Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a rare and special event – the Cross of Gratitude is visiting our parish! Come and join us in prayer, experience the peace, grace, and the powerful gift of gratitude it brings.
See the attached schedule for services and events.
Don’t miss this unique encounter – we look forward to welcoming you!
Here’s a little more about the Cross:
The Cross of Gratitude: A Pilgrimage that Unites the World This is the story of a mission that began with the words heard in the heart of the faithful Vitaliy Sobolivsky on Easter Sunday 2003 in Lviv, Ukraine. It was not just a call, but a divine command:
“Take My Cross and carry it to all the capitals of the world as a sign of gratitude to Almighty God for our salvation!”
Thus began the Pilgrimage with the Cross of Gratitude — a mission aimed at spreading not only faith but also unity and thankfulness to the farthest corners of the world.
Creation and BlessingThe Cross of Gratitude is a magnificent, carved masterpiece made from Ukrainian oak, weighing about 800 pounds (363 kg).
It symbolizes 2000 years since the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and its mission is to unite all nations into one family before the face of the Savior.
This mission has received the highest blessings from Rome:
March 16, 2004: Pope John Paul II blessed the initiators.
2006: Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the Cross.
2016: Pope Francis blessed the Cross and those carrying out this evangelization mission.
Once installed in the central square of Lviv in 2005, the Cross began its journey, which has already reached 46 capitals around the world!
An Incredible Journey of UnityImagine this grand oak Cross traveling thousands of kilometers, crossing borders and cultures. Its journey is both a geographical and spiritual adventure:
European Odyssey: The Cross has passed through Kyiv, Warsaw, Krosno, Paris, Berlin, then the Baltic countries and Scandinavia, reaching the United Kingdom. It was welcomed in Vienna, Madrid, Lisbon, Athens, and the Vatican.
Across the Ocean: In the United States, the Cross visited great cathedrals in Washington, New York, Philadelphia, as well as churches in Chicago and New Jersey.
High-Level Meetings: This humble Cross from Ukraine has had the honor of being received by dignitaries such as King Albert II of Belgium, President Andrzej Duda of Poland, and the President of Latvia.
In every city, the Cross was at the center of Liturgies, night vigils, and prayer reflections, where thousands of people, step by step, carried it through the streets, uniting in Christ through the Cross.
