Corazón Calado Crucifix
This modern, minimalist crucifix is the cross of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, hung in all their classrooms. It was designed by José Francisco Mutis in 2011 as the winning submission of the “Crúz UC” contest run by the UC Pastoral Ministry. The competition’s aim was to find an image for rooms and offices that would combine contemporary style with profound reflection. Mutis was a student at the university when he submitted his design, which was later modeled by Alberto González and replicated by Rodrigo Arias to be displayed around the campus.
The university’s patron is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who is directly reflected in the Pierced Heart (Corazón Calado) that forms the focal point of the crucifix. His open heart, hollowed out in love for the world, represents the wounds of His self-sacrifice and the saving power of His blood, shed for humanity’s salvation. Its openness also embraces the entire university community, drawing them in as the faithful are united in the one Body of Christ.
The minimalist design notably removes the corpus of the suffering Christ, instead highlighting Jesus’ triumphant victory over death and the Cross as a means of Resurrection and salvation. The flared finial (horizontal crossbar) and pointed ends give it a modern and dynamic appearance, reminding the viewer that Christ’s saving power persists through all ages.
Notre Dame has a history of strong partnerships with the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, even having its ND Santiago offices on the UC Chile campus. The institutions align in their desires for global dialogue and international collaboration in research and scholarship responding to pressing world needs. Their shared standards of academic excellence and vibrant Catholic communities have led to fruitful opportunities for students from both universities.
This crucifix was brought to the University by Professor J. Esteban Montes, Director of Notre Dame Santiago, in 2025.