TRIDUUM OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS: DAY 2

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

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

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. Isaiah 53:4-6: In this powerful passage from Isaiah, we encounter the prophetic words describing the suffering servant who would bear our infirmities and carry our sorrows. This reading speaks of Christ’s sacrificial mission on the Cross.
2. Hebrews 4:14-16: The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of Christ, our high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses. It emphasizes that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, finding mercy and grace to help in times of need.

Lessons from the Readings:

1. Sacrificial Love: Isaiah’s prophecy illuminates the sacrificial love of Christ. He bore our sins and suffering on the Cross, revealing the depth of God’s love for humanity. This teaches us about the selfless love we are called to emulate in our lives.
2. Access to God’s Mercy: The Letter to the Hebrews highlights our access to God’s mercy through Christ, our high priest. We are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that His grace is readily available to sustain us in our trials.

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

Lord our God, On this second day of the Triduum, may our contemplation of these mysteries deepen our understanding of the Cross and its enduring significance in our faith. As a symbol of love and redemption, where justice and mercy embrace, may the Cross of Christ direct our path to your divine grace. Grant that we live out the message of the cross in this present life in order to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. 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?