Tom,
In fact, there is a Catholic Church near where I live where about 4 months ago they erected a 10 foot statue of St. Francis taking Jesus off the cross (Yeah, that's historical!). See the picture below.
I don't think it's intended to be "historical."
Why the infatuation with the death of Jesus?
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. (St.John 12:31-33)
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (St.Matthew 26:26-28)
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (1st Corinthians 1:23)
22 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1st Corinthians 2:22)
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)
While I perceive that the Orthodox Church takes issue with the
Anslemian soteriology underlying much of Catholicism's understanding of the
atonement (and how it's filtered into popular Latin piety), She doesn't take issue with
love (even stronger than "infatuation") of Christ Crucified, and contemplation of the significance of this act in our lives.
Seraphim