Two-dimensional crucifixes?

[Cavaille-Coll]

According to the 2003 General Instruction on 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."

This implies that the crucifix is a three-dimensional object made from wood or metal. In some Latin Rite churches, the crucifix is depicted on an icon (i.e. San Damiano crucifix), a tapestry, or a stained-glass window in the sanctuary. If it depicts a cross with a figure of Christ crucified upon it, is one of these a permissible substitution for a traditional crucifix?

 

[TheMc]

According to the 2003 General Instruction on 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."

This implies that the crucifix is a three-dimensional object made from wood or metal. In some Latin Rite churches, the crucifix is depicted on an icon (i.e. San Damiano crucifix), a tapestry, or a stained-glass window in the sanctuary. If it depicts a cross with a figure of Christ crucified upon it, is one of these a permissible substitution for a traditional crucifix?

I don’t see the implication for 3d. The way I’m reading it, I just see the requirements for a cross with the crucified Lord on it. A sculpture of the Crucified lord could be placed on the cross, or an image of the lord could be painted on a cross.

Am I missing something?

 

[ConstantineTG]

According to the 2003 General Instruction on 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."

This implies that the crucifix is a three-dimensional object made from wood or metal. In some Latin Rite churches, the crucifix is depicted on an icon (i.e. San Damiano crucifix), a tapestry, or a stained-glass window in the sanctuary. If it depicts a cross with a figure of Christ crucified upon it, is one of these a permissible substitution for a traditional crucifix?

Figure doesn’t mean 3-dimensional. Any icon cross such as the San Damiano Crucifix or even crucifixes used by Orthodox/Eastern Catholics are acceptable.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

I ask because in my parish, the traditional wooden crucifix which stood in front of the plain-glass window above the altar was replaced with a stained-glass image of the crucifixion in the same window. It is a very nice image showing Christ nailed to the cross, but it isn’t an actual crucifix.

 

[ConstantineTG]

I may be wrong, but there must at least be a cross, which is 3-D. Whether the figure of Christ crucified is 3D or 2D is not an issue as long as the image is there, but a cross on a painting, stained glass, or icon is not a cross. Its an image of one.

On the other hand, if there is a processional Crucifix and it is placed at the side of the altar during Mass, then it satisfies that requirement.

 

[Spirithound]

I may be wrong, but there must at least be a cross, which is 3-D. Whether the figure of Christ crucified is 3D or 2D is not an issue as long as the image is there, but a cross on a painting, stained glass, or icon is not a cross. Its an image of one.

Come on now, let’s use regular English. If I draw a circle on a sheet of paper, I say that I drew a circle. Very rarely would I go to the trouble to say I drew a picture of a circle.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Come on now, let’s use regular English. If I draw a circle on a sheet of paper, I say that I drew a circle. Very rarely would I go to the trouble to say I drew a picture of a circle.

That works too