Why don't all Catholic churches have a crucifx?

[Ghislieri]

While I am not supporter of the “Resurrected Christ” crosses, and am a regular at the EF. I do have to point out historically that the crucifix as a form of Cathoic religous iconography, and on the altar is not of Apostolic origins, it did not become universal in the West until at least the 600’s If memory serves. It was only placed on the altar during Mass, along with the Candles. and the altar was otherwise barren outside of Mass.

From the few times I’ve had to fulfill my obligation by assisting at Mass in a parish with the described sanctuary, there was always a processional Crucifix which was placed near the altar, Not my cup of tea, but according to the Rubrics of the OF permissible, and when there is no crucifix in the sanctuary manditory.

So as distasteful it may be for me, it would seem it is permissible, if they at least use the processional crucifix during Mass, Not being the Pope, I guess I must accept it as being licit if they do follow the rubrics during Mass.

We do have a clue in scripture that perhaps a form of the crucifix was used in worship, thus making indeed Apostolic.Consider this:

Galatians 3
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was **publicly portrayed **as crucified?

Since they were not at the crucifixion, think about what that means…I’m just saying…

 

[Daniel_Lysinger]

Yes, a crucifix should be on the altar. As far as I know, since the Mass is a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrafice on the Altar, I personally think that it should be there.

Is a crucifix with the figure of the crucified Lord required at all Masses? Can it be replaced by a crucifix with the risen Lord on it?

According to the Book of Blessings, n. 1235 “The image of the cross should preferably be a crucifix, that is, have the corpus attached, especially in the case of a cross that is erected in a place of honor inside a church.”

According to the General Instruction, n. 79 “There is also to be a cross on or near the altar. The candles and cross may be carried in the entrance procession.” The Ceremonial of Bishops comments that the image on the cross is to face forward. (n. 128) In the Latin version, which is the authoritative version, “cross” is “crux” meaning a crucifix. This has always meant a crucifix. The same word is used in documents before and after the Second Vatican Council. Had a new interpretation of this word been intended, mention would have been made somewhere. A risen Christ crucifix is an oxymoron and does not fulfill the requirement for a crucifix since a risen Christ is not a crucified Christ. There is nothing wrong with having an image of a risen Christ or a plain cross elsewhere in the Church or even behind the altar as long as during Mass a crucifix is “on or near the altar.”

(Rubrics & Law catholicliturgy.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/LawText/Index/6/SubIndex/96/LawIndex/26)

 

[jerry_joseph]

Thanks, I also just remembered, (while not subject to the rubrics of the latin rite) the Assyrian and Armenian Rite Churches have a plain cross and not a crucifix.

It’s mainly because Roman Catholicism is originated from Apostle St Peter. Apostle St peter followed christ throughout his way of cross. He witnessed his crucifixion. So his christ experience is based on crucified jesus.

But on the other hand eastern christian churches mainly East Syriac churches is originated from the mission of Apostle St Thomas. St Thomas experienced resurrected Jesus. "Then jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands; stretch out your hand and put it into my side. Resist no longer and be a believer.” Thomas then said, “You are my Lord and my God.” John 20:20

When Apostle St Thomas put his finger in wounds of Jesus he got enlightenment. His eyes opened and he said My Lord My God. It is due to this eastern christian liturgies mainly focus on resurrected Jesus. In Altar it is not usual practice to put crucified Jesus. Instead of that , eastern christian churches put a Cross without christ (which symbolizes ressurection of christ) in main Alter (Most probably three alters will be there , One main and two sub. In one of these sub alters crucifix is placed and in second one , images of saints (mainly Holy virgin mary) will be placed.

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/68565_502723466429832_510129319_n.jpg

In the alter of this church picture of ressurected Jesus (who Arts in heaven as God) is placed. In one alter crucifix is placed and in another one St Thomas cross is placed. Normaly St Thomas cross is placed in main alter.

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/397654_470541932981319_1162750443_n.jpg

It is mandatory that Crucifix should be there in alter (atleast at the time of holy mass), as we are celebrating the sacrifice of jesus (Crucifixion) in holy mass.