Religious Education & Faith Life

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

This week we reflect on an important feast day that connects directly to our school’s namesake: the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated on September 14 each year.

This special day commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by St Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, and it celebrates the Cross as the central symbol of our Christian faith. The feast has been observed by Christians since the 4th century and calls us to focus on the meaning and power of the Cross in our lives.

The Story of St Helena and the True Cross

St Helena, for whom our school is named, played a significant role in the history of Christianity. In the year 326 AD, she undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she sought to find sacred relics from the life of Jesus. According to tradition, while in Jerusalem, St Helena discovered the True Cross, the very cross upon which Jesus was crucified. This moment was seen as a sign of great triumph, as the Cross symbolizes the victory of Christ’s love and sacrifice over sin and death.

The discovery of the Cross not only strengthened the faith of early Christians, but it also led to the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a site that still stands today as one of the most sacred places for Christians around the world.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Following the discovery of the True Cross, Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which was completed in 335 AD. This magnificent church was built on the very site believed to be where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. It remains one of the holiest places for Christians around the world.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains two of the most sacred Christian sites: Calvary (Golgotha), where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb of Christ, where He was laid to rest and from which He rose again on Easter Sunday. Pilgrims from all over the world continue to visit this church to pray and reflect on the profound events of Jesus’ Passion, death, and resurrection.

For over 1,600 years, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has stood as a symbol of Christ’s triumph over death and a place of pilgrimage and worship. Its historical significance and spiritual depth make it a vital part of our Catholic faith, especially as we reflect on the meaning of the Cross and the mystery of the resurrection.

The Meaning of the Feast

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is not just about remembering a historical event, but about understanding the significance of the Cross in our daily lives. The Cross reminds us that through Jesus’ suffering and death, we are offered salvation and eternal life. It is a symbol of hope, love, and redemption.

For us at St Helena’s Catholic Primary School, this feast has particular importance. St Helena’s dedication to finding the True Cross serves as a powerful example of faith, devotion, and perseverance. Her story encourages us to seek Christ in our own lives and to remember that no matter the challenges we face, the Cross is a sign that God’s love for us is unwavering and ever-present.

As we honour the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, let us reflect on the ways we can carry the spirit of the Cross in our school community. Whether through acts of kindness, prayer, or helping others in need, we can all be living examples of the love that Jesus showed us on the Cross.

May St Helena’s example inspire us to strengthen our faith, and may the Cross of Christ always remind us of the hope we have in God’s everlasting love.