The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

This feast has been celebrated in the Church since the fourth century, and devotion to the Holy Cross dates from the earliest days of Christianity. On this day the Church commemorates the recovery of the True Cross by the Emperor Heraclius.

The Liturgy of the Mass and the Office of the Church proclaim the Cross as the instrument of our Salvation.

In the preface of the Mass we pray,

'God our Father, in obedience to you, your only Son accepted death on the Cross for the Salvation of mankind. We acknowledge the mystery of the Cross on earth. May we receive the gift of redemption in heaven.'