I Adore You, O Holy Cross

I Adore You, O Holy Cross

I adore You, O Holy Cross, and I glorify Your holy Passion, O Lord Jesus. Through Your Cross, bring mercy, hope, and salvation to all souls, now and at the hour of death.

O precious Cross, help me to carry my own burdens with patience, to persevere in faith, and to love God above all things. May Your suffering and triumph be my guide through trials, temptations, and sorrow.

O Holy Cross of Christ, source of redemption and eternal life, I place my trust in You.

Amen.

"I adore You, O Holy Cross" is a prayer that expresses reverence and devotion to the Christian cross, symbolizing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This prayer is often recited by Catholics as an act of adoration for Jesus and His redemptive suffering.

The prayer typically begins with phrases such as, "I adore Thee, O most Precious Cross, which has been adorned with the tender, delicate and venerable Hands and Feet of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, and imbued with His Precious Blood." Another common variation is, "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."

Historically, Pope Pius IX is noted for declaring that reciting a specific version of this prayer five times on a Friday could release five souls from Purgatory, and reciting it 33 times on Good Friday could release 33 souls. This practice is traditionally performed before a crucifix with a contrite heart and includes a prayer for the Pope.

The adoration of the Holy Cross is a significant aspect of Catholic devotion, particularly during Lent and Holy Week, commemorating Christ's passion and death. The prayer emphasizes the Precious Blood of Jesus, which is believed to have redeemed humanity. Many prayers within the Catholic tradition focus on the Precious Blood, acknowledging its salvific power and seeking its protection and mercy.