“The wood of the True Cross has always exercised a powerful attraction on Christians and the desire to see it, touch it and kiss it is irresistible.” The piece of the cross on display for the veneration of the faithful on the feast day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the Holy Sepulchre is nevertheless tiny. Still, the enthusiasm mentioned by the Custodial Vicar at the beginning of his homily, was not contradicted, with numerous faithful joining in the celebration.
Of the two feast-days of the Cross in the liturgy of the Holy Sepulchre, that of 14th September is the least solemn, but Friar Artemio Vitores – who always celebrates it – can always find the words to make it as intensely spiritual and rich in information. – and all the priests who have had to comment the same texts in front of the same public every year known how difficult this exercise is.
It was thus a little of the history of the wood of the True Cross that Fr. Artemio shared before saying that the Cross is at the centre of the Christian faith. And consequently the Cross of Christ is a piece of Good News to be announced. The Crucified is not a criminal but an example of love given. This crucified love brought about the Salvation of the World.
It is this Salvation obtained through the Cross which, without any doubt, is the reason for the joy and piety of the faithful. Coming down from Calvary in a procession, following the Franciscans and the priests present, after the blessing they were able to adore the holy relic as the Holy Sepulchre gradually became filled with pilgrims and tourists.
Mab
Of the two feast-days of the Cross in the liturgy of the Holy Sepulchre, that of 14th September is the least solemn, but Friar Artemio Vitores – who always celebrates it – can always find the words to make it as intensely spiritual and rich in information. – and all the priests who have had to comment the same texts in front of the same public every year known how difficult this exercise is.
It was thus a little of the history of the wood of the True Cross that Fr. Artemio shared before saying that the Cross is at the centre of the Christian faith. And consequently the Cross of Christ is a piece of Good News to be announced. The Crucified is not a criminal but an example of love given. This crucified love brought about the Salvation of the World.
It is this Salvation obtained through the Cross which, without any doubt, is the reason for the joy and piety of the faithful. Coming down from Calvary in a procession, following the Franciscans and the priests present, after the blessing they were able to adore the holy relic as the Holy Sepulchre gradually became filled with pilgrims and tourists.
Mab