The crucifix is THE Christian symbol commemorating Jesus’ suffering and death for the salvation of humanity. “For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21).

Every time, place, and culture has varied representations of the Crucifixion, depicting Christ as dying or deceased or in another state of ecstasy or resurrection glory. In this case, the goal was to create an ethereal representation, one that is detailed but not exact, allowing for personal interpretation by the viewer.

The design of the crucifix drew inspiration from an old 18-inch crucifix found in a sacristy cabinet, perhaps used in Good Friday liturgies of past years. This artifact became the starting point for a dialogue that led to a modern interpretation scaled to over six feet tall, blending historical elements with contemporary artistry and theological insight.

The design process started with discussions covering all aspects of the corpus. Should Christ be depicted as living, passed, or resurrected? If so, that impacts a lance mark. Should traditional depictions be reinterpreted with anatomical accuracy, such as placing Christ’s wounds in the wrists rather than the palms and positioning the fingers to convey tension? Should the skin of His arms pucker where the nails penetrate? Though lengthy, these detailed conversations added depth and authenticity to the figure that will inspire thousands for years. The design emphasized a shift from literal interpretations to a more allusive approach.

The design features a black matte cross with an ivory-toned corpus. The halo over Christ’s head mirrors gilded motifs on the altar, ambo, and tabernacle stand, unifying the sanctuary’s aesthetic. The process culminated in a final design reflecting a shared vision of Christ alive, embodying vitality and hope.