According to the Catholic catechism, the crucifix is a sacramental or a sacred symbol that the church instituted to prepare Catholics to receive God’s grace. A sacramental finds its power in the Paschal Mystery which is at the heart of the Catholic Faith.

The Paschal Mystery is closely tied to the history of salvation and is centered on the mission of Jesus Christ on earth which is His passion, death and eventual resurrection. Many Catholic devotees gaze reverently upon the crucifix while praying in order to remember Jesus’ great sacrifice and evoke feelings of love, trust, faith and devotion.

For Catholics, the crucifix captures the great sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. It is a symbol of salvation and Christ’s ultimate act to atone for the sins of the world. The crucifix also represents Jesus’ mission to reconcile our relationship with God. It is a very profound emblem that demonstrates God’s ultimate power to overcome sin and death.

With the crucifix, we are reminded of the Lord’s promise of salvation and grace which we can receive by turning to him. We would not have the gift of salvation without Christ’s crucifixion and we would not have the miracle of resurrection if Jesus had not died on the cross.