A crucifix (from Latin cruci fixus meaning "(one) fixed to a cross") is an image of Jesus on the cross, as distinct from a bare cross. The representation of Jesus himself on the cross is referred to in English as the corpus (Latin for "body").

Prayer in front of a Crucifix is encouraged as a means of focusing contemplation on Christ, but beyond this Crucifix is also a sacramental, is often part of devotion for Christians. The person may sit, stand, or kneel in front of the crucifix, sometimes looking at it in contemplation, or merely in front of it with head bowed or eyes closed. Many of the saints practiced this, both in everyday prayer and also when they were suffering. Catherine of Siena was known to look upon a Crucifix for hours each day and when Joan of Arc was martyred, she asked a member of the clergy present to hold a crucifix before her.

The two traditions that have lasted and remain prevalent in the lives of Catholics today are to wear a Crucifix, hang Crucifixes throughout their homes, to have a Crucifix embedded into the foundation of the house, or standing crucifixes which stand on a table. The Crucifix not only a reminder of Christ’s redemptive Sacrifice, but also a guard against evil. The Vatican’s exorcist, Fr. Gabriele Amorth, encourages the faithful to keep a crucifix in every room. 

Why Crucifixes instead of empty Crosses? Because, Christ crucified, and know that we get to the Resurrection through the Cross, that we are called to pick up our own crosses and carry them, offering up our sufferings in imitation of Him. 

"I.N.R.I." which stands for "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudeorum," the Latin initials for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." This inscription was written in Latin, Hebrew, and Greek and placed at the top of Jesus' Cross according to Matthew 27:37, Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38 and John 19:19.

Crucifixes should be blessed by a priest and treated with great veneration. Kissing a Crucifix is an indulgenced act.

St Benedict Crucifix

This crucifix is associated with St. Benedict. It is a standard Latin style crucifix, but behind the head of Jesus, where the two bars that make up the cross intersect, a St. Benedict medal is embedded. (To read about the St. Benedict medal, click here).

It can be hung anywhere in the home but is considered to be particularly suited to be hung above doors; it can even be sealed into the foundation of a house. This is because the medal is intended to be a constant, silent prayer asking for Christ’s guidance and aversion from the devil.

BACK