Veneration of the Cross

[JC_Nixon]

There was a lively discussion at our Liturgy meeting with regard to Good Friday services, specifically, Veneration of the Cross. Some of us held the position that a Crucifix is to be used, others said no, a cross (without corpus) is sufficient. I need definitive information, not opinion, at this point, Good Friday is fast approaching.

Thanks!

 

[Dr.Colossus]

From the Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts, January 16, 1988, Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship:

1. For veneration of the cross, let a cross be used that is of appropriate size and beauty, and let one or other of the forms for this rite be carried out with the splendor worthy of the mystery of our salvation. Both the invitation pronounced at the unveiling of the cross and the people’s response should be made in song, and a period of respectful silence is to be observed after each act of veneration, with the celebrant standing and holding the raised cross.
2. The cross is to be presented to each of the faithful individually for their adoration, since the personal adoration of the cross is a most important feature in this celebration. Only when necessitated by the large numbers of faithful present should the rite of veneration be made simultaneously by all present. [72]

Only one cross should be used for the veneration, as this contributes to the full symbolism of the rite. During the veneration of the cross, the antiphons, “Reproaches,” and hymns should be sung so that the history of salvation be commemorated through song. [73] Other appropriate songs may also be sung (cf n. 42).

The letter makes no mention of the requirement of a Corpus.

 

[Sola]

Is this something that is done at Good Friday Mass? I hadn’t heard of it, but I’m a somewhat new Catholic.

Thank you.

 

[batteddy]

There is no Mass celebrated on Good Friday, a communion service with pre-consecrated hosts is held instead.

 

[JC_Nixon]

Dr. Colossus:

From the Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts, January 16, 1988, Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship:

The letter makes no mention of the requirement of a Corpus.

True, however, if you note 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.

It specifically defines ‘cross’ as one with the figure of Christ crucified upon it. Hence the debate in definition of ‘cross’.

I have since been referred to this information (I have condensed it for posting purposes):

ROME, MARCH 23, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum.

Q-4: For the adoration of the cross on Good Friday, can we use a crucifix (with Jesus’ body on it) or should we look for a plain cross? – F.M., Antique, Philippines

A-4: The use of the crucifix, a cross with the figure of Christ crucified, is obligatory for the Good Friday celebrations of the Adoration of the Cross.

This is made clear by the rubrics which, in one form of the rite, describe how this cross may be progressively unveiled, showing first the top of the cross but not the face, then the right arm, and finally the entire body.

After this celebration on Good Friday afternoon, and until the Easter Vigil, Catholics genuflect before the crucifix; they would not do so before a simple cross.

This liturgical situation is different from the pious practice of the Way of the Cross, where widespread custom prefers the use of a simple cross rather than a crucifix. This is the practice followed in the Holy Father’s widely televised Good Friday “Via Crucis” at the Colosseum.