Full Question
Our church has a large cross with a figure of the risen Christ attached but no crucifix. Even the processional cross has the risen Christ. Shouldn’t there be a crucifix near the altar?
Answer
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal instructs that there must be a cross (with a crucified corpus) on or near the altar, “positioned either on the altar or near it, and . . . clearly visible to the people gathered there” (GIRM 308). In the case where a crucifix is not in the sanctuary, the processional cross with the figure of Christ crucified upon it would be an option.
Did not address the “crucified” Christ on the crucifix. I do not see how the “Risen Christ” qualifies as a crucifix.
Did not address the “crucified” Christ on the crucifix. I do not see how the “Risen Christ” qualifies as a crucifix.