TRIDUUM OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS: DAY 1

Introductory note

The veneration of the True Cross of Christ has deep roots in Christian history. The Cross upon which Jesus was crucified was discovered by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4th century. This great discovery led to the widespread veneration of the Holy Cross. Dear friends, the Triduum of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross enables us to enter a period of reflection and devotion that holds great significance in the Catholic faith. This solemn observance invites us to contemplate the central symbol of our faith, the Cross, and its profound meaning in our spiritual journey.

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IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.

Opening Hymn

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain. [Refrain]

Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it someday for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, on this sacred day, we gather in humble prayer to commemorate the Triduum of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. May your divine presence be with us as we get immersed into the mysteries of your redemptive plan through the Cross of Christ. Grant us wisdom and understanding to grasp the message this day brings (Add your intentions). We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scriptural Readings & Lessons:

1. Numbers 21:4b-9: In this passage, we read about the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses in the desert. Those who looked upon it were healed, prefiguring Christ’s elevation on the Cross, bringing spiritual healing and salvation to all who believe.
2. John 3:13-17: Jesus speaks of His impending crucifixion, emphasizing that the Son of Man must be lifted up, just as Moses lifted up the serpent. Through His sacrifice on the Cross, Christ offers eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Lessons from the Readings:

1. Healing and Salvation: The first reading from Numbers reminds us that just as the bronze serpent was lifted up in the desert to heal those who looked upon it, Jesus, too, was lifted up on the Cross to bring spiritual healing and salvation. We learn that in times of spiritual affliction, we can turn to the Cross of Christ for healing and redemption.
2. Eternal Life through Christ: The Gospel reading from John underscores the essential message of Christ’s crucifixion. Jesus affirms that through His sacrifice on the Cross, He offers the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him. This teaches us that the Cross is not a symbol of despair but a beacon of hope, leading us to everlasting life in God’s presence.
3. The Necessity of the Cross: Both readings emphasize the necessity of the Cross in God’s plan of salvation. Just as the bronze serpent and Christ were lifted up, the Cross plays a pivotal role in drawing humanity to God’s love and mercy. We learn that it is through the Cross that we encounter the power of God’s grace.
4. Faith and Belief: In both readings, faith and belief are central themes. In the desert, the Israelites had to believe that looking at the bronze serpent would bring healing. Similarly, we are called to have faith in Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross. These readings remind us that our faith in Christ is the key to receiving the spiritual benefits of His sacrifice.
5. Unity of the Old and New Testaments: The readings also highlight the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The bronze serpent and Christ’s crucifixion are connected, illustrating God’s consistent plan of salvation throughout history. This teaches us the importance of studying and understanding the entire Scripture to appreciate the depth of God’s love and purpose.

SHORT LITANY OF THE HOLY CROSS OF CHRIST

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Cross, sign of God’s love, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, source of our salvation, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, symbol of our faith, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, emblem of Christ’s victory, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, hope of the suffering, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, strength of the weak, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, guide for our journey, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, light in our darkness, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, refuge in trials, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, comfort in sorrow, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, healing for the broken-hearted, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, source of forgiveness, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, instrument of redemption, be our protection and refuge
Holy Cross, banner of Christ’s love, be our protection and refuge

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

We adore You O Christ and we praise You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Let us pray: O God, who, by the death of Your Son on the Holy Cross, have granted us the gift of salvation, we humbly beseech You to grant us the grace to embrace the Cross in our lives. May it be for us a source of strength, hope, and transformation. Through the intercession of the Holy Cross of Christ, may we find the path to eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A SHORT PRAYER OF EXORCISM ASSOCIATED WITH ST. BENEDICT, USING THE CROSS OF CHRIST

“The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict. May the Holy Cross be my light! Let not the dragon be my guide! Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!”

In Latin: “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux! Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux! Vade Retro, Satana! Numquam Suade Mihi Vana! Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas!”

(N.B: This short exorcism prayer is attributed to St. Benedict, a very powerful prayer, often used for protection and to invoke the power of the Cross of Christ against evil influences. It reflects the strong faith and dedication to Christ’s Cross that St. Benedict is known for in the Catholic tradition).

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Gracious Lord, as we conclude this first day of the Triduum of the Holy Cross, we thank you for the profound message it imparts. May the Cross be for us a source of strength, protection, and redemption. We ask for your guidance and blessings throughout this Triduum, that we may draw closer to the mystery of your love revealed through the Cross. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

Saint Helena of the Holy Cross, Pray for us!!!

Shalom!
ⒸFr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?