|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The most quintessentially Catholic
object of devotion is a crucifix -- a cross (Latin: crux) with
the image of Christ's body nailed to it.
Crucifixes are always found in Catholic churches and chapels
over the altar and are always carried in liturgical processions.
This image is venerated by the faithful in a special ceremony on
Good Friday. They are a customary fixture in every room and
office of Catholic institutions (schools, hospitals), and on the
walls of Catholic homes. This form of representing the Cross of
our Lord adorns Rosaries, prayer-books, private altars,
vestments, and many other devotional articles; also the Pectoral
Cross worn by a bishop as a sign of office. The pope's
ceremonial staff has a crucifix attached to it (unlike an
ordinary bishop's staff, which is formed like a shepherd's
crook.) A crucifix is frequently worn by Catholics on a
neck-chain. A less common form of the crucifix bears an image of
Christ glorified, wearing the vestments of a priest and with his
arms extended in blessing.
One way to help increase children's reverence and love for
Christ and his cross is to introduce them to traditional
Christian symbols. Help them draw several kinds of crosses in
addition to the Crucifix (with Christ's body, or
"corpus") -- such as the Chi Rho, the first two Greek
letters in "Christ" (looks like a capital P with an X
through the elongated tail ), the Latin Cross, the Jerusalem
Cross, the Greek Cross, the Saint Andrew Cross (an X shape). You
might look for various types of crosses in churches, on
vestments, and in other places.
Introduce children to New Testament symbols of Christ such as
the Lamb, the door, the lamp, etc., Ask them to draw these
symbols themselves and then color them. Display them on the
refrigerator or in their rooms after they have finished.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
