Exhalation of the Holy Cross

From: http://www.catholicculture.org/

 

This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century. It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mt. Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem, but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians. The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629.

The lessons from the Breviary tell us that Emperor Heraclius carried the Cross back to Jerusalem on his shoulders. He was clothed with costly garments and with ornaments of precious stones. But at the entrance to Mt. Calvary a strange incident occurred. Try as hard as he would, he could not go forward. Zacharias, the Bishop of Jerusalem, then said to the astonished monarch: "Consider, O Emperor, that with these triumphal ornaments you are far from resembling Jesus carrying His Cross." The Emperor then put on a penitential garb and continued the journey.

This day is also 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 become co-redeemers, sharing 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.

O cross, you are the glorious sign O victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.

Remembering September 11

O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain. We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here— the heroic first-responders: our fire fighters, police officers, emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on September 11, 2001.

We ask you, in your compassion to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here that day, suffer from injuries and illness. Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.

We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the earth. Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred. God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events. Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain.

Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.

- Pope Benedict XI--Prayer at Ground Zero, New York, 20 April 2008

Fr. Benedict Groeschel (50 Years a Priest of Christ)

Click on the above picture for a great article on Father Benedict's 50 years of priesthood.  Father Benedict is a great friend of St. Vincent Archabbey who has given our community retreat and has blessed our seminarians with days of recollection. Father Benedict has also sent us a number of young monks and vocation candidates.  May God grant him many more fruitful and happy years as a priest!!!

September 14th is The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Adoramus te, christe, et benedicimus tibi, quia per crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

(We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee,
for by thy cross thou hast redeemed the world.)

Catholic Underground coming to Pittsburgh!!!

Catholic Underground was founded by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City. It is a direct response to a call that began with Pope John Paul II, and is continued by Pope Benedict XVI. JPII said that because the Gospel lives in conversation with culture, we must be fearless in crossing the cultural threshold of the communication and information revolution now taking place. 




Inspired by the event that began in New York City, four priests from the Pittsburgh area (from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the TOR Franciscans of Loretto, St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, and St. Paul of the Cross Monastery) began an initiative to bring Catholic Underground here. And now the inspiration has become a reality! Our first event will be held on September 26, 2009. 

The first part of the evening is Eucharistic adoration, and begins with Vespers (Evening Prayer). This is the universal prayer of the Church - prayed by Catholics throughout the world in every time zone and in every language. After Vespers, there is a time of simple praise. This provides a window for each person to personally encounter Jesus Christ. The beauty of the darkened Church illumined by candles helps us enter the mystery of our Lord's presence in the Eucharist. The holy hour ends with solemn Benediction. 

The second part of the evening is a social gathering with refreshments and a performance. Here we experience the "new evangelization". Catholic Underground showcases Catholic artists and promotes modern Catholic culture for today's generation. The event may include music, poetry, visual art, dancers, film, drama, etc. 

 

(Feel free to download the above flier to your desktop and print away, please help us get the word out)

For more information: http://www.catholicundergroundpittsburgh.org/