By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture - The crucifix affixed above the altar signifies that the Sacrifice of the Mass participates in the one Sacrifice of Jesus for our redemption. The Cross defines our worship and provides the path to salvation. But the roadmaps of redemption and salvation vary in the post-Reformation era of fragmented Christianity.... Catholic teaching holds that Original Sin wounded but did not destroy human nature. For our redemption, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He confronted evil, suffered and died for us, and overcame sin, suffering, and death in the glorious Resurrection.