ON CRUCIFIXES AND SACRAMENTALS

"Dear Kuya Jeff, we had a great session last night in the spiritual warfare series, especially the part about moving from being wounded to becoming a witness. Thank you for that—it really spoke to us. We just wanted to ask a question about sacramentals, particularly crucifixes. Our worship ministry head recently instructed that all crucifixes should depict Jesus with His right foot over the left. Because of this, he asked that crucifixes showing the left foot over the right be removed. We found this a bit confusing and wanted to understand if there is a Church basis for this. We also wanted to ask if it matters where we buy religious articles. Is it important that they come specifically from Catholic religious stores, or is it okay to buy them from other places as well? We’d really appreciate your guidance on this. Thank you, and we’re looking forward to our next Formation Friday." - Maricel and Rochelle

​1. I wish to begin by honestly acknowledging my personal uncertainty regarding the directive to eliminate crucifixes in which Jesus’ feet are nailed left over right. To date, I am not aware of any official Church document—magisterial, liturgical, or canonical—that mandates a specific positioning of Christ’s feet on the cross. For this reason, I find myself seeking further clarification. Should there be particular sources, traditions, or pastoral guidelines informing such a prohibition by a worship ministry head, I would sincerely welcome learning more, as this would aid proper discernment. Nevertheless, I offer the following theological, biblical, and pastoral reflections, together with references that may be independently verified.

2. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal clearly states: “On or near the altar, there is to be a cross with the figure of Christ crucified” (GIRM, no. 308). Notably, this norm specifies neither the artistic style nor the anatomical details of the crucifix, including the position of Jesus’ feet—whether right over left, left over right, or placed side by side. This silence is significant. Sacrosanctum Concilium emphasizes that sacred images exist to foster the faith of the people and direct them toward the mystery they signify, not to impose unnecessary uniformity (SC, nos. 122–125). The crucifix, therefore, serves primarily as an aid to public worship, drawing the assembly into contemplation of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

3. Sacred Scripture consistently affirms the reality of Christ’s crucifixion without providing anatomical specifics. The Gospels state that Jesus was nailed to the cross (cf. Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33; John 19:18), yet none describes the positioning of His feet. Even John’s detailed Passion narrative, which mentions the nails (John 20:25), refrains from elaborating on such particulars. The biblical focus remains theological: Christ “was lifted up” for the salvation of the world (John 3:14; 12:32).

4. Likewise, the Church Fathers and Doctors of the Church concentrate on the salvific meaning of the Crucifixion rather than its physical mechanics. Saints such as Augustine, Ambrose, and Thomas Aquinas reflect deeply on the Cross as the locus of redemption, obedience, and love, yet they do not specify the position of Christ’s feet. Their silence underscores that what matters is that Christ was crucified for our salvation, not how every physical detail was arranged.

5. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches extensively on the mystery of the Cross (cf. CCC, nos. 616–618) but offers no commentary on artistic details of crucifixes. Similarly, the Code of Canon Law contains no prescriptions regarding such matters. This absence strongly suggests that the positioning of Christ’s feet is considered a minor or non-essential detail, unworthy of doctrinal definition or juridical regulation, precisely because it does not affect the substance of faith or worship.

6. Church history further confirms this freedom. Numerous revered crucifixes differ in foot placement yet have long aided public worship. The Miraculous Crucifix of San Marcello al Corso in Rome, attributed to a 14th-century sculptor and carried in penitential processions during plagues, depicts Christ’s feet nailed right over left. Michelangelo’s Crucifix (c. 1540), created for Vittoria Colonna, shows the feet left over right and has been admired since the Middle Ages for its anatomical precision and devotional depth. The Cross of San Damiano, beloved by Franciscans worldwide, presents Christ’s feet nailed separately side by side; before this very image, Saint Francis of Assisi heard the call to “rebuild my Church,” making it a symbol of ecclesial renewal. These examples demonstrate that foot placement is not determinative of a crucifix’s devotional value. What matters is that the image directs minds and hearts to the worship of the one true God (cf. CCC, nos. 2131–2132).

7. From a pastoral and spiritual perspective, intention and authority are paramount. A crucifix—whether of wood, metal, or stone—is blessed before use in public worship to signify its dedication to God and to remove any ambiguity about its purpose. This aligns with the biblical principle that material objects can become channels of grace when ordered by God’s authority (cf. Numbers 21:8–9; John 3:14). So long as a crucifix is dignified and capable of lifting the soul toward the holy, it fulfills its ecclesial function.

8. Finally, those with an artistic eye can find beautiful and worthy crucifixes throughout the Philippines that foster genuine devotion. While stories circulate—such as images acquired casually and later associated with unsettling experiences—they serve as pastoral reminders of prudence rather than fear. One may obtain religious images from various sources, but they should be beautiful, dignified, and conducive to prayer. They ought to be blessed, or even exorcised if necessary, to dedicate them clearly as aids to worship rather than mere decoration. As a final recommendation, purchasing from reputable religious stores is wise: it ensures quality, supports Catholic stewardship, and often reflects craftsmanship rooted in prayer. I hope these reflections help clarify the issue and encourage balanced, informed discernment.

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