Constantine became the Emperor of the Roman Empire in the 4th century. At the same time, he became a Christian, along with his mother, Helena, whom he sent to Jerusalem. While there, she discovered the True Cross of Christ, which she brought back to Rome. On Monday, Sept. 14, we celebrate this feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, honoring that accomplishment, and the Cross itself.
   
The Cross is the instrument of our salvation. It is the means by which God defeated the powers of sin and death and gave us Eternal Life.

On the day after the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we celebrate the feast of the Sorrowful Mother. Mary suffered throughout her life as she shared in the salvific ministry of her son. This culminated in her greatest suffering as she stood beneath the Cross of her beloved Son, watching Him die. Then He was taken down from the Cross and placed in her arms.
    
Mary understands our sorrows, for she went through them herself. We can turn to her in our sorrow, asking her to strengthen us and to comfort us.