laid the foundations on the rock” (Lk 6: 47).
Seashells frame this icon, and they are a symbol of beauty and eternity of heaven. However, the border is not complete and a space has been left free. This is said to allow for an entry by the faithful.
Sources: Picard, Marc, OFM Cap., The Icon of the Christ of San Damiano, Casa Editrice Francescana, Assisi