places of worship >st. joseph’s monastery of the poor clares >altar windows

The San Damiano Crucifix is a 12th century wood icon that plays an important role in Franciscan history. According to tradition, St. Francis was kneeling before this image when it “spoke” to him, instructing him to rebuild the church. Initially, he set out to repair the crumbling stone chapel of San Damiano, but later understood a broader instruction to bring reform to the Church. 

Interpreted in glass, the icon is viewed from two sides, as a focal point for both the public chapel and the cloistered chapel on the other side of the glass wall.

Close up of San Damiano Crucifix

contemporary icons

The Sisters’ contemporary outlook is reflected in the two images to the right and left of the crucifix.  “Joseph Holding the Child” speaks to the important role of fathers in childrearing, while “Mary Lighting Sabbath Candles” makes reference to the Jewish heritage of Jesus.

The icons are glass, painted and kiln-fired for permanence, with gold leaf applied to the reverse side of the glass.

Joseph Holding the Child

Mary Lighting Sabbath Candles