It the crucifix not necessary for Mass?

[rockymtnteri]

Is it true that there does NOT need to be a corpus cross at Mass? I called my Diocese to ask and was told no…as long as the risen Christ is there. There is no need for the Corpus Crucifix. I know the Girm says that there should be one. I am very confused. Please help.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The person at your diocese who told you that an image of the risen Christ is sufficient for Mass is ill informed. Our Lord sacrificed His life for us on Good Friday–not Easter Sunday.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal recognizes that the Mass is that same Sacrifice which transcends time and is present on our altars-- and that it is the crucifix that draws our attention to this. Easter Sunday is the result of this sacrifice; not the occasion of it.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.