This crucifix had hung in the sanctuary for many years, its original cross was missing.
The style of the replacement cross reminded me of the work of Architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, as nothing else in the church was of a similar style, its seemed an odd choice, but perhaps it was all that was available at the time.
shedding light on a problem
The restoration was a timely one as the imbalance between the weight of the corpus and undersized cross had put extra strain on the damaged suspension cords from which it hung. The miss-matched cross being too small for the corpus to sit comfortably, caused the piece to lurch forward, creating an imbalance in the distribution of its weight.
Poor lighting in the dome of the sanctuary meant that the figure of Christ, darkened by candle soot and detritus, was not easily seen against the dark canopy.
It was a parishioner's generosity which shed light on these problems, and enabled the restoration of the crucifix, which included the commission for a new oak cross to be made by David my husband.
As the old cross had proved unsuitable, Father decided in our discussions with him, that a new cross should be made. This was to be in context with motifs in the church architecture.
Prayer, work & Tea break
Jesus said that a workman deserves his wages, I also find that a necessary part of work is to take the odd tea - break. The work can be quite physically demanding, as well as needing a lot of mental concentration. On occasions we will be up at 4.00am, travel half way across the country to collect an item to be restored. On cold wet days of which England has many, there is nothing more encouraging than meeting a friendly face at the church and the offer of a hot drink. (And rather discouraging sadly, when one isn't!) which makes one value a hot tea even more.
I have been asked many times if I practice the mantra of the Eastern Orthodox painters, who claim to pray set prayers while working. It brings to mind the story of Saint (Martin?) who told a poor man that if he could say the Hail Mary without distraction, he would give him half of his cloak. The peasant began; "Hail Mary full of grace'...and then paused to ask 'if I do, could I have the whole cloak?" As no one is immune to distraction, we tend to pray before work begins, and keep thoughts directed to the saint in hand, for those who are to receive/or have enabled the work. The prayer can take the form of sister Josepha Menendez; who would ask the Lord to save as many souls as grains of dust she swept up that day.
I would have to ask for as many souls as brush-strokes made. It is suprising how much a newly painted surface catches the light, and renews an old religious sculpture, so I would typically ask that light be given, and souls renewed through the contemplation of the religious piece I am working on.
Enlightened
Having completed the crucifix, we delivered in to the church. It was installed by a company specialising in lifting gear and high scaffolding. It is nice when we can, to be able to visit a church where our work has been installed. I have less opportunity for this, as David delivers most of the items.
Having been used to attending a church with a very modern interpretation of the crucified, I was unprepared for how this particular work would affect me. The restoration meant I was able to view clearly the representation of the crucified body of Christ, in all his vulnerability; hanging directly over the altar of sacrifice. This juxtaposition abruptly brought home to me the love of Christ for us, in the miracle of his body, blood, soul and divinity, fully and truly present in the Eucharist of the Catholic church.
