Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
For 14th September 2025


Introduction

Family Member: On this feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we gather as a family under the loving care of Mary, Mother of the Family. The Cross reveals God's boundless love -- where suffering is transformed into salvation, and death is conquered forever. Mary, who stood faithfully by the Cross, teaches us to trust in God's plan. As we begin this Eucharist, let us humbly seek forgiveness and open our hearts to the healing mercy flowing from Christ's sacrifice.

Penitential Rite

  1. Mother: Mary, Mother of the Family, stood courageously with her Son, at the foot of the Cross, constantly interceding for us. For the times we have failed to trust in her maternal love and care, we ask pardon. Lord, have mercy.
    Lord, have mercy.

  2. Child: It was Mary's "Yes" that brought our Savior into the world, and her faith that sustained her at the Cross. For the times we have lacked faith in our family members or disobeyed them when they spoke for our good, we ask pardon. Christ, have mercy.
    Christ, have mercy.

  3. Father: From the Cross, Jesus gave Mary as Mother to the Church and to every family. For the times we have neglected the bonds of love that unite us in our families and communities, we ask pardon. Lord, have mercy.
    Lord, have mercy.

Prayer of the faithful

Celebrant : As we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the sign of God's limitless love, and honour Mary, our Mother, who shared intimately in its sacrifice, we place our prayers before the Father.

Response : Gracious Lord, hear our prayer.

  1. For Pope Leo who celebrates his 70th birthday tomorrow/today: that God bless him with all the graces and help he needs to guide the Church and take it in the right direction, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  2. For our Bishops, Priests, and Religious : that, inspired by Christ who emptied Himself on the Cross, they may lead the Church with humility and self-sacrifice, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  3. For those weighed down by heavy crosses of sickness, loneliness, poverty, or grief : that, through the intercession of Mary, who stood by the suffering Christ, they may find strength, hope, and healing in His Cross, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  4. For our families : that, following the example of Mary, Mother of the Family, we may practise her values of kindness, faith, and love, making our homes havens of joy and prayer, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  5. For peace and harmony in Nepal : We pray for an end to violence and a swift, peaceful resolution to the unrest. May leaders emerge to guide the nation towards unity and stability, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  6. For our brothers and sisters affected by devastating floods in North India : that they receive urgent aid and comfort, and that this disaster moves us all to greater care for our common home, we pray to the Lord .... Response
(Pray for community and personal needs.... we pray to the Lord....)

Celebrant : Compassionate Father, we glory in the Cross of your Son. Hear these prayers we make today and help us to carry our own crosses with faith, courage, and hope. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer After Communion

Lord Jesus, we thank you for the glorious Cross - the supreme sign of your boundless love and our salvation. We thank you for giving us Mary, to be Mother of all families.

Mother Mary, we thank you for your constant care and intercession. Help us to embrace the Cross in our daily lives and make our homes like your home in Nazareth, where God is honoured, love is shared, and joy is found in abundance. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Crucified and Risen Lord.   Amen.