The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast (1969 Calendar): September 14
Greater Double (1955 Calendar): September 14

Every Good Friday we enter into the mystery of the Passion and Death of the God-Man, the 2nd Person of the Divine Trinity, meditating in silence and remorse on the Cross, the instrument of torture. It was an instrument of torture that our Savior willfully deigned to take upon Himself so that all of our offenses to Almighty God could be paid by His Precious Blood. We accordingly offer the Supreme worship of latria to relics of the True CrossWe accordingly offer the Supreme worship of latria to relics of the True Cross.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14th), we recall the Cross not as an instrument of death but as a symbol of our Lord's triumph over sin, satan, and death. We recall that it is through Baptism that each one of us is baptized into the death of Christ, and by accepting our sufferings in this world, we too carry our crosses, in imitation of the Divine Redeemer, so that we may be brought to the Resurrection (Luke 9:23, 24)

The Servants of the Holy Family said of today's feast: "Originally, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated solely to honor the anniversary of the discovery of the Holy Cross by St. Helena and the dedication of the Basilicas consecrated at Jerusalem on September 14, 335, on the very site of the Holy Sepulcher and of Calvary. But today's feast is also the commemoration of another event-the return of the Holy Cross by the Persians in 629. It had been carried off fifteen years earlier on the occasion of a Persian victory and only after the heroic and brilliant campaign of the Emperor Heraclius was it restored. In this sign of the Holy Cross will we, all and each, overcome the devil and his forces to reach our heavenly goal much like Constantine did when he followed the apparition which instructed him to engage in battle with the sign of the Cross as his insignia."

Indulgence Alert:

There are several special indulgences for today's Feast.  Click here to read.

The Collect:

O God, Who this day dost gladden us by the yearly feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who on earth acknowledge the mystery of Redemption wrought upon it, may be worthy to enjoy the rewards of that same Redemption in heaven. Through the same our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Novena

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for ... (mention here)

We trust completely in Your Mercy. Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.