Cross Is Sign of Victory, Says Dhaka Archbishop, Marking Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the parish feast were celebrated on September 18 at Holy Cross Parish in Luxmibazar, one of the historic Catholic neighborhoods of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
About 700 faithful, along with priests, brothers and sisters from different areas of the parish, took part in the celebration, which followed nine days of novena prayers and spiritual preparation.
Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, of Dhaka presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration. Holy Cross Parish priest Fr. Uzzal Linus Rozario concelebrated with Fr. Digonta Chambugong, CSC, assistant parish priest, and several other priests.
In his homily, Archbishop D’Cruze emphasized the importance of the Holy Cross in the life of Christians, describing it as a sign of victory and a source of strength amid life’s challenges.
“The Cross is a sign of victory in our lives. Those who place their trust and confidence in the Cross can never lose their way,” the archbishop said.
He said the victory of the Cross was also the victory of Christians who follow Christ.
“The victory of the Cross means our victory as Christians,” he said. “When we look at the Cross, we are reminded of our sins, yet we also receive the courage and strength to move forward with renewed joy.”
“The Cross is life-giving, and through the Cross we receive salvation,” Archbishop D’Cruze said.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated by the Catholic Church on September 14 and commemorates the Cross as the instrument through which Christ brought salvation. Holy Cross Parish in Dhaka observes the feast as its patronal celebration.
At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Rozario thanked God and those who helped organize the parish feast.
“Through the celebration of this feast, each of us has received God’s special grace and blessing. Therefore, we give thanks to God,” he said. He also thanked members of the different parish blocks for their cooperation and support.
Maria, one of the participants, said the celebration renewed her confidence in the Cross amid difficulties in life.
“I am very happy to be able to celebrate our parish feast today,” she said. “The sign of the Holy Cross gives us strength when we face various challenges in life. The Cross is therefore our strength for the journey and the guiding sign of our salvation.”
The celebration concluded with the faithful being encouraged to place their trust in the Holy Cross and continue their Christian journey with faith, hope and courage
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