The Exaltation of the Cross

On Monday 14th September we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, which marks the discovery of the true Cross of Christ in Jerusalem by St Helena in the 4th Century.  Legend says that on discovery a dying lady who touched the cross was healed and so it was enshrined in glory in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.  The cross is the sign of Christ’s love for all mankind shown by His willingness to sacrifice Himself for the salvation of all.  It is a sign of hope and of promise, it is a call to faith and an inspiration to service.  It is the sign under which all Christians unite and the sign which should motivate our adoration of our God and the leveller of all our acts and thoughts.  As Christians the cross is the mark by which we are saved.  In your life, try always to proudly show that salvation by living your faith in word and way.  In your moments of struggle remember the Christ who died on the cross died for you and stands beside you in your struggle.  In your moments of fear, remember Christ too felt fear as he shouldered that cross, but walked bravely through fear for you and still walks beside you now.  In life be proud of your faith, show the world your faith and honour that faith every day.  The motivation of this feast was the simple words heard by Constantine the son of St Helena – in hoc signo vincit – in this sign you will conquer.  So too  will you.

In honour of the Feast, the relic of the True Cross will be present for Veneration at 7.30pm Mass in St Mary and St Joseph’s Church, Brackaville on Monday 14th September.  

With every blessing – Fr O’Neill