Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

 

 September 14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The feast was celebrated in Rome before the end of the 7th century. Its purpose is to commemorate the recovering of that portion of the Holy Cross which was preserved at Jerusalem, and which had fallen into the hands of the Persians. Emperor Heraclius recovered this precious relic and brought it back to Jerusalem on 3 May 629.

• Feast of the Holy Cross
• Feast of the Triumph of the Cross

O merciful God, grant thy gracious presence to this thy family, that both in prosperity and adversity thou mayest be ready to hear their prayers; and by the standard of the holy Cross do thou vouchsafe to bring to nought all the wicked devices of our enemies: that through thy protection we may be counted worthy to attain unto everlasting joy in thy salvation. Milanese Sacramentary