The crucifix is undoubtedly one of the most important symbols of the school and Catholicism, as it symbolizes the forgiveness of sins through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 

 During the week of Sept. 12 , 2022, students and teachers noticed that the 100-pound cross mounted on the wall in the center of one of Riordan’s stairwells unexpectedly disappeared. Some speculated that it may have been removed, or possibly even stolen. 

The year it went missing, Angelina Ning ’23 stated, “I think it wasn’t stolen but if it was, it should definitely be returned. It is an item many will miss because it is an important symbol of our school.” 

In fact, it was only removed in order to complete the campus refurbishing project, and needed to be removed in order to give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Head of Facilities Brandon Ramsey confirmed that the sacred object was temporarily relocated until they determined a new location for it.

At the beginning of the spring semester, many were happy to see that it was now in the gym near the eastern scoreboard adjacent to the walkway between the home and visitors section. 

Director of Campus Ministry, Alex Datoc ’87 affirmed the significance of the crucifix, saying, “I believe the importance of having a crucifix in a Catholic school shows that Jesus died for our sins and that it’s a reminder to the students that attend the Catholic school.”

The crucifix has been a distinguished symbol of Catholicism throughout its history. 

English teacher Kevin Estrada ’00, who was accustomed to seeing the cross in the same location since he was a student here, was puzzled as to why the 35-year-old cross had been removed.