SAN DAMIANO CROSS

St Mary of the Angels

2025

Air Dry Clay Bas Relief

with metallic leaf gilding

on Solid Wood Cross Base

and Padauk Wood Pole

San Damiano Cross: 585(W) x 100(D) x 815(H) mm

Cross with support : Total Height 2550mm 

The processional cross is designed for prayer and worship in the liturgy. The front of the cross features a bas relief inspired by the original San Damiano icon. The reverse shows a bas relief of Saint Francis and Saint Clare with the Tree of Life. The reverse also holds interchangeable panels for Christmas and Easter. A hidden slot behind the Tree of Life branches allows the panel to be changed simply and respectfully. This lets the artwork move with the rhythm of parish life and highlight the most important liturgical seasons and celebrations.

Composition and design of the reverse panel: Christmas and Easter

At the center of the reverse panel is the Tree of Life. The tree is formed from three intertwining vines to suggest the Holy Trinity. The vine shape recalls the grapevine and points to the Eucharist, the Bread of Life. Saint Francis and Saint Clare kneel at the base of the tree. Their prayerful posture grounds the scene in Franciscan devotion.

For the Christmas panel the tree is in early growth. Three small leaves on the vines stand for the Trinity. The Nativity rests within the branches. The Virgin Mary holds the Child while the Holy Spirit hovers above. The sky opens in cloud forms that suggest the hands of the Father. The circular manger echoes the shape of the Eucharistic host. Shepherds and the three Magi bow in adoration. A young shepherd boy looks up and prays with a humble heart and recalls Jesus words about childlike humility.

For the Easter panel the Tree of Life blossoms with leaves. Three main vines frame the empty tomb. A circular stone slab lies rolled to the side. The Risen Christ is shown stepping over the stone threshold, a sign of his victory over death. His upward posture also suggests his ascent into heaven. This image points the faithful to our final home and to our journey on earth.

The designs of the Christmas and Easter panels echo the front of the San Damiano cross. Their shapes and geometry reflect the same visual language so that both sides together proclaim one unified mystery.