Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Fellow Pilgrims in Christ,

Today we celebrate the Cross — not as an instrument of shame, but as the Throne of Glory where Christ won our redemption.

This feast dates back to the 4th century, when Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the True Cross in Jerusalem. Soon after, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built to enshrine the sacred wood, and on September 14, 335, the faithful gathered to venerate the Cross of Christ for the first time.

The Cross is the paradox of our faith: what once symbolized Roman terror now proclaims eternal victory. Through it, death was conquered, sin was crushed, and Heaven was opened.

When we “exalt” the Cross, we do not glorify suffering itself, but the love that transformed it. The Cross reminds us that no darkness is too deep for Christ’s light to pierce, no sin too heavy for His mercy to forgive.

Prayer:

“We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You,

because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.”

Carry your cross today with renewed courage, remembering that every trial borne with love unites you to the saving work of Jesus.

Let the Cross be your ladder to Heaven.