Table Christ

A cross for the center of prayer

The Table Christ is a miniature piece: barely 24 cm tall, designed to stand on its own on any surface.

Its size makes it especially suited to the center of a shared prayer space. In many communities of the Neocatechumenal Way it is placed on the table during Lauds — morning prayer — next to a candle, visually marking the center of the gathering.

But it is not a piece reserved only for that moment. As a Christ of general character, it can just as easily accompany personal prayer, an office desk, a presbyter’s table, or any corner of the home where the sign of the cross is meant to remain present.

Two faces in a single piece

The cross is worked on both sides.

On the front, Christ crucified, with INRI above and rays opening out from the center of his body. On the reverse, the Virgin, wrapped in a mantle woven with wheat stalks, with the dove of the Holy Spirit above her head and the letters Alpha and Omega at her sides.

Turning the piece on its own axis moves from one image to the other without shifting it from its place: simply turn the base to present the face you wish to contemplate at each moment.

A base of its own

Unlike the Wall Christ, this piece needs no wall or additional support.

It stands on a stepped circular base, joined to the cross by a spherical knop that also serves as a pivot point. The whole — cross, knop and base — is cast and patinated as a single piece.

Craftsmanship

Each piece is cast and worked individually in the workshop.

After coming out of the mold, it requires cleaning, contour review, surface treatment and the application of the finish, just like the rest of our pieces. Its smaller size does not simplify the process: it demands the same handcrafted care as a larger-format piece.

Suggested places

• Table for Lauds or Vespers prayer.
• A presbyter’s desk or office.
• Nightstand or study desk.
• Home altar or prayer corner.
• Seminary or formation house.
• Gift for a birthday, ordination or anniversary.