So, after morning Mass in the hotel we got onto the bus to drive to Assisi. Our first stop was Santa Maria degli Angeli - where the Portiuncula is - where St. Francis of Assisi died.
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| Here we are - all together again! |
Then we drove up to the wonderful town of Assisi. After a nice lunch on our own we explored the main churches of Assisi - St. Claire's and St. Francis. Each saint is buried in their church. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take pictures inside the churches here in Assisi - but I do have a few photos of us as we walked the streets of Assisi.
SAN
DAMIANO CRUCIFIX HISTORY & PRAYERS
Enshrined in the sanctuary
area of the San Damiano Chapel is a reproduction of the crucifix that made the
church of San Damiano outside the walls of Assisi famous. Francis Bernadone
came seeking and searching in prayer before this icon crucifix in 1205. As he
prayed a voice said, “Francis, go repair my church which is falling into
ruins.” His first literal response to this command later became the sense of
mission for him and his followers. Carrying out this request led Francis
Bernadone to become the originator of the Franciscan movement in the church.
In the Franciscan
story, St. Clare was given San Damiano as the first convent for the Poor
Ladies. After Clare’s death the Poor Clares in 1257 moved to Santa Chiara
Basilica, which was built for them within Assisi’s walls. The two Basilicas of
Francis and Clare thus faced each other across the expanse of Assisi. In this
move the Poor Clares took the original cross with them where it hangs facing
Clare’s tomb. At San Damiano, Italy a copy hangs in the Friar’s choir. The
original cross was fashioned in the twelfth century after the Byzantine style,
which was common in Italy before Cimabue and Giotto. Only in Cimabue and
Giotto’s time did emotion, depth, and perspective enter church art. This
Umbrian style of the Byzantine cross was quite heavy, being 6’4” high and 4’
wide and 5” thick.
The San Damiano
crucifix shows Christ erect and in a moment of glory, not death. The black
background depicts the empty tomb. The seashells that frame the cross are
symbols of eternity. The blood red indicates love and life, and the loincloth
is the priestly garment worn after sacrifice. We do not see a naked Jesus
straddling a beam but an expression of faith. This theology is continued in the
hand of God, two fingers up for the two natures, human and divine, and the
three fingers down for the Trinity. God’s hand is extended above the ascending
Christ carrying a gold cross while being welcomed by ten angels. Near the cross
beam still more angels look on in admiration. Along the upright shaft of the cross
is a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality. There are six large figures
under Christ’s arms; Mary, the mother of Jesus with her hand on her chin;
Mary, mother of James and John; also the centurion who proclaimed, “Truly this
is the Son of God.” Mary Magdalene and John, the beloved disciples, stand on
the left.
All told there are
35 figures in the depiction. All these are statements of faith. The 27
remaining personages are seen as reflecting the Old Testament and even the
Pharisees mocking Jesus. Even the artist and his family are painted in the
crucifix. At the foot of the cross are local Assisi patron saints: St. Damian,
St. Rufino, St. James, and Sts. Peter and Paul. Of interest is the rooster at
the knee of Christ and directly above Peter’s head calling for “a new day”. The
reproduction in the retreat house chapel is a faithful copy made by the
Franciscan novices from Mission San Miguel. It tries to follow the original in
every detail
PRAYER BEFORE THE SAN DAMIANO CRUCIFIX
Most High, glorious God,enlighten the darkness of my heart.
Give me true faith, certain hope
and perfect charity, sense and
knowledge that I may carry out
Your Holy and true command.
–
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi to discern God’s will
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