Phrases San Damiano, taken from the prayer of San Francesco before the Crucifix placed in the Church, explanation of the place of worship located in Assisi with analysis of the meanings and symbols shown on the Cross.
San Damiano crucifix
From the artistic point of view, the church of San Damiano, compared to other basilicas of Assisi, is of less importance, however it is a place that history has linked in an indissoluble way to the life of San Francesco and Santa Chiara.
The facade of the church is formed by a portico that allows access to the chapel of San Girolamo where there are some frescoes by Tiberius of Assisi dating back to periods between 1517 and 1522 AD.
The interior of the church has a nave with an apse frescoed with paintings from the fourteenth century, a wooden choir from the early sixteenth century and a copy of the authentic crucifix, transferred to the basilica of Santa Chiara.
According to legend, in 1205 St. Francis was praying before the Crucifix inside the Church of San Damiano in Assisi, at a certain point the Lord turned to him expressly asking him to repair his house.
The Crucifix, by an unknown author but dating back to around 1100, is distinguished from other works of the same type by the posture of Christ on the cross which seems to rise almost to convey a message full of hope with open arms.
The Crucifix of San Damiano is not part of those representing Jesus who suffers, a later style that prevailed only after the thirteenth century.
The Christ represented in this marvelous work depicts a victorious aspect, in which the eyes are normally open.
The victory is clearly painted in the cymatium where Jesus stands out who ascends to heaven surrounded by angels and carrying the cross in his hand, which seems almost a king's scepter as well as a banner symbolizing the triumph obtained.
At the top you can see the hand of God the Father who welcomes him to himself, while below is the wording, composed of various abbreviations, "Ihs Nazare Rex Iudeoru" which translated into Italian means "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews".
The two saints placed on either side of the cross, which have not been identified in a certain way, symbolize the whole humanity reached by the gospel.
Recommended readings- Phrases of St. Dominic of Guzman: biography
- Phrases of Santa Gemma Galgani: quotes and aphorisms
- Phrases of Saint Anthony of Padua: quotes, aphorisms
- Phrases of San Filippo Neri: famous aphorisms from the writings
- Phrases of San Camillo de Lellis: quotes and thoughts
The centurion is the one who, witnessing the death of Jesus, says: "Truly this man was the son of God". About the small figures that are near the centurion it is not established who they are, they could be the son healed by Jesus with the whole family present.
To the right of the legs of the crucified one can see a small rooster, referring to the betrayal of Peter who denied Jesus as reported in the Gospels, or, more likely, to the rising of the new sun, or Christ, which represents the true East.
Prayer before the crucifix of San Damiano
Most high glorious God, illuminate the darkness of my heart. Give me upright faith, certain hope and perfect charity, wisdom and knowledge. Lord, may I do your holy and true will. Amen.
