Administrator's Message
The Pastor Speaks …..
The Pastor Speaks .....
Dear Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and People of God
As we enter the month of September, our hearts are filled with devotion and reverence as we prepare to celebrate one of the most significant feasts in the liturgical calendar: the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, observed on September 14th. This feast, rich in history and spiritual meaning, invites us to reflect deeply on the mystery of the Holy Cross, the instrument of our salvation, and the symbol of God’s immense love for humanity.
The cross, often seen as a symbol of suffering and shame, was transformed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ into the greatest symbol of hope, redemption, and victory. It stands at the heart of our Christian faith, reminding us of the depths of God’s love and the lengths to which He would go to reconcile us to Himself. Let us, therefore, delve into the profound significance of this feast, exploring its historical background, spiritual meaning, and its impact on our daily Christian lives.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, also known as the Triumph of the Cross, has its origins in the early centuries of Christianity. It commemorates two significant events in the history of the Church: the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, and the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Around the year 326 AD, Saint Helena, motivated by her newfound Christian faith, journeyed to the Holy Land in search of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Through her prayers and efforts, she discovered the True Cross buried near the site of Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion. This miraculous discovery was a source of great joy for the early Christian community and led to the building of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the site where the cross was found.
The dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on September 14, 335 AD, marked the first celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Over the centuries, this feast has been observed by Christians around the world, celebrating the cross as a symbol of Christ’s victory over sin and death. The feast calls us to reflect on the power of the cross and its role in our redemption.
Most Rev. Dr. Jaya Rao Polimera
Apostolic Administrator of Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam
At the heart of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is the call to contemplate the profound spiritual meaning of the cross. In a world that often seeks comfort, power, and success, the cross stands as a stark reminder of the true path to salvation — a path marked by humility, sacrifice, and self-giving love.
The cross is the ultimate paradox: an instrument of torture transformed into the tree of life. Through His death on the cross, Jesus turned what seemed like the greatest defeat into the most extraordinary victory. He embraced suffering and death to conquer sin and open the gates of heaven for all who believe in Him.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus Himself says, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). The cross is the place where Jesus, lifted up, draws us into the embrace of His love. It is on the cross that Jesus shows us the extent of His love, a love that is willing to endure suffering and death to save us.
The cross also teaches us about the cost of discipleship. To follow Christ is to take up our own cross, to die to ourselves, and to live for others. It is a call to self-sacrifice, to put the needs of others before our own, and to trust in God’s will, even in moments of suffering. The cross challenges us to move beyond a superficial faith and to embrace a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.
While the cross is a symbol of suffering, it is also a powerful sign of hope and victory. Through His resurrection, Jesus overcame death, turning the cross into a symbol of triumph. The cross assures us that no matter how difficult our trials may be, we are never alone. Jesus has walked the path of suffering before us, and He walks with us now, giving us strength and hope.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is not just a commemoration of a historical event; it is an invitation to live the mystery of the cross in our daily lives. As Christians, we are called to embrace the cross, not as a burden, but as a path to true freedom and joy.
To live the mystery of the cross is to practice love in action. It means serving others, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering. It means being patient in trials, offering our hardships to God, and trusting in His providence. It means standing up for truth and justice, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
The cross also calls us to a life of prayer and contemplation. In the quiet moments before the cross, we encounter the depth of God’s love and mercy. We are reminded of our own need for repentance and conversion. The cross invites us to a deeper relationship with Christ, who laid down His life for us. It calls us to spend time in prayer, meditating on the passion of Christ, and drawing strength from His love.
As we reflect on the mystery of the cross, we cannot forget the presence of our Blessed Mother Mary, who stood faithfully at the foot of the cross. Mary’s unwavering faith and silent suffering are a profound example for all of us. Her heart was pierced with sorrow as she witnessed her Son’s suffering, yet she remained steadfast, trusting in God’s plan.
Mary’s presence at the cross reminds us that we are never alone in our sufferings. She is our spiritual mother, given to us by Jesus Himself when He said to John, “Behold, your mother” (Jn. 19:27). Mary intercedes for us, comforts us, and leads us closer to her Son. She understands our pain and walks with us on our journey of faith.
In our moments of trial and suffering, let us turn to Mary, seeking her intercession and guidance. Let us ask her to help us embrace our crosses with the same faith, hope, and love that she showed. May she lead us to a deeper union with her Son and a greater love for the cross.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14th, let us renew our commitment to living the mystery of the cross in our daily lives. Let us embrace the cross with joy, knowing that it is the path to true freedom and eternal life. Let us follow the example of Jesus, who showed us the way of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
May God bless you all and keep you in His peace.
† Jaya Rao Polimera
Bishop of Eluru & Apostolic Administrator,
Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam