El Salvador Crosses

Where is El Salvador?

What does El Salvador look like? What clues can you get from these photos?

The next photo is a famous one from El Salvador. Please be respectful and think about the message the photographer wants you to think about.

Last session we had a reflection time looking at crosses. Today I want you to investigate a particular kind of cross in more detail. Have a look at the cross on your table and write three questions around it, ready to ask the rest of the class. Try to make them deep thinking questions which we may have different views on.

Time to show your crosses and ask the class your questions.

These crosses are called El Salvador crosses but are also called Crosses of Hope when made by refugees. The images of life shown on the cross are things that give the people meaning in their everyday lives e.g sun, land, village, family, home, animals and where they find God present to them. The cross is their sign of freedom and hope. It is also a sign of their belief that the future will be better.

This cross is a bit different. It is about a lady who was a Christian called Maria Gomez. She was a primary school teacher in El Salvador who helped lots of people. Sadly she was killed when she was about 50 years old in Her church wanted the cross made about her life. Look at the cross, what can you find out about her life?

Reflection Have you ever felt really sad and needed to hope for something better? Think about the word HOPE as you listen to Paolo Nutini – High Hopes.

How has looking at these crosses helped you; 1)Learn more about Jesus 2)Learn more about Christianity 3)Learn more about yourself Any other views you would like to share or ask more questions?

Task – You are now going to design your own cross in this style. It can be just pictures or include words or phrases from the Bible. Think back to the work we did last week on how Jesus described himself, perhaps a prayer or a favourite passage. Think about symbols which represent God or Jesus in your life if this is suitable for you. When your work is dry you can black outline it.