Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
Novena Prayer
Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (
mention your request).
We trust completely in Your Mercy. Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.
(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)
Amen.
(
Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
(
"Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)
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This
day also is called the Exaltation of the Cross, Elevation of the Cross,
Holy Cross Day, Holy Rood Day, or Roodmas. The liturgy of the Cross is a
triumphant liturgy. When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the
people, it was a foreshadowing of the salvation through Jesus, when He
was lifted up on the Cross. Our Mother Church sings of the triumph of
the Cross, the instrument of our redemption. To follow Christ we must
take up His cross, follow Him and become obedient until death, even if
it means death on the cross. We identify with Christ on the Cross and share in His cross.
We make the Sign of the
Cross before prayer, which helps to fix our minds and hearts to God.
After prayer we make the Sign of the Cross to keep close to God. During
trials and temptations, our strength and protection is the Sign of the
Cross. At Baptism, we are sealed with the Sign of the Cross, signifying
the fullness of redemption and that we belong to Christ.
Let us look to
the cross frequently, and realize that when we make the Sign of the
Cross we give our entire self to God — mind, soul, heart, body, will,
thoughts.
BONUS ACTIVITY: Tradition holds that sweet basil grew over the hill where St. Helena
found the Holy Cross, so in Greece the faithful are given sprigs of
basil by the priest. Cook a basil pesto, tomato basil salad (with the
last of the summer tomatoes!) or some other type of recipe that includes
basil, and explain to the tradition to your family.
BONUS GRACES: The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following September 14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) mark one of the quarterly sets of
Ember Days of the Church. Click
here for a detailed explanation. Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!
(source: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-09-14)
