And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. -The 3rd Glorious Mystery

Liturgy Crucifix vs. Cross which to be used

Question from ESally on 3/21/2008:

Hi, Our Parish is in a small rural part of the South. During the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday... this year a cross was used -- no corpus on it, instead of a Crucifix. Although a Crucifix was available or could have been acquired from one of it's parishioners for this purpose. This is the first time in my life I have encountered this. And I was truly very upset by this change in that which has been a Tradition, to kiss the feet of Jesus on the Cross.

Is this a problem because the English word Cross, (the Non-Catholics use a Cross-without the Corpus) as oppose to the Crucifix.

If it is that a Cross could be used instead of a Crucifix please let me know. Or if they have a misunderstanding, because of the language?-- let me know. Where in the Rubrics or the GIRM does it state that a Crucifix is to be used? Please provide the numbers so that I may be able to give it to my Pastor. Or better yet is there a definition for the Cross when used in the Mass or Veneration, what exactly is a Cross and should it contain a corpus? That may be the problem... Not knowing the Church's definition of the word. I understand that the Latin Crux loses in translation. The word translates to Cross... some in the South would automatically assume that the Corpus can be omitted.

I truly love the Church and the traditions that we follow -- it is constant and a solace... never flighty with times... it is forever.

I thank you very much... God love and protect you

E. Sally Russell

Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/22/2008:
The rubrics read "Cross" but the long-standing traditional practice of the Church has been to use a crucifix, that is, a cross with the image of our Lord affixed. One would expect that especially on Good Friday, when we commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord, a crucifix would be used for veneration. It may be difficult to fight this, as I imagine this was done quite intentionally by the pastor, in spite of the traditional practice.

A blessed Easter to you,

Father Echert

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