Crucifix Info
Crucifix Info
On our Crucifix Info page, we look at the centuries-old tradition of having one in our homes and how it can be meaningful for us today.
Crucifix Info & Tips
About Crucifixes
A Centuries-Old Tradition
It might seem like Crucifixes are a recent idea. Yet they have been in Catholic homes for over 1500 years. They usually hung on a prominent wall or over a doorway.
The Roots of Our Faith
A Crucifix reminds us of the roots of our faith. Jesus clearly explained to Nicodemus that:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
What He Taught Us
Looking at our Lord on the Cross, we remember His love for us. Jesus taught the Apostles to pray, and in the same way, He guides us today.
Prayer is Our Connection with God
We can forget to pray because life is busy. A Crucifix displayed in our homes is more than a symbol of our faith. It reminds us to pause and pray. Prayer is our connection with God. Once we invite Him into our hearts, our lives are never the same.
Traditional Crucifix Prayer
The Prayer to Jesus Crucified (or The Prayer Before a Crucifix) is in most Catholic prayer books. Even though the prayer is only two sentences long, it is not one to rush through. The best way to recite it is slowly and focused on our Lord.
An Indulgenced Prayer
Pope Pius XI granted The Prayer to Jesus Crucified an indulgence on February 2, 1934. There are extra blessings when we recite it on a Friday during the Season of Lent. Yet, as long as we are in front of an image of Jesus on the Cross, it is for any time. Click to learn more about indulgences.
A Blessed Crucifix
Consider asking a priest to bless your Crucifix, whether it is new or already in your home. A blessed Crucifix is for holy use. As we pray while meditating on our crucified Lord, Jesus draws our minds and hearts to Him. He prepares our hearts for the graces we will later receive in the sacraments.
For Your Home
God loves us with awe-inspiring love. He showed us His love on the Cross. We know it in our hearts.
Click to discover nine reasons to display a Crucifix in our homes.
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CREDITS
The LOGO image of Our Lady of Grace is original artwork by Martin Lariviere in 2009. We have the artist’s permission (my son). It is our exclusive trademark logo image.
A beautifully photographed sky by Donald Tong inspired the website’s colour scheme. Cropped portions of it are the background for the footer Bible verse. He shared it as a free download on pexels.com.
Raphael painted The Sistine Madonna circa (1513-1514). We made circular cut-outs from the original image.
Jose Ferraz de Almeida Junior painted Jesus with a halo on the Crucifix in 1889.
Our information is from general knowledge, experience, and shared internet resources. We’d like you to use it as a starting point for your research to verify facts and build a reference list.
IN REVIEW
Crucifixes have been in Catholic homes for over 1500 years.