Altar crucifix necessary?

[levavi]

Could you please answer whether there needs to be a crucifix on the altar?

A Mass I go to has a very prominent Crucifix on the wall, directly behind the altar, and I can’t see one on the altar itself.

The chapel also uses this arrangement for their Extraordinary Form masses (with the Mass said versus absidem), but again there is no (visible) crucifix on the altar, though there are six candles.

 

[muffinmojo]

At the risk of being annoying for not citing the GIRM or any liturgical documents, I will say that i have read this passage enough to recall it says that there must be a crucifix in the sanctuary, either on or near the altar. That’s for OF Masses.

EF Masses, traditionally it is either on or immediately above the altar. It depends on the size/type/arrangement. Some churches had so much stuff coming off the altar it was hard to tell where the altar ended and the wall began. Some, such as Blessed Sacrament in Seattle, have always had a large crucifix as the focal point, but on the wall.

Either is acceptable.

 

[AJV]

Could you please answer whether there needs to be a crucifix on the altar?

A Mass I go to has a very prominent Crucifix on the wall, directly behind the altar, and I can’t see one on the altar itself.

The chapel also uses this arrangement for their Extraordinary Form masses (with the Mass said versus absidem), but again there is no (visible) crucifix on the altar, though there are six candles.

If the crucifix is large, and directly behind the altar in the middle, it is allowed in the EF for there not to be a crucifix on the altar

[the answer of the former Congregation of Rites allowing this is:

Franciscus Trania Canonicus supplicavit SRC pro declaratione infrascriptorum dubiorum……(2) Similiter si in altari, in quo adest magna Statua SS. Crucifixi sit ponenda alia Crux, dum celebratur Missa? ------ Et SRC respondit: …Quod 2 “Est sufficiens, et non indigent alia Cruce” ]

 

[Brian777]

As long as there is an actual Crucifix centered in the sanctuary either upon the altar(double sided like the one on EWTN is a good idea), or behind it, it meets the requirements. But must be an actual Crucifix, not a mural of a dove representing the Holy Spirit, not the Resurrected Christ( these can all be present of course, but an actual and noticabel crucifix must be present). Especially no plain crosses. A plain cross is a symbol of Roman imperialism and torture, and has nothing to do with Christianity unless it adorns a bishop or the Pope of course(the Pectoral cross)

 

[demerzel85]

There is a footnote in Fortescue that quotes the relevant SRC document

If immediately behind the altar there is a large representation of the crucifixion, this may count as an altar cross. SRC 1270, S2

In the OF the relevant document is GIRM #308, 122,117.

 

[malphono]

While it’s not a “requirement” as such, it might be a good idea to keep in mind that PP Benedict XVI has adopted what has come to be called the “Benedictine Altar Arrangement” for versus populum celebration in the OF. Very prominent in that arrangement is a rather large crucifix in the middle of the altar, irrespective of whether there is one on the wall or elsewhere.

 

[PrincepsAuguste]

My church has has a wooden crucifix with a carved or fabricated form of Jesus hanging from the ceiling above the altar. My previous pastor did not keep a small crucifix on the altar, whereas my current one does. Both configurations were acceptable, though perhaps the second is more desirable.

 

[corsair]

I think the OP is talking about the EF Mass. If that is the case, then the poster that mentioned the G.I.R.M. should be aware that it doesn’t apply to the EF.

One of our local priests keeps trying to mix the forms of the Mass. Guess when one is raised outside of the EF it can be confusing.

Regards the Altar Crucifix, it depends on where the Altar is located. If it is free standing and well away from the back wall then an Altar Crucifix should be used. On the other hand, if the Altar is against the back wall and a large Crucifix is above the tabernacle, then it is not necessary. There is a book called “The Liturgical Altar” that is very clear on the dressing of the EF Altar. I have a copy but must have lent it out cause I can’t find it right now.

Its not a “sin” to make an honest mistake in dressing the Altar.