EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Crucifixion was one of the worst forms of torture of the time and was reserved for those considered deserving of an especially cruel punishment. Christians were slow to depict Christ nailed to the cross because of the terrible nature of this form of execution. It was at the door of Santa Sabina in Rome that piety and art first portrayed this martyrdom.
Jesus was taken outside the city and crucified after being scourged. There, he was placed between two condemned men, one of them a criminal who recognized his innocence. He was depicted on the cross as King, although he wore a crown of thorns and his body bore the wounds and marks caused by the punishments he had received.
The cross represents Jesus’ self-sacrifice, as he chose to become «obedient unto death, even death on a cross». His suffering is presented as an example of faithfulness to God and as consolation for Christians facing pain, injustice, loneliness or hardship. In this way, the cross conveys a message of self-sacrifice and hope and recalls his words: «When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself».
¿WHY ARE THE SAINTS CELEBRATED?
The celebration of saints on specific days has its roots in our culture through the Christian tradition established in Spain. Catholicism dedicates each day of the year to remembering and commemorating important figures of the Christian faith.
The Roman Martyrology lists the names included in the calendar of saints. It is the catalog that records these figures and makes it possible to learn about the celebrations corresponding to each day.
