The San Damiano Cross is the icon cross before which St. Francis of Assisi was praying when he heard Christ say, "Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin." Unlike a realistic crucifix, it shows Christ triumphant — alive, robed, eyes open — surrounded by angels and saints. It is the model of the Franciscan cross and one of the best-loved Catholic images in the world.
What Is the San Damiano Cross?
The San Damiano Cross is a large Romanesque rood cross — a cross-shaped icon painted on wood, about 190 cm tall and 120 cm wide. It belongs to a family of painted crosses made in Umbria in the 12th century, whose purpose was to teach: every figure and gesture in the icon carries meaning for the faithful who prayed before it. The name comes from the church of San Damiano, just outside Assisi, where the cross hung.
The Story of St. Francis
Around 1205, Francis — then a young man searching for direction — slipped into the half-ruined church of San Damiano to pray. Before the painted cross he heard the voice from the crucifix: "Francis, go and repair my house." He took the words literally at first, repairing the church building with his own hands; the greater repair of the Church would follow. The cross that spoke to Francis became the heart of Franciscan devotion, and when St. Clare later settled at San Damiano, the cross remained the center of her community's prayer.
What the Icon Shows
- Christ triumphant. The figure is not a corpse: He stands upright, arms open, eyes open, robed in a purple and gold tunic. The cross does not show defeat but victory — the risen Christ at the moment of the sacrifice.
- The title above. The tablet reads in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
- The witnesses. Beside the cross stand Mary and John the Apostle; at the foot, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and the centurion who confessed Christ.
- The angels. Two angels gesture toward the wounds; smaller figures around the cross bar include the patrons of the church and the makers of the icon.
- The cosmos. The whole icon is arranged so that all of salvation history converges on the figure of Christ — the "Christus triumphans" in the middle of the world.
Where Is the Original Today?
The original San Damiano Cross has been kept, since 1957, in the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi, where it is displayed above the altar of the Blessed Sacrament. The church of San Damiano itself still stands outside the city walls, in the olive groves below Assisi, and remains a place of pilgrimage — but the cross that spoke to Francis lives today in Santa Chiara.
The Prayer Before the San Damiano Cross
Pope Francis and the Franciscan tradition have made the "Prayer before the Crucifix" well known — the prayer Francis prayed before this cross:
"Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, insight and wisdom, so that I can carry out Your holy and true command. Amen."
A San Damiano Cross for Your Home
Because the San Damiano Cross is compact and warm in tone, it makes a fine home cross: in a study, over a desk, or as the teaching image of a child's room. We carry two laminated-wood San Damiano crosses — 14 × 10 cm and 8 × 6 cm — both with a hanging hook, and both a classic Confirmation gift. See the crosses and crucifixes collection, and for the Franciscan companion symbol read The Tau Cross: Meaning and Who Wears It.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of the San Damiano Cross?
A: It shows Christ triumphant — alive, robed, and risen at the moment of sacrifice — surrounded by angels, Mary, John, and the saints. It is a teaching icon of the whole economy of salvation.
Q: Where is the original San Damiano Cross today?
A: In the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi, Italy, where it has been displayed since 1957. The church of San Damiano outside Assisi remains a pilgrimage site.
Q: What is the prayer to the San Damiano Cross?
A: "Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, insight and wisdom, so that I can carry out Your holy and true command. Amen."
Q: Why did St. Francis hear Christ speaking from the San Damiano Cross?
A: While praying before the cross around 1205, Francis heard the call: "Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin." He first repaired the building of San Damiano, then spent his life rebuilding the Church.
Q: Is the San Damiano Cross Catholic?
A: Yes. It is a Romanesque icon cross painted for a Catholic church in Umbria, venerated in Catholic tradition, and closely associated with St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan order.
Q: What is the difference between the San Damiano Cross and a crucifix?
A: A crucifix shows Christ realistically on the cross; the San Damiano Cross is an icon — a painted teaching image showing Christ triumphant, alive and robed, surrounded by other figures.
