Processional Cross at Mass

[Gary_Watkins]

My parish uses a very modern processional cross at the mass. It does not look like a Christian cross - more like the cross that appears on the Swiss flag - complete symetrical. It’s also transparent. I find this upsetting - I wish they would use a crucifix or a traditional cross. Are there any rules in the Church governing what kind of cross may be used?

 

[PhilotheaZ]

As far as I know, it must have the corpus (image of Christ crucified). It must not have the image of the resurrected Christ (it cannot be a “resurrectifix”!).

 

[Chuy]

My parish uses a very modern processional cross at the mass. It does not look like a Christian cross - more like the cross that appears on the Swiss flag - complete symetrical. It’s also transparent. I find this upsetting - I wish they would use a crucifix or a traditional cross. Are there any rules in the Church governing what kind of cross may be used?

A corpus is not always required.

A cross with corpus must be on or near the altar of sacrifice during the celebration of the Mass. If the processional cross is fulfilling that role, then it must of course have a corpus.

If another cross is fulfilling that requirement then the processional cross need not have a corpus and it must be put away during Mass.

Perhaps you could talk to your pastor and maybe offer to raise money for a new processional crucifix?

http://clearchannelexhibitions.com/images/downloads/vatican/Processional_Cross_Leo_XIII.jpg

 

[mercygate]

My parish uses a very modern processional cross at the mass. It does not look like a Christian cross - more like the cross that appears on the Swiss flag - complete symetrical. It’s also transparent. I find this upsetting - I wish they would use a crucifix or a traditional cross. Are there any rules in the Church governing what kind of cross may be used?

You’re describing a Greek cross (symmetrical in all directions). Nothing wrong with it. Transparent? How’s that?

 

[benedictgal]

This is the closest reference that I could find to a cross in the GIRM:

1. 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.

Notice, that the reference notes that the cross should have a corpus on it. If you look at the processional cross used at Papal Masses, there is a corpus affixed to it. It seems to me that this should be the rule of thumb.

 

[Sam_Maloney]

Some parishes use the processional to fulfill the mandate to have a crucifix near the altar. In that case, the processional must have a corpus.

Given that the processional cross is not a requirement, I’m not sure that there would be any rules about it’s shape or the presence of the corpus.

 

[Chuy]

Some parishes use the processional to fulfill the mandate to have a crucifix near the altar. In that case, the processional must have a corpus.

Given that the processional cross is not a requirement, I’m not sure that there would be any rules about it’s shape or the presence of the corpus.

That is correct. The Church does not require the use of a processional cross nor must any such cross have a corpus unless it is fulfilling the role of the required crucifix on or near the altar during Mass.