Our crucifix is a one of a kind.  There is no other like it according to the artist.  Wiktor, the artist, wanted the crucifix to show real suffering.  He wanted our suffering to be united with Christ suffering. 

“The head of Christ is inclined to the community gathered around and below so that He has eye contact with the community and there is a “sweet expression” on His face.”  “For suffering leads to glory.  It did in Christ’s life and so in ours.”
Glory comes through the materials, tools, resins and paints which were used for the crucifix.  The  corpus or body of Christ is made entirely of poplar wood.  It is adorned with a variety of pan-African colors to reflect that Jesus Christ came for all peoples.  The cross is made entirely of oak wood.

Mr. James Marshall designed the metal brackets for the cross and attached the Corpus to the cross   With the help of a few good men the crucifix was hung over the altar.

The artist hoped that each time the crucifix is looked at that it will be inspiring to people for a long time.

Father Mike also wondered what the reaction of the parishioners would be.  Their response far exceeded his expectations.  After the hanging of the new cross, Wiktor was invited to each Mass the next weekend to explain his work, they gave him a standing ovation.  Some of their comments were:  “The new crucifix makes the presence of the Risen Lord more of a reality during the liturgy of the Eucharist.”
“The new crucifix reminds me of every drop of precious blood shed by Jesus to save His people.  It makes me feel sadness and joy all at the same time.”  “When I first saw the crucifix, I did not care for it.  I decided to kneel before it, and gazing up, the eyes of the Christ image looked right into my soul, and I felt such total peace.”

From these comments I believe the artist and Father Mike achieved what they both wanted for the people of St. Joseph.