I Adore You, Holy Cross

I Adore You, O Holy Cross

I adore You, O Holy Cross, which was adorned with the most precious Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, weighted with His members, shining with His holy Blood.

I adore You, O Holy Cross, because of Him who hung upon You, the Holy One, the Lord of heaven and earth.

O Holy Cross, be my hope. Increase in me faith, hope, and charity, and lead me in the way of salvation. Amen.

The phrase "I adore You, Holy Cross" is a significant expression of reverence and devotion within Christian tradition, particularly in Catholicism. It appears in various prayers and devotional practices, emphasizing the central role of the Cross in the redemption of humanity.

the phrase "I adore You, Holy Cross" is a direct address to the Cross of Christ, acknowledging its sacredness and its connection to Jesus' sacrifice.

One notable instance of this phrase is found in a prayer declared by Pope Pius IX. This prayer begins, "I adore You, O glorious Cross, which was adorned with the Heart and Body of my Savior Jesus Christ, stained and covered with blood. I adore You, O Holy Cross, out of love for Him, Jesus, who is my Savior and my God." Pope Pius IX stated that reciting this prayer five times on a Friday would free five souls from Purgatory, and reciting it 33 times on Good Friday would free 33 souls. This prayer is meant to be recited before a crucifix with a contrite heart, along with a few minutes of prayer for the Pop.

The sentiment of adoring the Cross is also deeply embedded in the Stations of the Cross, a popular Catholic devotion that commemorates the final hours of Jesus' life. In the Stations of the Cross, particularly as composed by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, each station often begins with the response, "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world." This repeated affirmation highlights the belief that through the Cross, Jesus accomplished the salvation of the world. This phrase is a core component of the Stations, underscoring the redemptive power attributed to Christ's sacrifice on the Cross.

Beyond formal prayers, the theme of adoring the Cross is also present in Christian music and hymns. For example, a song titled "I Adore You - O Come All Ye Faithful" by Shout Praises Kids and John Francis Wade includes the lyrics, "I adore You tiny baby, I adore You blessed Son, I adore You Lord and Father, I adore You Holy One." While this particular song focuses on adoring Jesus in various aspects, it reflects the broader devotional attitude of adoration that extends to the instruments of His passion, such as the Cross.

The act of adoring the Holy Cross is a profound expression of faith, recognizing the Cross not merely as an instrument of suffering, but as a symbol of divine love, sacrifice, and redemption. It is a way for believers to connect with the passion of Christ and to express gratitude for the salvation achieved through His crucifixion.