Tomorrow, 14 September, an important event in Church history is commemorated.
It is called Holy Cross Day and its importance lies in the fact that it celebrates the ending of the persecution of the early Church by pagan Rome. It is the anniversary of the dedication of two churches in Jerusalem by the Emperor Constantine in AD335. The churches were built on the sites of Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre and the date of 14 September was chosen because it was upon this date that the Emperor’s mother, St. Helena, discovered the remains of what was believed to be the actual Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Holy Cross Day – Prayer
Loving God, whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw all people to himself: mercifully grant to us, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, the grace to take up our cross daily and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
It is called Holy Cross Day and its importance lies in the fact that it celebrates the ending of the persecution of the early Church by pagan Rome. It is the anniversary of the dedication of two churches in Jerusalem by the Emperor Constantine in AD335. The churches were built on the sites of Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre and the date of 14 September was chosen because it was upon this date that the Emperor’s mother, St. Helena, discovered the remains of what was believed to be the actual Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Holy Cross Day – Prayer
Loving God, whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw all people to himself: mercifully grant to us, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, the grace to take up our cross daily and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.