Veneration of the Crucifix
Wed, Aug 20, 2025 8:30 AM
-My Brothers and Sisters
As Catholics, we have many traditions that help express our love and respect for our Lord and Savior. Veneration of the Crucifix is a profound way to express our love and show respect for what He has done for us. This practice does not have to occur only on Good Friday. Here is a brief history and an explanation of what takes place when we engage in this devotion.
In the Catholic Church
The veneration of the crucifix is primarily practiced during the Good Friday service, which occurs during Holy Week. This solemn practice commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity's redemption.
Good Friday
The most significant day for venerating the crucifix is Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Timing
The Veneration of the Cross typically takes place during the afternoon service on Good Friday, often around 3:00 p.m., the hour traditionally associated with Christ's death.
Jerusalem Tradition
The practice of venerating the cross dates back to the fourth century in Jerusalem, where Christians would gather before a relic of the True Cross, kneel, bow, and kiss it.
Symbolic Meaning
The veneration of the cross is a powerful way to remember and reflect on Christ's passion and suffering and to express love and gratitude for His sacrifice.
What Happens When You Kiss a Crucifix?
Kissing a crucifix may seem like a small and simple gesture, but for Catholics, it carries profound spiritual meaning and is rooted in centuries of devotion. It is an act of love, reverence, humility, and connection to the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the Cross.
When a person kisses a crucifix, they are not merely touching an object—they are reaching out in faith and affection to the Savior who gave everything for their salvation. That kiss becomes a silent prayer, a heartfelt act of thanksgiving for Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is an expression of deep gratitude and devotion to the One who bore our sins and opened the gates of Heaven.
Spiritually, kissing the crucifix is also a form of reparation—an act of sorrow for our sins and for the sins of the world. In this simple touch, the soul whispers, “Forgive me, Lord. I love You.” The act becomes especially powerful when done in times of personal suffering, trial, or temptation. In those moments, the crucifix reminds us that we are not alone—that Jesus, too, suffered and walks with us through every valley.
The Church has long recognized the power of such devotions. Kissing the crucifix is part of traditional practices like the Stations of the Cross, where the faithful often venerate the Cross in remembrance of Christ’s suffering. When done with love and intention, this act can even carry indulgences—spiritual graces granted by the Church to aid the soul in its journey to holiness.
Kissing the crucifix also serves as a public witness to faith. Whether in private prayer or in moments of visible devotion, it shows others that Christ is at the center of your life. It reinforces our Catholic identity and brings us closer to the heart of the Gospel: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Moreover, it is a beautiful way to begin or end your day. Keeping a crucifix nearby—on a rosary, a necklace, or by your bedside—invites frequent moments of reflection and reverence. Each kiss becomes a renewal of your faith, a small yet powerful act that can strengthen your soul and stir your heart.
In a world filled with distractions, noise, and spiritual indifference, this quiet act speaks volumes. It reminds us of what truly matters: the love of Christ, the cost of our salvation, and the call to carry our own crosses with faith and courage.
So, the next time you hold a crucifix, do not rush the moment. Let your lips touch the wood or metal with full awareness of what it represents. Let your heart speak through that kiss.
PAX
Bob Bagley
State Faith Director
r.bagley@mikofc.org