Processional Crucifix

[Raizy]

Recently our alter boys/girls have been putting the processional crucifix away in the side room during mass so it’s only ever seen when they walk in and out. It used to be displayed on the side of the alter. My dad asked the priest why he did this and he replied that only one crucifix is to be displayed and we have one high over the alter. Is this correct? Why would the image of the crucifix be limited to one? Does anyone have any insight on this for me? Thanks.

 

[yinekka]

The regulations say that a cross with a corpus must be on or near the altar during Mass and so if there is a crucifix over the altar there is no need to have the processional cross on the altar but as far as I am aware there is no instruction to have only one crucifix on or near the altar during Mass. Perhaps you could politely ask father to show you where in Church documents this is mandated.

 

[sancte_joseph]

The rubrics do state that it should be put away. Unless i guess it’s being used as an altar crucifix.
But it’s not because only one crucifix is allowed.

 

[yinekka]

The rubrics do state that it should be put away

Joseph, where in the rubrics does it say that the processional cross should be put away during Mass?

 

[Sr_Sally]

We also put away the processional cross. There is a huge beautiful crucifix above the altar (and BVM and St Joseph statues on the redros).

I have never questioned why we do it and assumed it was because a stand to hold it would get in the way of where the altar servers come up to the santuary. I would be interested to see the rubrics also.

 

[tee_eff_em]

GIRM

1. On reaching the altar, the priest and ministers make a profound bow.

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. In addition, the candlesticks are placed on the altar or near it. It is a praiseworthy practice that the Book of the Gospels be placed upon the altar.

1. In the procession to the altar, the acolyte may carry the cross, walking between two ministers with lighted candles. Upon reaching the altar, the acolyte places the cross upright near the altar so that it may serve as the altar cross; otherwise, he puts it in a worthy place. Then he takes his place in the sanctuary.

tee

 

[sancte_joseph]

The rubrics do state that it should be put away

Joseph, where in the rubrics does it say that the processional cross should be put away during Mass?

1. On reaching the altar, the priest and ministers make a profound bow.

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. In addition, the candlesticks are placed on the altar or near it. It is a praiseworthy practice that the Book of the Gospels be placed upon the altar.