In 1106 the temple was rebuilt and the apse was decorated with an extraordinary mosaic showing the classical Cross, Tree of Life. In the walls of the apse some relics of the Cross were walled up and the entire mosaic became a solemn and joyous triumph of Christ's redemption. The Cross sprouts from a clump of acanthus, where you can see the divine deer fighting the ancient Serpent.
From that struggle the crucified Christ triumphs, «the Lord reigned from the wood» sings the hymn Vexilla Regis, and indeed the 'glorious tree "of the Cross becomes a triumphant throne in the mosaic. From the Cross flower buds, birds and various animals unravel; it is a garden paradise that fills the world with new life. Among those vaults, the Fathers of the Church and the heroes of faith who have lived the mystery of the Redemption illuminating the world with the testimony of the love that shines from the saving sacrifice of Christ, find hospitality. The Holy Week solemnly introduces us into the paschal mystery and makes the glory of the Cross shine on the world, a tree that must flourish among men’s pains and indifferences, between violence and oppression, making the love of Christ triumphant on everything.
