Veneration of the Cross

Veneration of the Cross

This ancient ritual began in the 4th century with a Spanish nun who, on Good Friday, would display parts of the holy wood of the cross on which Christ died, for veneration* by pilgrims. This custom made its way into several liturgies as part of the Triduum, the three-day period from the evening of Maundy Thursday through Easter evening.

We venerate the cross not because Christ died on it, but because by the cross, salvation has entered the whole world. At Saint James, worshippers are invited to come forward to touch, kiss or kneel before the cross if they wish.

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