The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Honoring the Cross of Christ

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).