Ordinary TimeFeast

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross honors the instrument of our salvation. Through His loving obedience unto death, Jesus conquered sin and opened the way to life. Stand beside His Mother, give thanks for your redemption, and unite the trials of this day to His sacrifice for the conversion of sinners.

Keep this day with Mary

The Church’s prayer today

United States Roman Calendar · Year A → Year B at Advent · Cycle II. Liturgical color: red.

Scripture for the liturgy

Nm 21:4b-9/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17 (638)

These references follow the annual calendar, including permitted reading choices. Optional memorials ordinarily retain the weekday readings. The linked daily readings also include the responsorial psalm.

On the patience of Mary

Patience · Read with the saints

The single act of assistance which Mary gave to the dying Jesus on Calvary was enough to make known how constant and how sublime her patience was: Stabat juxta Crucem Jesu mater ejus — There stood by the Cross of Jesus his mother.

St. Alphonsus de Liguori · The Glories of Mary · On the Patience of Mary · excerpt

Make this prayer your own

Ah my most sweet Lady, you who were innocent suffered with such patience, and shall I, who deserve Hell, refuse to suffer? My Mother, this grace I ask of you today: not indeed to be delivered from crosses, but to bear them with patience. For the love of Jesus I beg you to obtain me this grace from God without fail; from you I hope for it.

St. Alphonsus de Liguori · The Glories of Mary · On the Patience of Mary

One faithful act

Imitate Mary’s patience in the crosses you must bear.

Offer your cross with Mary
Calendar scope and local observance

Dates, ranks, and reading references follow the official calendar for the dioceses of the United States, with Ascension on Sunday. Diocesan, parish, patronal, and religious-family calendars may differ. Consult your parish for Mass schedules and obligations. The Marian meditation is a devotional aid accompanying the day.

Sources for this teaching