Byzantine Crucifix to which Christ spoke to Saint Francis: "Go and repair my Church," an icon of the Franciscan vocation.
Documented history and memory received
It is the Byzantine iconic (12th century) crucifix in the ruinous church of San Damian, just outside Assisi. According to tradition, about 1205 Saint Francis, praying before him, heard the voice of Christ three times: "Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is all in ruins." At first he understood it as rebuilding the material temple; then he understood that it referred to the whole Church. On the cross, Christ appears alive and triumphant on death, surrounded by the witnesses of the Passion (Mary, John, the women, the centurion). The original is preserved in the basilica of Santa Clara de Assis, where the clarisas took him when he left San Damian. It is one of the great icons of Franciscan spirituality, a symbol of conversion and love for Christ crucified and glorious.
Who venerates the memory
The look is directed to Jesus Christ and to the mystery of his Incarnation, Passion, Death, Resurrection or Reign. The image, relic, monument or custom does not act by its own power: it serves the memory of the Gospel and leads to prayer, sacraments, conversion and charity.
History, tradition and discernment
The indices 279 and 282 describe the same crucifix and are resolved in this canon sheet. The locution to San Francisco is presented according to the Franciscan tradition; a modern protected work is not reproduced. The tab retains the memory received without turning legend, witness or believing interpretation into a historically demonstrated fact.
Celebration and devotional life
Festivity or main time: without own liturgical date documented in the main source.
No particular promises are documented. Devotion is not an automatic guarantee of protection, healing or prosperity.
Location on the map
The marker points to the Basilica of Santa Clara · Assisi (Italy). The coordinate was contrasted with open mapping and institutional identification of the place.
Main source
Franciscan Media. Contrast lettering with OpenStreetMap/Nominatim.
Para orar
Lord Jesus Christ, enlighten our hearts and help us to repair your Church with faith, hope, charity and humble service. Amen.
Image credit
Medieval Crucifix of San Domenico Maggiore, free theme image that does not represent the Cross of San Damian. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.