The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also known as the Triumph of the Cross, is celebrated on September 14 in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. This feast honors the cross as the instrument of Christ’s victory over sin and death, commemorating its historical discovery and theological significance.
Historical Background
The origin of the feast dates back to the 4th century. After Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, where he saw a vision of the cross and was promised victory under the sign of Christ, his mother, St. Helena, embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Around the year 326 AD, St. Helena discovered the True Cross in Jerusalem during her excavations at the site of the Crucifixion, near Golgotha.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built shortly thereafter to enshrine the site of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, and it was dedicated on September 14, 335 AD. The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was instituted to commemorate this event, as well as the triumph of the cross over the powers of the world.
Hagiographical Significance
In the writings of the saints and Fathers of the Church, the cross is not merely a symbol of suffering but also the supreme sign of Christ’s love and victory. St. John Chrysostom and St. Ambrose both emphasize that through the cross, death itself is conquered, and new life is made possible. St. Andrew of Crete, in his homilies, expresses deep reverence for the cross, describing it as the tree of life planted in the world for the healing of mankind.
In addition, the feast recalls the recovery of the cross by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in the 7th century, after it had been captured by the Persians. According to tradition, Heraclius restored the cross to Jerusalem, humbly carrying it on his shoulders in penance for his previous pride in battle.
Theological Reflection
The cross is the greatest paradox in Christianity. It is the instrument of Christ’s suffering and death, but also the throne from which He reigns in victory. The feast of the Exaltation invites Catholics to meditate on the glory of the cross, which transforms suffering into redemption and brings life out of death. St. Paul, in his letters, especially in 1 Corinthians 1:18, speaks of the cross as the power and wisdom of God, confounding worldly expectations.
As St. Augustine said, “The death of the Lord our God should not be a cause of shame for us; rather it should be our greatest hope, our greatest glory. Taking upon Himself the death that He found in us, He has most faithfully promised to give us life in Him, such as we cannot have of ourselves.”
Devotional Practice
On this feast day, the Church encourages the faithful to reflect on the crucifixion and its significance in their spiritual lives. Veneration of the Cross is a central act of devotion, whether through prayer, fasting, or attending Holy Mass, where the central mystery of the faith — Christ’s Sacrifice — is made present.
In many traditional Catholic communities, the Stations of the Cross and other devotions centered around the Passion of Christ are practiced. This feast reminds Catholics of the importance of uniting their own sufferings to Christ’s for the sake of redemption and spiritual growth.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a reminder that through suffering, God’s glory shines forth, and the cross, once a symbol of death and defeat, has become the symbol of eternal life and victory in Christ.