On Friday, September 12, 2022, Latin Patriarch of Jordan Bishop Jamal D'aibes celebrated a solemn Holy Mass at the square of  the Home of the Human Care (HHC), Fuheis, marking the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In attendance were priests, nuns, a large number of people, and Franciscan Sisters of the Cross Congregation who run HHC.

In his homily Bishop D'aibes indicated that this celebration marks honoring the symbol of the Christian religion, as well as recognizing the One who conquered the Cross, gave us eternal life, and endured the pain of the Cross for our sake. He added, "Today, we celebrate in an atmosphere of joy for the cross which was an instrument of pain, suffering and death, has become with Lord Jesus Christ a symbol of life, light and victory.

Bishop D'aibes added, "The Holy Cross is the symbol of Christianity, so let us be proud of it, always carry it, as well as put it in our homes and on our chests. The Holy  Cross also teaches us that just as the Lord Jesus Christ shared our suffering, it is a call to bear our crosses not in the spirit of grumbling and suffering, but rather as a tool of salvation. . Whenever we are exposed to torment, pain and distress in our daily lives, let us focus our eyes on the Holy Cross of Christ, where we receive our salvation."

The Holy Cross... a sign of honor, nobility, sacrifice, and dedication

It is worthy to note in this regards that in old days, the Cross was a sign of humiliation or rather a sign of degradation and shame of those crucified. Yet 2,000 years ago and up to any point of time in the future, the Cross is no longer viewed as a sign of humiliation. It is rather a sign of honor, nobility, sacrifice, and dedication to a new life marked by blessings, hope, and assurances that a noble and scared life is in the offing. It is rather a beacon of hope.

This radical change in viewing the Cross as such started by the time Lord Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself on the Cross in a move designed to save humanity and ensure those who believe in Him eternal life, after having all their sins cleansed by His precious and pure blood that was shed on the Cross.