Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Early during the fourth century, St. Helena, who was the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, had gone to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ’s life. St. Helena had razed the second-century Temple of Aphrodite, which was built over the Savior’s tomb, and her son had decided to build the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on that spot. Workers were able to discover three crosses. The cross that Jesus had died on was identified when its touch healed a dying woman.
The cross had become an object of veneration. During the Good Friday celebration in Jerusalem toward the end of the fourth century, according to an eyewitness, the wood was actually taken out of its silver container and placed on a table together with the inscription Pilate ordered placed above Jesus’ head: Then “all the people pass through one by one; all of them bow down, touching the cross and the inscription, first with their foreheads, then with their eyes; and, after kissing the cross, they move on.”
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on the September anniversary of the basilica’s dedication. The feast entered the Western calendar during the seventh century after Emperor Heraclius had actually recovered the cross from the Persians, who had carried it off during the year 614. According to the story, the emperor had intended to carry the cross back into Jerusalem alone, however, he was unable to move forward until he had taken off his imperial garb and became a barefoot pilgrim.
Prayer to Jesus:
Lord Jesus please be with us during our everyday lives. Help us to overcome any temptation or evil that we may encounter by turning to you in prayer and asking for your complete guidance and protection. Jesus help us to serve others out of love and charity.
Amen
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Exaltation of the Holy Cross." https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/exaltation-of-the-holy-cross. Accessed September 14, 2021.
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