Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 14 September – The Crucifix

Thought for the Day – 14 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Crucifix

“The Crucifix is a simple meditation manual, open and intelligible to all, even to the most illiterate.
Anyone who turns to it, can study the sorrowful gaze of Jesus, His heart pierced with love for men.
His head crowned with thorns, His hands and feet transfixed with nails which support His divine body, streaming blood and writhing in anguish.
The Crucifix should be dear and sacred to every Catholic.
It should stand at the head of his bed, hang around his neck and hold a prominent position in his place of work or study.

Above all, however, the Crucifix should have its place in the heart of every fervent Catholic.
At every moment of his life, in time of sadness and of joy, he should remember, that God became man and suffered and died for him.
He should remember also, that this implies an obligation on his part, to work, suffer and die, for the love of God alone!

Many people meditate on the Crucifix.
They kiss it and claim to love it.
But while they love the Crucifix, they have no love for their particular cross, which they try, by every means in their power, to fling far away from them.
Now, it is very certain, that anyone who does not love his own cross, does not really love the Crucifix, for Jesus has told us that, “if anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, St PAUL!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

We are made a spectacle to the world
and to Angels and to men.
We are fools for Christ’s sake
but you are wise in Christ;
we are weak but you are strong;
you are honourable but we without honour.
Even unto this hour, we both hunger and thirst
and are naked and are buffeted
and have no fixed abode.
And we labour, working with our own hands.
We are reviled and we bless.
We are persecuted and we suffer it.
We are blasphemed and we entreat.
We are made as the refuse of this world,
the offscouring of all, even until now.

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14

Be imitators of God, as very dear children
and walk in love, as Christ also loved us
and delivered Himself up for us 
…”

St Paul … Ephesians 5:1-2

Carry me, O Christ,
on Thy Cross
which is salvation to the wanderer,
rest for the wearied
and, in which alone,
is Life for those who die.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Happy the soul which detaches itself
from its own pleasure,
from its own will,
from its own understanding.
A sublime lesson is this
and God will teach it,
to all those who place their happiness
in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

“Crosses, contempt,
sorrows and afflictions,
are the real treasures
of the lovers of Jesus Christ Crucified.

St Margaret Mary Alacoque
(1647-1690)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-september-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-the-book-of-life/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – ‘I … ‘will never find Thee, except on the Cross …’

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Pentecost XIV – Philippians 2:5-11 – John 12:31-36 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to Myself.” – John 12:32

REFLECTION –Far be it for me to glory, except in the Cross of my Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:4). The Cross is Thy glory, the Cross is Thy Dominion. Behold, upon Thy shoulders Dominion rests (Is 9:5). Those who bear Thy Cross, bear Thy glory. That is why the Cross which makes unbelievers quail, is more beautiful than all the trees of Paradise to believers. Was Christ afraid of the Cross? Or Peter? Or Andrew? To the contrary! they longed for it. Christ went to meet it “like a champion joyfully running his course” (Ps 18:6): “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Lk 22:15). He ate the Passover even as He suffered His Passion when He passed from this world to His Father. He ate and drank on the Cross, He was drunk with wine and fell asleep …

From henceforth, who can fear the Cross? Lord, I may traverse Heaven and earth, the sea and dry land, yet will never find Thee, except on the Cross. It is there Thou sleeps, there Thou pasture Thy flock, there Thou rest at noonday (Sg 1:7). One ,who is united to his Lord, sweetly sings upon this Cross: “Thou, O Lord, my encircling shield, my glory, Thou lifts up my head” (Ps 3:4). None seeks for Thee, none finds Thee, except on the Cross. O glorious Cross, embed Thyself in me that I may be found in Thee!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Abbot, Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Meditation on the Passion (attrib),

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us this day by the annual feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who know on earth, the mysteries of Christ, may be found worthy to obtain, in heaven, the rewards of His Redemption. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FATHERS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY WEEK 2019, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The SIGN of the CROSS, The STATIONS of the CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 14 September – Faithful Cross Above All Others

Our Morning Offering – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Faithful Cross! Above All Other
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)

Faithful Cross! above all other,
one and only noble tree!
None in foliage, none in blossom,
none in fruit thy peer may be;
sweetest wood and sweetest iron,
sweetest weight is hung on thee.

Bend thy boughs, O tree of glory!
Thy relaxing sinews bend;
for awhile the ancient rigour
that thy birth bestowed, suspend
and the King of heavenly beauty
gently on thine arms extend.

Praise and honour to the Father,
praise and honour to the Son,
praise and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One:
One in might and One in glory
while eternal ages run.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and of The FIinding of the TRUE CROSS, Pentecost XIV, Nossa Senhora de Nazaré / Our Lady of Nazareth, Portugal (1182) and Memorials of the Saints – 14 September

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross:
This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the 7th Century. It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mount Calvary by St Helena and not forgetting St Macarius, the Bishop of Jerusalem..
About this great Feast:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-crosstriumph-of-the-holy-cross-14-september/
AND by St Augustine:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-14-september-let-me-not-boast-except-in-the-cross-of-our-lord-jesus-christ/

FEAST OF THE FINDING OF THE TRUE CROSS:
https://anastpaul.com/?s=the+finding+of+the+true+cross
AND:
If you would like to read St Macarius life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-saint-macarius-died-c-335/

PENTECOST XIV

Nossa Senhora de Nazaré / Our Lady of Nazareth, Portugal (1182) -14 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-nossa-senhora-de-nazare-our-lady-of-nazareth-portugal-1182-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-september/

St Albert (1149-1215) also known as St Albert of Vercelli – Bishop, of Jerusalem Canon Lawyer, Diplomat and Peacemaker and is regarded as a Co-Founder of the Carmelite Order.
His Fervent Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-st-albert-of-jerusalem-1149-1214/

St Caerealis

St Cormac (c836-908) Bishop of CashelKing of Munster, Ireland, a great Scholar and Writer. Cormac was probably the first Bishop of Cashel and the compiler of the “Psalter of Cashel” an Irish history. Irish writers have celebrated him for his learning, piety, charity and valour.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-cormac-of-cashel-c836-908-bishop-king/

St Crescentian of Carthage
St Crescentius (Died c300) Child Martyr of Rome
St Generalis of Carthage
St Giulia Crostarosa
St Jean Gabriel Taurin du Fresse

St Maternus (Died c 325)Bishop, the first Bishop of Cologne and Founder of the Diocese of Tongeren, Germany. In Cologne and in his hometown of Trier, the faithful began to venerate him as a Saint. A popular cult of which the splendid 13th Century stained glass windows in the Cathedral Chapel dedicated to his name, also testify. He was buried in the Cathedral of Cologne but the Cathedral of St Peter in Trier boasts a large Reliquary which became and remains, a pilgrimage site.
His Life of Love:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-maternus-of-cologne-died-c-325/

St Odilard (8th Century) Bishop of Nantes, France.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-odilard-of-nantes-8th-century-bishop/

St Peter O.Cist (1102-1174) Cistercian Monk, Archbishop of Tarentaise from 1141 until his death, Abbot, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker.
There are two Saints named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived one Century apart. The Saint we honour today, is the younger Peter, born in France in the early part of the 12th Century. The other Saint Peter if Tarentaise, became Pope Innocent V.
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-peter-of-tarentaise-o-cist-1102-1174/


St Rosula of Carthage
St Sallustia
St Victor of Carthage

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, BAPTISM, CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY WEEK, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on VICE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The SIGN of the CROSS, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Exaltation of the Holy Cross – the “Book of Life”

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Cross gives Light to the whole universe;
it casts out darkness
and gathers nations together in charity,
into One Church, One Faith, One Baptism
…”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church

As they were looking on, so we too gaze on His Wounds as He hangs.
We see His Blood as He dies.
We see the price offered by the Redeemer, touch the scars of His Resurrection.

He bows His Head, as if to kiss you.
His Heart is made bare, open, as it were, in love to you.
His arms are extended that He may embrace you.
His whole body is displayed for your redemption
.

Ponder how great these things are.
Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind, as He was once fixed to the Cross in every part of His Body for you, so He may now be fixed in every part of your soul!

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“The Kingdom of Heaven, says the Gospel,
is like a mustard seed …
Christ is the Kingdom of Heaven!
Sown like a mustard seed
in the garden of the Virgin’s womb,
He grew up into the Tree of the Cross,
whose branches,
stretch across the world …
Christ is the Kingdom
because all the glory of His Kingdom,
is within Him.
Christ is a Man
because all humanity is restored in Him.
Christ is a Mustard Seed
because the infinitude of Divine greatness,
is accommodated to
the littleness of flesh and blood!

St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450)
“Golden Words”
Father & Doctor of the Church

No-one, however weak, is denied
a share in the victory of the Cross.
No-one is beyond the help
of the prayer of Christ.

St Pope Leo the Great (c400-461)
Father and Doctor of the Church

The Cross is my sure salvation.
The Cross it is, I worship evermore.
The Cross of our Lord is with me.
The Cross is my refuge.

[Indulgence of 300 days]

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus / Doctor Communis

Consider Jesus on the Cross
as you would a devout book,
worthy of your unceasing study
and, by which you may learn the practice
of the most heroic virtues.
This is the book which may truly be called
the “Book of Life” [Apocalypse, III, 5],
which, at once enlightens the mind by its doctrines
and inflames the will by its examples.
The world is full of books but were it possible
for man to read them all, he would never
be so well instructed, to hate vice
and embrace virtue,
as by contemplating a Crucified God!

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

(The Spiritual Combat
LII: … The Benefits derived from
Meditations on the Cross)

https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/23/thought-for-the-day-23-april-the-benefits-derived-from-meditations-on-the-crossand-the-imitation-of-the-virtues-of-christ-crucified/

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-september-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – ‘ … Grab hold of Life! …’

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Exaltation of the Holy Cross –Philippians 2:5-11, John 12:31-36 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

He who loves his life, loses it and he who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I Am ,there also shall My servant be.” – John 12:25-26

REFLECTION – “… We are being towed along by a world which passes away, forgetting the world to come. We are greedy for present things but, do not take into account, the coming judgement. We will not run to meet the Lord as He comes!…

Let us turn back, brethren, let us turn back… By the very fact of His delay, of His still waiting, our Lord proves His desire to see us come back to Him, His desire that we should not perish. In His great goodness, He continues addressing these words to us: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but, would rather, he would change his ways and live ”(Ez 33:11). So let us turn back to Him, brethren, not fearing that time is running short. The time which belongs to Time’s Author cannot be shortened. The proof of it lies in the criminal in the Gospel, who, at the moment of dying on the cross, got away with his pardon, grabbed hold of Life and, breaking into paradise like a burglar, managed to make his way into the Kingdom (cf. Lk 23:43)!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 167).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us this day by the annual feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who know on earth, the mysteries of Christ, may be found worthy to obtain, in heaven, the rewards of His Redemption. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and of The FIinding of the TRUE CROSS, Nossa Senhora de Nazaré / Our Lady of Nazareth, Portugal (1182) and Memorials of the Saints – 14 September

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross:
This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the 7th Century. It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mount Calvary by St Helena and not forgetting St Macarius, the Bishop of Jerusalem..
About this great Feast:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-crosstriumph-of-the-holy-cross-14-september/
AND by St Augustine:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-14-september-let-me-not-boast-except-in-the-cross-of-our-lord-jesus-christ/

FEAST OF THE FINDING OF THE TRUE CROSS:
https://anastpaul.com/?s=the+finding+of+the+true+cross
AND:
If you would like to read St Macarius life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-saint-macarius-died-c-335/

Nossa Senhora de Nazaré / Our Lady of Nazareth, Portugal (1182) -14 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-nossa-senhora-de-nazare-our-lady-of-nazareth-portugal-1182-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-september/

St Aelia Flaccilla

St Albert of Jerusalem (1149-1215) also known as St Albert of Vercelli – Bishop, Canon Lawyer, Diplomat and Peacemaker and is regarded as a Co-Founder of the Carmelite Order.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-st-albert-of-jerusalem-1149-1214/

St Caerealis

St Cormac of Cashel (c836-908) BishopKing of Munster, Ireland, a great Scholar and Writer. Cormac was probably the first Bishop of Cashel and the compiler of the “Psalter of Cashel” an Irish history. Irish writers have celebrated him for his learning, piety, charity and valour.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-cormac-of-cashel-c836-908-bishop-king/

St Crescentian of Carthage
St Crescentius of Rome
St Generalis of Carthage
St Giulia Crostarosa
St Jean Gabriel Taurin du Fresse

St Maternus of Cologne (Died c 325)Bishop, the first Bishop of Cologne and Founder of the Diocese of Tongeren, Germany. In Cologne and in his hometown of Trier, the faithful began to venerate him as a Saint. A popular cult of which the splendid 13th century stained glass windows in the Cathedral Chapel dedicated to his name, also testify. He was buried in the Cathedral of Cologne but the Cathedral of St Peter in Trier boasts a large Reliquary, which became and remains, a pilgrimage site.
Biography;

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-maternus-of-cologne-died-c-325/

St Odilard of Nantes (8th Century) Bishop

St Peter of Tarentaise O.Cist (1102-1174) Cistercian Monk, Archbishop of Tarentaise from 1141 until his death, Abbot, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker.
There are two Saints named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived one Century apart. The Saint we honour today, is the younger Peter, born in France in the early part of the 12th Century. The other Saint Peter if Tarentaise, became Pope Innocent V.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-peter-of-tarentaise-o-cist-1102-1174/


St Rosula of Carthage
St Sallustia
St Victor of Carthage

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The HOLY CROSS

DAY FOUR – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 8 September

DAY FOUR – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 8 September

The compassion of the suffering Christ

Jesus our Christ, whilst You hung on the cross,
You forgave those who were laughing at You
and asked Your beloved disciple to take care of Your mother.
You welcomed the good thief into paradise.
You continued to be compassionate and serve others fully.
You did not allow the terrible pain to hinder Your love.
Give us the special grace not to be desperate in our moments of sufferings.
Enable us to bear pain with courage and dignity,
to, even in the midst of pain,
to be of help and service to others. Amen

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord 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,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
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.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)day-four-8-september-holy-cross-novena-the-compassion-of-the-suffering-christ

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Re-BLOGS, The HOLY CROSS

Announcing a Novena for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September

Announcing a Novena for the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross on 14 Septemberannuncing a novena - exalatation of the cross

AnaStpaul's avatarAnaStpaul

This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century.   It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mount Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians.   The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629.

The lessons from the Breviary tell us that Emperor Heraclius carried the Cross back to Jerusalem on his shoulders.   He was clothed with costly garments and with ornaments of precious stones.   But at the entrance to Mount Calvary a strange incident occurred. Try as hard as he would, he could not go forward. Zacharias, the Bishop of Jerusalem, then said to the astonished monarch:  “Consider, O Emperor, that with these triumphal ornaments you are far from resembling Jesus carrying His Cross.”   The…

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Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross/Triumph of the Cross

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“Everything is a reminder of the Cross.
We ourselves are made in the shape of a cross.”everything is a reminder of the cross - st john vianney

“You must accept your cross.
If you bear it courageously,
it will carry you to heaven.”you-must-accept-your-cross - st john vianney

“The sign of the cross
is the most terrible weapon
against the devil.
Thus the Church wishes not only,
that we have it continually
in front of our minds,
to recall to us
just what our souls are worth
and what they cost Jesus Christ
but also that we should make it
at every juncture ourselves:
when we go to bed,
when we awaken during the night,
when we get up,
when we begin any action,
and, above all,
when we are tempted.”

St John Vianneythe sign of the cross

“Oh cherished cross!
Through thee my most bitter trials
are replete with graces!”

St Paul of the Crossoh cherished cross - st paul of the cross

“In the Cross is salvation;
in the Cross is life;
in the Cross is protection against our enemies;
in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness;
in the Cross is strength of mind;
in the Cross is joy of spirit;
in the Cross is excellence of virtue;
in the Cross is perfection of holiness.
There is no salvation of soul,
nor hope of eternal life,
save in the Cross.”

Fr Thomas à Kempis, The Inner Lifein the cross is salvation - thomas a kempis

“The everlasting God has in His wisdom
foreseen from eternity the cross He now
presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart.
The cross He now sends you He has considered
with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His divine mind,
tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms
and weighed with His own hands to see that it is not
one inch too large nor one ounce too heavy for you.
He has blessed it with His holy name,
anointed it with His grace,
perfumed it with His consolation,
taken one last glance at you and your courage
and then sent it to you from heaven,
a special greeting from God to you,
an alms of the all-merciful love of God.”

St Francis de Salesthe everlasting god has in his wisdom - st francis de sales

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

Announcing a Novena for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September

This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century.   It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mount Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians.   The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629.

The lessons from the Breviary tell us that Emperor Heraclius carried the Cross back to Jerusalem on his shoulders.   He was clothed with costly garments and with ornaments of precious stones.   But at the entrance to Mount Calvary a strange incident occurred. Try as hard as he would, he could not go forward. Zacharias, the Bishop of Jerusalem, then said to the astonished monarch:  “Consider, O Emperor, that with these triumphal ornaments you are far from resembling Jesus carrying His Cross.”   The Emperor then put on a penitential garb and continued the journey.

Triumph of the Cross
This day is also called the Exaltation of the Cross, Elevation of the Cross, Holy Cross Day, Holy Rood Day, or Roodmas.   The liturgy of the Cross is a triumphant liturgy.   When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the people, it was a foreshadowing of the salvation through Jesus when He was lifted up on the Cross.   Our Mother Church sings of the triumph of the Cross, the instrument of our redemption.   To follow Christ we must take up His cross, follow Him and become obedient until death, even if it means death on the cross.   We identify with Christ on the Cross and become co-redeemers, sharing in His cross.

We make the Sign of the Cross before prayer which helps to fix our minds and hearts to God.   After prayer we make the Sign of the Cross to keep close to God.   During trials and temptations our strength and protection is the Sign of the Cross.   At Baptism we are sealed with the Sign of the Cross, signifying the fullness of redemption and that we belong to Christ.   Let us look to the cross frequently and realise that when we make the Sign of the Cross we give our entire self to God — mind, soul, heart, body, will, thoughts.

O cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.

annuncing a novena - exalatation of the cross