The Crucifix at the Center of the Altar

Father Mauro Gagliardi, a consultor of the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff and of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, and a professor of theology at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum of Rome,he wrote a very informative article about the practice of putting the crucifix at the center of the altar during the celebration of the Holy Mass.

He even touches on the topic of celebration of Mass facing the people.

Personally, this is one part of the Mass I hate the most as it makes the priest some sort of emcee of his own variety show. Turn his back and his main concern is praying to God and offering our prayers to Him instead of looking at the reactions of his parishioners and more concerned of their 'reactions'

Head on over to Zenit to read the article.