Q While on vacation I went to a Mass and there was no crucifix, only a painting behind the altar. What are the rules for the display of a crucifix in a Catholic church? M.M., Elgin

A  I think the rubrics still prescribe that the priest must have in the sanctuary a crucifix, that is a cross with the image of the crucified Christ on it, but it need not be the focal point for the Mass to be licit.

According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (308), “Likewise, either on the altar or near it, there is to be a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, a cross clearly visible to the assembled people. It is desirable that such a cross should remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations, so as to call to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord.”

Whether the crucifix is the most prominent thing in the church or not, is not required by Canon Law. More recent constructions of Catholic Church sanctuaries tend to give prominence to the crucifix, which personally, not the church but my own view, is entirely proper. It is up to the people and the priest to decide how they want to fulfill that precept when designing a church.

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