The San Damiano Crucifix holds a significant place in Christian history, particularly in relation to Saint Francis of Assisi's mystical encounter with it in 1206 A.D. Initially hanging in the Church of San Damiano, it became prominent when Jesus spoke to Francis, urging him to rebuild his house. Francis initially interpreted this as a call to repair the physical church but later realized it symbolized a spiritual renewal of the entire Church. This crucifix, characterized by its Romanesque style, emphasizes Christ's victory over death, depicted through his luminous body on the cross. The theological significance lies in portraying Jesus as the perfect high priest offering himself as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, glorifying the Father and being glorified in return through his death and resurrection. The San Damiano Crucifix encapsulates the conjoined mystery of Jesus glorifying the Father and being glorified by him, inviting contemplation and spiritual reflection.
Originally a humble space hidden in a building on campus, the Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna has undergone remarkable transformations, notably in its size. Now inside St. Francis Hall, the Chapel is a devoted two story worship space. This expansion reflects not only physical growth but also the deepening reverence for its purpose.
As we reflect on this journey, we invite you to explore the press release for further insights into the remarkable journey of FranU’s Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna.
“We dedicated this chapel in the Franciscan tradition in naming it La Verna, where St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata, the wounds from the nails and the lance that Christ suffered during his crucifixion. He was one with God. May all who come to the chapel know the love that God has for them and how special they are in his eyes.” Sister Ann Catherine Nguyen FMOL, Regional Minister for the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady
The Tabernacle is a beacon of Divine Presence. Custom-crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it serves as the guardian of the Blessed Sacrament. Crafted from the finest materials, its intricate design bears witness to the devotion of its creators. Standing at 17 inches by 27.5 inches, it is a testament to the union of artistry and faith. Bathed in the resplendent glow of 23.75 carat gold leaf and 12 carat white gold, it exudes an aura of sanctity, inviting the faithful to contemplate the mysteries of the Divine.
Crafted from the sturdy embrace of German oak, the Tabernacle Stand stands as a testament to both strength and reverence. Adorned with intricate details and ornate embellishments, it serves as a steadfast guardian of the divine presence, a sanctuary where faith finds its truest expression.
The Tabernacle is 17“ x 27.5“ in size and entirely gold gilded in a exquisite combination of 23.75 ct. yellow gold leaf and 12 ct. white gold.
The Tabernacle base is 26.5" x 23.5" x 41.75" in size, crafted with meticulous detail to support the grandeur of the gilded Tabernacle.
At the heart of FranU’s Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna lies the Altar, a sacred stage where the mysteries of faith unfold. Crafted from the noble German oak, its surface bears the weight of centuries of devotion. The piece has hand-carved details and ornate embellishments, a testament to the artisan's dedication to their craft. Here, the Altar of Sacrifice stands as the focal point of worship, flanked by the Ambo and adorned with candle holders.
Bishop Michael Duca performs the Rite of Dedication using sacred oils to consecrate the altar.
May 30, 2023.
Carved from the rich tapestry of German oak, the Ambo rises as a pulpit of proclamation within The Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna.
Students and faculty lector from the Ambo during weekly masses.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the family of Jim and Tricia DuBos for their support, recognizing their pivotal role in bringing the Crucifix to The Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna. Their generosity is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and shared faith.
The Cross of Christ stands at 16 ft tall X 10.5 ft wide, weighing 1,200 lbs. The corpus is 11 ft tall. The Crucifix was shipped in four pieces from Germany and assembled on site. ALBL Oberammergau designed and made the piece.
Nonetheless, 'one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water' ” (John 19:31–34).
The San Damiano Crucifix intricately depicts the theological significance of blood and water flowing from Jesus' side, symbolizing the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. The crucifix portrays Jesus as the ultimate source of everlasting life through His sacrificial death and resurrection, inviting believers to partake in his divine grace.
Furthermore, Jesus is depicted with a golden halo bearing a cross, symbolizing his triumph over sin and death. His presence heralds the dawn of a new creation, where He reigns as the King of Glory. Jesus embodies the new creation, with His body radiating the light of resurrection and his breath symbolizing the inauguration of a new spiritual reality.
Jesus's open eyes and outstretched arms beckon believers to come near and abide in Him, promising eternal life to those who believe in Him. Ultimately, the San Damiano Crucifix encapsulates the profound theological truths of redemption, renewal, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Descending further, we observe the white loincloth encircling Jesus' waist, adorned with golden sprays and fastened by a golden cincture tied with a triple knot. The use of a loincloth became prevalent in Byzantium and Western Europe after iconoclasm, particularly during the period when the San Damiano Crucifix was painted in the late ninth and tenth centuries.
This loincloth, reminiscent of a priest's garment, symbolizes the sinlessness of Jesus' humanity, depicted in white. The golden sprays signify that Jesus' sinless humanity is divine, as He is the incarnate Son of God. As the Great High Priest, Jesus offers his pure humanity to the Father, and his divine blood purifies from sin and grants divine life. The golden threefold knot symbolizes the Trinity, with each knot representing one of the three persons. The unity of these knots into one threefold knot signifies the shared divine nature of the Trinity.
The Rondel, featured on the San Damiano Crucifix, depicts key aspects of Jesus' resurrection and ascension.
At the top, Jesus ascends above the crucifixion scene, symbolizing His rising from the empty tomb. He wears a light blue tunic and a red stole, signifying His role as priest and sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. Holding a golden cross-shaped crosier, He triumphs over death.
A golden halo marks His head, representing His majesty as risen Lord. The Father's blessing hand, shaped as a half-circle, extends from heaven, welcoming Jesus into His presence. Ten heavenly angels, with golden halos, rejoice at His appearance, inviting viewers to join in praise.
Let's examine the figures surrounding Jesus on the San Damiano Crucifix:
-At the feet of Jesus are Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare of Assisi, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Saint Bonaventure. These saints were chosen specifically by the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady for FranU.
- On Jesus' right side stands Mary, His mother, and John, the beloved disciple, both adorned with golden halos, pointing towards Jesus. They joyfully contemplate the salvific work of Jesus and their mutual relationship established by him.
- Mary and John are showered with blood and water flowing from Jesus' side, symbolizing the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, inviting believers into communion with Jesus and His Church.
- On Jesus' left side, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, and the centurion are depicted, all engaging in joyful conversation. Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the resurrected Jesus, rejoices in her salvation, while Mary the wife of Clopas exults in witnessing Jesus' death and resurrection. The centurion, likely Longinus, holds a book and symbolizes the profession of Jesus as the Son of God, while also representing the soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a spear. This portrayal combines elements from both Synoptic and Johannine accounts.
- Two unnamed figures, one possibly offering vinegar and the other traditionally identified as Stephaton, stand nearby, urging observers to focus on Jesus.
- An enigmatic figure with a frowning expression overlooks the centurion's shoulder, possibly representing disbelief in Jesus' identity.
- Six angels surround Jesus, pointing towards him and engaging in conversation, inviting observers to contemplate his presence.
The figures surrounding Jesus on the San Damiano Crucifix symbolize various aspects of faith, salvation, and witness to the crucified and risen Lord.
St. Cosmas and St. Damian, depicted in a corner, were doctors. Their presence highlights Jesus as the ultimate healer, offering eternal life to those who believe. This imagery emphasizes the central theme of the San Damiano Crucifix: Jesus drawing people to himself for eternal salvation.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness.
With heartfelt gratitude to ALBL Oberammergau, whose legacy of craftsmanship spanning over four centuries has graced FranU’s Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna with unparalleled works of art, we celebrate their contributions to the Sacraments and our community. From their ancestral roots in Oberammergau to their present-day studio, their passion for wood carving has illuminated sacred spaces around the world. We are humbled by their dedication and honored to showcase their timeless artistry within St. Francis Hall.
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