Church Furnishings

Altar Crucifixes

Altar crucifixes keep Christ crucified before priest and people at every Mass, the visible sign of the sacrifice offered on the altar.

58 pieces

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About this collection

About Altar Crucifixes

An altar crucifix stands on or near the altar so that the figure of Christ crucified is seen during Mass. This collection offers brass altar crosses, most polished and lacquered, with a silver-plated corpus and INRI. Styles include traditional Gothic and French Gothic, Baroque, ridged-stem and simpler chapel designs on triangular or round bases. There is also a double-sided model with a corpus on both faces, for an altar seen from both sides.

Sizing and matching

Sizes run from about 9 inches for a small chapel or side altar to over 38 inches for a main altar. Traditionally the cross stands taller than the candlesticks beside it, so measure your candlesticks first. Many models are made to match a set of altar candlesticks or a processional crucifix from the same series, which makes it easier to complete a sanctuary set.

Listed prices currently run from about $219 to $2,290. Call or request a quote if you need help matching pieces you already own. Freight is billed separately.

Altar Crucifixes

In the Sacred Liturgy

A cross bearing the figure of Christ crucified stands on or near the altar at every celebration of Mass. It reminds everyone present that the Mass makes present the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, offered for the salvation of the world.

In traditional churches the altar crucifix stands at the center of the altar, usually raised behind the tabernacle and flanked by the altar candlesticks. It is placed high enough for the priest and the people to see it clearly, and the crucifix and candlesticks are often made as a matching set.

Altar crucifixes are usually of brass or bronze, often gilded, and sometimes enriched with enamel or carved wood. Many bear the inscription INRI above Christ's head: the initials of the Latin for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," the title Pilate had fixed to the Cross. Before this image of His love, the priest offers the Holy Sacrifice and the faithful unite their prayers with His.