Dear Parents & Friends,

The other day, a visitor to our school enquired about the significance of the San Damiano Cross which is displayed in every classroom of the College. It has become a cherished symbol for Franciscans because St Francis prayed before a large Romanesque wooden cross when he is said to have received the commission from the Lord to rebuild the Church. This started his vocation which led to him becoming a saint.

The original cross is a very impressive size (approx. 2 metres tall) and now hangs in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, Italy, near to the Basilica of St Francis and a replica in its original position in the church of San Damiano nearby.

The San Damiano Cross was one of a number of crosses painted with similar figures during the 12th century in that area of Italy. The name of the painter is unknown, but it was made 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 San Damiano Cross depicts the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus is the central figure and is represented upright in full stature while the surrounding figures are smaller. The bright white of his body contrasts with the dark red and black around it and accentuates the prominence of Jesus. 

The smaller figures painted around Jesus are of characters and events named in the bible story leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. They help those who witness the cross to remember the story. 

 
Students are encouraged to take a closer look at this very special cross next time they see them in the classrooms.

May God continue to bless you

Simon Abernethy