‘In This Sign You Will Conquer’: Exaltation of the Cross

Today in both the Roman and Byzantine calendars is the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross of Christ.

This feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross upon which Jesus died by Emperor Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, and the dedication of the basilica built over Calvary and the tomb from which Jesus resurrected.

Jesus saved mankind through His Cross, and rose from the dead only after his Passion and Crucifixion. So too, we will attain Heaven and the resurrection of the body only if we take up our crosses and follow Jesus (Lk. 9:23).