TRIDUUM OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS: DAY 3

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

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain. (Refrain)

Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
Nothing then shall sever.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me. (Refrain)

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me. (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. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25: In this passage, Saint Paul speaks of the message of the Cross as “foolishness” to those who do not believe but as the “power of God” to those who are being saved. He underscores the profound wisdom and strength inherent in the Cross of Christ.
2. John 19:17-18, 25-30: This reading takes us to the moment of Christ’s crucifixion. It describes the events leading to His death on the Cross and His final words, including “It is finished.” This is a clear reminder of the completion of Christ’s redemptive work whose effects are still on today.

Lessons from the Readings:

1. The Wisdom of the Cross: Saint Paul’s words remind us that the message of the Cross might appear perplexing to the world, but it contains the profound wisdom and power of God. The Cross challenges us to look beyond worldly understanding and embrace the deeper truth it holds.
2. Completion of Redemption: The Gospel reading takes us to the culmination of Christ’s mission on the Cross. His words, “It is finished,” signify the completion of His redemptive work, which is still received today through the power of the Sacraments. This teaches us that through the Cross, our redemption is accomplished, and we are invited to share in the fruits of His sacrifice.

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

Heavenly Father, as we conclude this sacred Triduum, we are grateful for the opportunity to contemplate the Cross of Christ, a symbol of your divine wisdom and love. As we have immersed ourselves in its mysteries, may we carry the lessons learned in our hearts. We thank you for the wisdom of the Cross, which may seem foolish to the world but holds the power to transform lives. Help us embrace this wisdom with humility and faith. We acknowledge the completion of Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross, and we humbly accept the fruits of His sacrifice in our lives. May His words, “It is finished,” resound within us as a reminder of your boundless love and mercy. Grant us the grace to live out the teachings of the Cross in our daily lives, embodying sacrificial love and lively faith. May the Cross be our hope, our source of strength, and our constant reminder of your presence. As we move forward from this Triduum, may our hearts be steadfast in their commitment to follow Christ, and may His Cross continue to be an awesome force in our journey of faith. We offer this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. 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?