On September 14, the Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—a feast that honors the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena and reminds us that what was once an instrument of suffering has become the source of our salvation. The Cross is not just a symbol of pain but of victory, love, and eternal life in Christ.

This feast day invites us to look upon the Cross with gratitude and to bring its meaning into our homes through prayer, food, music, and simple family traditions.

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Breakfast: Hot Cross Buns

Although more commonly associated with Good Friday, hot cross buns are also a perfect breakfast for this feast day. The cross on each bun makes for a symbolic and delicious start to the day.

Recipe Inspiration: Try this Hot Cross Buns recipe from Cooking For My Soul. Serve with butter and honey.

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Song for the Day: “Lift High the Cross”

This classic hymn captures the joy of today’s feast, reminding us that the Cross is the sign of our victory in Christ. Play it during breakfast or family prayer to anchor the day in worship.

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Craft for Kids: Twig Crosses

Children can make simple rustic crosses from twigs gathered outdoors, symbolizing how the wood of the cross became the wood of our salvation.

Materials:

• Two small twigs per child
• Twine, string, or ribbon (red works beautifully to symbolize Christ’s sacrifice)
• Optional: small flowers or greenery for decoration

Instructions:
Lay two twigs across each other in the shape of a cross. Tie them tightly together with twine or ribbon. Children can decorate with flowers, then place the crosses in their rooms or on the family prayer table.

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Lunch: Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Red foods call to mind the blood of Christ shed on the cross. A roasted beet salad with creamy goat cheese and walnuts is a vibrant and healthy midday meal that ties into the feast’s symbolism.

Recipe Inspiration: Try this Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese from Ina Garten. Serve with a slice of crusty bread.

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Dinner: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Red Sauce

The red tomato sauce recalls the blood of Christ, while the peppers—shaped like little vessels—remind us of how the Cross contains the fullness of God’s love.

Recipe Inspiration: Try these Classic Stuffed Peppers from Spend With Pennies. Pair with rice and a green salad.

For dessert, consider a chocolate cross cake: bake a simple sheet cake, cut into the shape of a cross, and frost with chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for a symbolic, family-friendly treat.

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Closing Prayer

Gather the family before a crucifix and pray:

Prayer to the Holy Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You,
because by Your Holy Cross,
You have redeemed the world.

Lord Jesus,
on this day we lift high Your Cross.
May it remind us always of Your love,
and strengthen us to carry our own crosses
with faith and courage.
Amen.

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By celebrating the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in our homes, we remember that what once seemed like defeat is, in fact, our greatest victory through Christ.