Vigil Before the Cross of Christ
The central feast for our Great Novena is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th. In honor of this feast each year, we’re encouraging people and parishes to observe a vigil of prayer with the relic of the True Cross.
If no relic is available, then the vigil can be observed before a crucifix of particular importance. Ideally, the vigil should last for a prolonged period of time and involve multiple people taking shifts of an hour or half and hour.
It’s a lot like Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration, but with a particular focus on the Cross of Jesus Christ.
Participating Parishes
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
The Relic of the True Cross will be displayed for public veneration at all of the weekend Masses Sept 13-14
St. Landry in Opelousas
They will set out a relic immediately following their 10am Sunday Mass, which will remain out until 4:30pm (before 5pm Mass).
What do I do while praying before the Cross?
Below is a prayer guide to use for time in front of the cross. It includes several recommended devotions, though you are of course free to pray in your own way.