The Crucifix of San Damiano 

February 24th, 2014
By André Cirino, OFM
Crucifix of San Damiano In the 13th century, the Crucifix of San Damiano hung in the chapel of the same name. St. Francis had a decisive moment in his conversion experience when praying one day before this icon when he heard the message from Christ Jesus: “Francis, go and repair my church which is falling into ruin.” This launched him on his journey into the heart of God. St. Clare, who lived at San Damiano, had the opportunity to meditate before this icon for forty-one years. Because this Crucifix played an important role in both of their lives, we strive to know more about it because it is one of the keys that opens their spirituality to us today.
André Cirino, OFM André Cirino OFM is an itinerant preacher whose ministry includes parishes, Franciscan formation, retreats, education, pilgrimages, and publications. André’s latest writing is The Cross Was Their Book, meditations on St. Francis’ Prayer before a Crucifix. André has conducted pilgrimages to Assisi, Italy, Prague, England, Mallorca, France, Germany and the California Missions, and to the shrines of the Saints of the Northeast United States. For more information, see: www.assisijourney.com