Contemplating the San Damiano Crucifix
The San Damiano Crucifix lies at the heart of Franciscan spirituality. A young broken man of Assisi knelt before the cross and opened his soul to God; asking God to show him God's plan for his life. Francesco Bernardone was a changed man that day. He lived his life dedicated to the Glory of God and spreading the good news of Christ to all.
St Francis was a man of action, as he got up from contemplating the cross at San Damiano he offered himself in service to God and humanity following the simplicty of the Christ he saw not only in the cross but in the Gospels.
The San Damiano Crucifix is a magnificent piece of Byzantine art, or more correctly, iconography; a brilliant pictorial of the Gospel of St John. Through exploring the images of the crucifix, and hearing something of its place in Franciscan spirituality, we learn how it is possible, to kneel down a broken person, and rise a servant of Christ.
Return to Prayer School Index
Download the brochure
Download a copy of the Prayer School brochure.