Hidden crosses

The cross is the universal emblem for Christ and Christianity. To the Christian it represents salvation and is seen throughout the Christian world. From large Celtic crosses, tiny crosses and symbolic crosses, our Church teems with this sacred image, many hidden within the art and architecture. 

“From large Celtic crosses, tiny crosses and symbolic crosses, our Church teems with this sacred image, many hidden within the art and architecture.”
– Joan Williams Hoar

As you walk through the courtyard, the large Celtic cross may go unrecognized due to its placement in the paving. The fountain represents the circle, the symbol for Christ’s victory over death. Being “without beginning or end,” the circle symbolizes eternity or eternal life.

Artists often use elements from nature to symbolize an object, a person or even an emotion. A tree in a sacred painting may be prophesy. Both the Old and New Testaments speak of the role of the tree in our faith. Gal. 3:13 harkens to Deut. 21:23 when we read, “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” 

Many are not aware nor noticed one of the smallest crosses, located in the “Good Shepherd” window at the west end of the sanctuary. The design, an upside down “Y” is the Trinity Cross. Note the three equal branches, reminiscent of a tree. The design is repeated in other medallions, but this is the simplest.

Another example of the tree symbol and perhaps least recognized hidden cross, is in the Kerr Chapel window “Christ Blessing the Children.” Notice the tree in the upper right. The cross is often likened to the Tree of Paradise or the Tree of Life, the arbor vitae and as lignum vitae. The trunk and branches remind us of the “Y” or Trinity cross. The artist is conveying a message, foreshadowing the sacrifice.

During this season of Lent, may we be observant of the symbolic crosses of our family and friends, and acknowledge the crosses in our own lives. Be alert to the “hidden crosses.”