What does the processional cross symbolize?

What does the processional cross symbolize?

The Cross represents the Lord’s presence at the Communion Table.

What is the purpose of processional cross?

A processional cross has a liturgical function, especially during Holy Week, when it is held aloft to remind the devout of Christ’s Passion (the suffering of Jesus beginning with his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and ending with his crucifixion on Good Friday).

What is the name of the cross being carried in front of the choir?

A crucifer or cross-bearer is, in some Christian churches (particularly the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Lutherans, and United Methodist Church), a person appointed to carry the church’s processional cross, a cross or crucifix with a long staff, during processions at the beginning and end of the service.

What is a procession in the Catholic Church?

Procession, in Christianity, organized body of people advancing in formal or ceremonial manner as an element of Christian ritual or as a less official expression of popular piety. Another procession with a long history is that celebrated on Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem.

Which direction should a crucifix face?

Despite all the variations in practice that have taken place far into the second millennium, one thing has remained clear for the whole of Christendom: praying toward the east is a tradition that goes back to the beginning.

What is a Georgian cross?

The Bolnisi cross (Georgian: ბოლნისის ჯვარი bolnisis ǰvari) is a cross symbol, taken from a 5th-century ornament at the Bolnisi Sioni church, which came to be used as a national symbol of Georgia. It is a variant of the Cross pattée popular in Christian symbolism of late antiquity and the early medieval period.

Why do Catholics have Eucharistic processions?

In the Eucharistic processions of Holy Thursday and the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) we publicly proclaim this truth, following the Lord physically even as we pledge anew to do so spiritually. As such, public processions serve as tools of evangelization within our neighborhoods.

Why is the crucifix on the altar?

Roman Catholic liturgical norms require a crucifix (with the body of Jesus) near or on the altar whenever Mass is celebrated. In some cases, to better fulfill this requirement, the crucifix is instead hung on the wall behind the altar, so that when the priest is facing the congregation the crucifix is not obstructed.

Why do altars face east?

Though it has not been possible on every occasion, many Catholic churches have been built to face the east. We believe, therefore, that at the Second Coming, Christ will come from the east. When we are oriented toward the east, we are, in effect, orienting ourselves toward Christ.

How is the cross carried in the procession?

Whenever used, the processional cross is always carried with the image of Jesus Crucified facing forward in the direction of the procession (see Mutel and Freeman, Cérémonies, pp. 75–76). The servers holding the candlesticks should be, as much as possible, of the same height in order to be able to hold the two candles at the same height.

Who are the candles bearers in the procession?

Two servers holding candles lead the procession, walking side by side. An instituted acolyte or another server may hold the processional cross between them, walking with the candle bearers side by side in one line.

Where does the priest walk in the procession?

The priest, vested in stole and chasuble, walks alone behind the deacon, with hands folded, holding nothing in his hands. As the procession makes its way to the sanctuary, everyone walks two by two rather than in two continuous and distinct lines.

When do people stand for the entrance procession?

Everyone stands from the beginning of the entrance chant, or from the moment the priest leaves the sacristy, indicated by the ringing of the bell. All remain standing until after the priest prays the opening collect for Mass. Next time, we’ll consider what happens when the procession reaches the sanctuary and Mass begins.