The San Damiano Cross was one of a number of crosses painted with similar figures during the 11th century in Umbria. An unknown Umbrian artist painted the Crucifix Icon and there is strong Syrian influence in its style. The purpose of an icon cross was to teach the meaning of the event depicted and thereby strengthen the faith of the people.

For Eastern Christians, the Icon is a representation of the living God and by coming into its presence there is a personal encounter, with the grace of the Holy Spirit, with the divine. The San Damiano Icon is then a personal encounter with Christ - God made man and there is much detail and story of Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension painted into the image.

The shape of the crucifix is important as the right hand is higher than the left. This indicates that the Good Thief, traditionally called Saint Dismas, went to heaven while the left hand is bowed down indicating the the other thief did not enter into the kingdom.

From all the meaning infused into this image, it is not surprising it guided Saint Francis of Assisi’s meditations when praying before it and allowed him to hear Christ’s call when He spoke saying to Saint Francis to, “Go, repair my Church…”

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