The Crucifix of San Damiano is an eleventh century icon which is venerated in the Basilica of Saint Clare of Assisi. Before 1260 it was found in the chapel of San Damiano, where in 1206 Francis of Assisi knelt in devout prayer. Francis was going through an intense process of conversion to Christ.

It was the mystical gaze of Christ depicted in this icon which prompted Francis to repair that half-ruined chapel, and eventually to understand his calling to follow the Gospel and reform the living community of believers which is the Church, through the Franciscan way of life. The year 2006 marks the 8th centenary of the episode of San Damiano.

The Franciscan Order has included this unique event in the preparatory phase to the celebration of the 8th centenary of its founding, with the approval of the Gospel way of life of Francis by Pope Innocent III in 1209. The San Damiano Crucifix is a symbol of the process of discerning our Franciscan vocation and identity today.

This paper, entitled “The episode of the Crucifix of San Damiano”, is a small contribution to the historical and spiritual aspects of the San Damiano event, as well as a meditation on the Franciscan calling in the Church today.

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