Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

09-14-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; one of those rare and beautiful moments when a feast day takes precedence over the regular Sunday liturgy. That alone tells us how deeply the Church desires us to pause and reflect on the immense gift of the Cross.

For me, this feast is especially meaningful. It commemorates the discovery of the Lord’s Cross by Saint Helena around the year 320, and it recalls the dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem by Constantine in 335. Over the centuries, that holy site has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, by Persians, Muslims, and later restored by the Crusaders in 1149. Yet the faith of the Church has never wavered, and the Cross remains its unshakable symbol of victory.

If you have ever had the blessing of visiting Jerusalem, you may know that deep below the Basilica lies a chapel marking the very place where tradition says the True Cross was found. The story tells us that several wooden beams were discovered by Saint Helen, but the Cross of Christ was revealed when it was touched to a sick person, who was immediately healed. From the very beginning, the Cross brought healing, strength, and new life.

For us as Christians, the Cross is not a decoration or an ornament, it is the sign of God’s greatest act of love. It brings hope in our trials, courage in our struggles, and joy in our victories. Today, we celebrate not just wood and history, but the very mystery of our salvation.

At our parish this Sunday, you will also see members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem processing at the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses. This feast is particularly meaningful for the Order, since its mission is directly tied to the Holy Sepulchre and the support of Christians in the Holy Land. As a member myself, I am humbled to share in this devotion to the Cross and in the call to support our brothers and sisters in the land where Christ gave His life for us.

This week, the priests of the Diocese of Phoenix will gather in Flagstaff with Bishop Dolan for our annual convocation. Fr. Ryan and I will be away from Monday afternoon through Thursday morning. These days together are an important time of renewal, prayer, and fraternity—especially since we come from many countries, speak different languages, and represent different generations. What unites us is Jesus Christ, and above all, the saving love of His Cross. Please keep us in your prayers during these days of renewal. In my absence, I am deeply grateful to Deacon Phil, who will lead Scripture services each morning in place of daily Mass.

I am grateful for the many families who have begun gathering for faith formation this season. Parents and grandparents are the first teachers of the faith, and your witness to your children is irreplaceable. Thank you for sharing with them not only the practices of our faith, but also the joy and love that flow from it. Please know that our parish is always here to support you on this journey.

As we celebrate this feast, I invite each of you to exalt the Cross in your daily life. Let it be your strength in moments of suffering, and your joy in moments of rejoicing. The Cross grounds us in God’s love and keeps our hearts fixed on His eternal plan for us.

May the peace and hope of the Cross always remain with you and your families.

In Christ,

Fr. Fred