Maronite Season of the Holy Cross Celebrated

The Maronite Church is celebrating the Season of the Holy Cross. Unlike the Latin Church, which uses Ordinary Time, the Maronite liturgical calendar revolves around the mysteries of Christ through specific seasons.

This season follows the Sundays of the Consecration and Renewal of the Church and precedes the Transfiguration of the Church. The season emphasizes that all life is cleansed and made holy through the Cross of Christ.

Historical records from a 1263 copy of the Maronite Divine Office found in the Bet Gazo treasury contain numerous hymns and psalms regarding the power of the Cross. One such hymn, titled A New Rogation, describes the Cross as a source of light and miracles for those who contemplate it.