Veneration of a Relic of the True Cross
September 14
“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.”
– Gospel Acclamation for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
On Sunday, September 14, we invite you to join the National Shrine for a special opportunity of prayer and veneration of a Relic of the True Cross as we contemplate the triumph of the cross, the ultimate symbol of God’s love.
In celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Basilica will have on display a first-class relic of the True Cross. The relic will be located in the Lower Sanctuary of the Great Upper Church, and will be available for public veneration beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, during the Vigil Mass, and continuing at 9:00 a.m. on September 14, through the end of the day.
As we will sing in the Processional Hymn at Mass: “Ours it is to joy and glory in the Cross of Jesus Christ, for in Him we find salvation, resurrection, life and grace; in him, too, are we set free, saved and brought to victory.”
May the Cross of Christ we exalt on this day, be our “source of mercy and salvation, resurrection, life and grace.”
Entrance Procession Text: Thomas B. Stratman (1939-2008), © 1995.
