Altar Crucifixes?

[Yes]

Was there a document in the past 2 years that somehow encouraged a crucifix on the altar? It seems like there was and that the crucifix on EWTNs daily Mass altar was a product of this document, but for the life of me I cannot remember its name…

 

[Seatuck]

*The Articles to Be Prepared

1. The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. In addition, on or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. If the Diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candles should be used. Also on or close to the altar, there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified. The candles and the cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified may also be carried in the Entrance Procession. On the altar itself may be placed the Book of the Gospels, distinct from the book of other readings, unless it is carried in the Entrance Procession.

usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter4.shtml*

 

[Aramis]

Was there a document in the past 2 years that somehow encouraged a crucifix on the altar? It seems like there was and that the crucifix on EWTNs daily Mass altar was a product of this document, but for the life of me I cannot remember its name…

General Instructions of the Roman Missal

308. There is also to be a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, either on the altar or near it, where it is clearly visible to the assembled congregation. It is appropriate that such a cross, which calls to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord, remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations.

 

[Brendan]

Was there a document in the past 2 years that somehow encouraged a crucifix on the altar?

A Cruxifix within the Sanctuary isn’t just ‘encouraged’, it is REQUIRED.

 

[Yes]

Thanks Seatruck and Aramis.

I’m aware of the GIRM requirements, but there was something else, something more recent that prompted EWTN to place a crucifix on their altar/mensa and not merely in the sanctuary, near the altar. Now that I think about it a little more, I think it might have been an unofficial writing of our Pope back when he was Cardinal Ratzinger.

Something to the effect that if you do not orient your altar in a way in which you are facing the crucifix (as was common in the past), place a crucifix on your altar in its current orientation. It was not a directive or instruction, however.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

It is my understanding that the altar itself, the mensa, is to be kept as clear as possible. This seems to include placing candles and crucifix near, but not on, the altar.

Sorry, I don’t have a link for this.

 

[palmas85]

Was there a document in the past 2 years that somehow encouraged a crucifix on the altar? It seems like there was and that the crucifix on EWTNs daily Mass altar was a product of this document, but for the life of me I cannot remember its name…

I don’t know if there was a document but a crucifix on the altar is completely and entirely proper and in no way violates any liturgical guidelines. The GIRM actually says that the Crucifix should either be ON the altar or near it within the Sanctuary.

Just my opinion, I think it should be a requirement that a crucifix be on the altar… I think that having the crucifix on the altar would actually drive home the fact that it is also an altar instead of just being the “Communal Table” as may seem to believe

 

[John_Lilburne]

… Now that I think about it a little more, I think it might have been an unofficial writing of our Pope back when he was Cardinal Ratzinger.

Something to the effect that if you do not orient your altar in a way in which you are facing the crucifix (as was common in the past), place a crucifix on your altar in its current orientation. It was not a directive or instruction, however.

It was in the book “Feast of Faith” by Cardinal Ratzinger, translated by Graham Harrison, published by Ignatius Press, ISBN 0898700566, in 1986. The oiginal German edition was published in 1981. On page 144:
“… Surely we must regard it as a priority to reestablish the meaning of the image of the cross. Even now, when the priest faces the people, the cross could be placed on the altar in such a way that both priest and people can see it. At the eucharistic prayer they should not look at one another; together they ought to behold him, the Pierced Savior (Zech 12:10; Rev 1:7). …”

In watching the Vatican’s Midnight Mass with Pope Benedict I noticed there was a large crucifix on the altar, along with the candles. Perhaps this has been influential in the practice at EWTN.

 

[Caesar]

It was in the book “Feast of Faith” by Cardinal Ratzinger, translated by Graham Harrison, published by Ignatius Press, ISBN 0898700566, in 1986. The oiginal German edition was published in 1981. On page 144:
“… Surely we must regard it as a priority to reestablish the meaning of the image of the cross. Even now, when the priest faces the people, the cross could be placed on the altar in such a way that both priest and people can see it. At the eucharistic prayer they should not look at one another; together they ought to behold him, the Pierced Savior (Zech 12:10; Rev 1:7). …”

In watching the Vatican’s Midnight Mass with Pope Benedict I noticed there was a large crucifix on the altar, along with the candles. Perhaps this has been influential in the practice at EWTN.

Yes, Pope Benedict restored the Candles and Crucifix to the High Altar of the Confession. He also “re-oriented” the Altar in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel.

 

[ltbpoe43]

In most churches/masses I’ve been to - 2 candles are ON the altar - one at each end toward the front. During Easter the big ones come out and are near the altar in front. But on most days they are ON the altar. The crucifix is huge and hangs in the sanctuary on the back wall of the church.

 

[Yes]

It is my understanding that the altar itself, the mensa, is to be kept as clear as possible. This seems to include placing candles and crucifix near, but not on, the altar.

Sorry, I don’t have a link for this.

Both candles and a crucifix are permissable on the altar.

 

[Yes]

It was in the book “Feast of Faith” by Cardinal Ratzinger, translated by Graham Harrison, published by Ignatius Press, ISBN 0898700566, in 1986. The oiginal German edition was published in 1981. On page 144:
“… Surely we must regard it as a priority to reestablish the meaning of the image of the cross. Even now, when the priest faces the people, the cross could be placed on the altar in such a way that both priest and people can see it. At the eucharistic prayer they should not look at one another; together they ought to behold him, the Pierced Savior (Zech 12:10; Rev 1:7). …”

In watching the Vatican’s Midnight Mass with Pope Benedict I noticed there was a large crucifix on the altar, along with the candles. Perhaps this has been influential in the practice at EWTN.

HOME RUN, John! It figures you would know this one. That’s precisely where I read it. Now I gotta get my pastor to go a long…

 

[jmcrae]

HOME RUN, John! It figures you would know this one. That’s precisely where I read it. Now I gotta get my pastor to go a long…

As long as the candles and crucifix are near the Altar, they don’t actually have to be on it. I would worry that candles on the Altar itself would go flying, whenever the priest spreads his arms to pray - it’s good for him to have a little elbow room on the Altar, I think.

At our parish, the Crucifix hangs down from the baldaccino above the Altar, and the candles surround it without touching it.

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

 

[Yes]

As long as the candles and crucifix are near the Altar, they don’t actually have to be on it…

No one said that either candles or a crucifix had to be on the altar, but someone suggested they shouldn’t be and that is not correct. When in doubt just follow the Church:
*
“GIRM 117. The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. In addition, on or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. If the Diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candles should be used. Also on or close to the altar, there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified…”*

The altar used for EWTN’s daily Mass is quite small yet two large candle holders with multiple candles and a crucifix are placed upon it and no priest has ever come close to bumping any of them…

What causes problems at my parish is GIRM 122:

“The cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified and perhaps carried in procession may be placed next to the altar to serve as the altar cross, **in which case it ought to be the only cross used; otherwise it is put away in a dignified place…” **

Since we have a huge and dignified crucifix mounted on our reredos behind our altar the processional cross should technically be put away – as long as it’s in a dignified place. Because the liturgist kept defining a undignified place for us to place it, we ignore the instruction and place it in a stand next to the credence table.