The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

On September 13 & 14, 2025, we set Ordinary Sunday Readings aside and celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Celebrated every year on September 14, this year it falls on a Sunday and therefore takes precedence over Ordinary Time.

It recalls and honors the Cross of Christ—not as a sign of suffering alone—but as the instrument of salvation and victory over sin and death.

Here’s some background information on the Feast Day:

• Tradition holds that St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the true Cross of Jesus in Jerusalem around 326 AD.

• On September 13, 335, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was dedicated. The next day, September 14, the Cross was shown publicly for the faithful to venerate.

• In 629, Emperor Heraclius restored the Cross to Jerusalem after the Persians had taken it.

This feast day reminds us that the Cross is not seen merely as a symbol of suffering, but as a sign of Christ’s victory, love, and redemption. It is a reminder of Jesus’ words: 

“When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32).