Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross draws hundreds in the Mission District

By Francisco Valdez

Hundreds of people gathered in San Francisco’s Mission district for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 15. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone celebrated Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, which was followed by a procession.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross dates back to the early fourth century after St. Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, found the true cross in Jerusalem while Constantine was building the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher over the place where Jesus died and was buried.

The Basilica was dedicated on September 13, 335, and the following day, the cross that St. Helena found was venerated in a solemn ceremony.  

St. Peter’s was filled to capacity during Mass and everyone gathered outside for the procession through the Mission district. Four members of Knights of Columbus carried a crucifix on a gold platform while Archbishop Cordileone and the faithful who attended Mass followed behind. The procession was accompanied by music as well as praying the Rosary. 

After the procession through the Mission district, there was a public veneration of the cross at St. Peter’s.  

Francisco Valdez is a reporter for Catholic San Francisco.