Why do Catholic churches display crucifixes?
Many Christian churches display simple crosses or other peaceful symbols of their faith. Non-Catholics wonder why we choose instead the crucifix, which can be a disturbing image.
The crucifix is not just part of our Catholic identity. The Catholic Church requires that a crucifix be visible during the celebration of Mass to remind us of the sacrifice of Jesus on the altar of the Cross, which is made present for us each time we celebrate the Holy Eucharist. It is a powerful representation of the body and blood Jesus shed for us.
To Catholics, the crucifix is a symbol of the ultimate act of love. A cross recalls the Resurrection and Jesus' triumph over death. That is important to us, too. But to fully understand our own redemption, we need to be reminded of what Jesus had to endure, namely his Passion and death, before the Resurrection. We are also reminded that God gave his only Son for our salvation. The Crucifix is a full image of our redemption.
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