San Damiano Cross Explained

THE SAN DAMIANO

CROSS EXPLAINED

Toward the top of the cross, Jesus is fully clothed in regal garments and carrying the cross as a triumphant scepter. He is climbing out of the tomb and into the heavenly courts. Ten angels are crowded around—five have their hands extended in a welcoming gesture to Jesus, who himself has his hand raised in the form of a greeting. At the very top of the cross is the Hand of God with two fingers extended. This is to be understood as the blessing of God the Father on the sacrifice of his Son.

The largest figure is Jesus Christ, represented both as wounded and strong. He projects the life of divine nature in a body pierced by nails in the hands and feet, by the crown of thorns on his head, and by the soldier’s lance in his side. At both ends of the crossbar are six angels, marveling over the crucifixion.

The next largest figures are the five witnesses of the crucifixion. The first four have halos because they are saints who gave their lives for the Lord. On the left side of Jesus are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist. At their feet is a smaller figure, Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance.

At the foot of the cross there are six faded figures, two of whom have halos. In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria, the region surrounding Assisi: St. John, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul. On the right side of Jesus, the three larger figures are Mary Magdalene; Mary, Mother of James; and the centurion who, in Matthew’s Gospel account, asks Christ to heal his son. At their feet is a smaller figure, Stephaton, the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine. Peering over the left shoulder of the centurion is a small face with the tops of the heads of three others beside him. This represents the centurion’s son, who was healed by Jesus, and the rest of his family.

On the right side of the picture next to the left calf of Jesus, there is a small figure of a fowl. Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, (Jesus’ denial by Peter); other commentators see it as a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality in Early Christian art. Along the lower right side of the shaft, there is a small animal, possibly a cat.

Excerpts from “San Damiano Cross: Telling the History of Christ’s Passion” by Fr. George Corrigan, OFM reprinted with permission from Franciscan Mission Service. Franciscan Mission Service recruits, forms, and supports individuals (ages 21-60s+) serving in solidarity with marginalized communities in Bolivia, Jamaica, the US-Mexico border, and Washington, DC. For information, visit franciscanmissionservice.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 2023

2 New Year’s Day Observed - Main Campus Closed 9 Classes Begin 14 Business Alumni Network (BAN) Meeting (Alumni) USF High School Art Exhibit & Competition Opening with Public Reception and Awards —Exhibit Open Through January 27 (USF Art Gallery) 16 Dr. Martin Luther King Day - Campus Closed 21 Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 22 In-Person Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 28 Virtual Saturday Information Session (Admissions)

February 2023

4 Alumni Board Committee & Executive Meetings (Alumni) Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 14 Heather Cox “Explore, Play, Repeat” Exhibit Opening, Through March 21 (USF Art Gallery) 20 Discover USF Day (Admissions) 25 Virtual Saturday Information Session (Admissions)

March 2023

1 Day of Giving (Advancement) 4 Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 6-10 Spring Break - No Classes 13 Spring Module 2 Begins (Academics) 15 Transfer, Adult Degree Completion & Graduate Student Open House (Admissions) 18 Virtual Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 20 Reception & Breakfast for USF All-Student Art Exhibition (USF Art Gallery) 26 Campus Visit Day (Admissions) 30 USF All-Student Art Exhibition Opening, Through April 12 (USF Art Gallery) April 2023

1 Bunny Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt (Alumni) Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 6-7 Easter Break - No Classes 15 Caritas Scholarship Celebration (Advancement) Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 19 Transfer Registration (Admissions) 22 Alumni Board Meeting Virtual Saturday Information Session (Admissions) 28 USF Art & Design Senior Thesis Opening and Public Reception—Exhibit Open Through June 28 (USF Art Gallery)

May 2023

6 Spring Commencement Class of ‘73 50th Reunion at Commencement (Alumni) 15 Freshman Registration/SOAR (Admissions) Summer Module 1 Begins (Academics)

June 2023

2 Pat Sullivan Golf Outing (Athletics) 12 Summer Module 2 Begins (Academics) 19 Freshman Registration/SOAR (Admissions)

You’re invited to join us at these and a host of other university events and activities. With questions, see the back cover of this magazine for specific department contact information, visit stfrancis.edu or call 800-735-7500.

In October, the university recognized employees who hit an employment milestone at the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony. At left, celebrating their five-year anniversaries, are Maureen Hunt, Rebecca Fry and Sr. Gayle Rusbasan, OSF (front row) and Brian Baltz, Eric Wignall, Gina Korczak and Sharna Wilkerson (back row).

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