San Damiano Cross

The tradition of such painted crucifixes began in the Eastern Church and possibly reached Italy via Montenegro and Croatia.

Franciscans regard this cross as a symbol of their mission to commit their lives and resources to renewing and rebuilding the Church.

On the lower left is Longinus the traditional name of the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance.

The blood running down the right arm of Jesus begins at the elbow and drips straight down and will land on the upturned face of Longinus.

In the lower right is Stephaton, the traditional name for the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine.

This represents the centurion's son who was healed by Jesus and the rest of his family to show that "he and his whole household believed" (John 4:45-54).

In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria: St. Damian, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul.

Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, representing the sign of Jesus' denial by Peter, mentioned in all four Gospel accounts.