On September 14, the Catholic Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. For the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Nha Trang, this is our Titular Feast – the ultimate celebration of our charism and identity. Through our non-profit organization, Men Thanh Gia Nha Trang’s Charity, the Cross is not a symbol of sadness, but a living altar of mercy. Here, our religious sisters and generous benefactors unite to transform suffering into hope for the vulnerable brothers and sisters, especially for the orphans, people with disabilities, the homeless, and the poor.
For the Missionary Sisters in Social Work of Charity
For the sisters serving at our charitable centers, the Cross is the driving force of our social ministry:
- Mission in Holy Silence: Following our founder, Bishop Pierre Lambert de la Motte, the sisters embrace the “theology of silent hands.” They serve the broken-hearted without seeking applause, pouring out Christ’s love in the quietest corners.
- Embracing the Wounded Flesh: Feeding children with disabilities, caring for orphans, cleansing the painful wounds of the sick, and comforting the destitute are profound acts of exalting the Cross. The sisters do not see this as mere social work; they are embracing the wounded flesh of Christ Himself.
For Our Generous Benefactors and Donors
The Feast of the Exaltation invites our benefactors and donors to experience a profound spiritual reality in their daily lives:
- The Grace of Letting Go (Kenosis): True charity requires self-emptying. When our benefactors generously share their hard-earned financial resources, they die to worldly greed and selfishness. Each donation becomes a spiritual flower placed at the foot of the Cross.
- Exalting the Cross in Daily Trials: In daily life, our benefactors also face their own crosses – such as business anxieties, family discord, challenges in raising and educating children, and personal illnesses. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross reminds us all that suffering is never a dead end. By uniting their daily stress with Christ, they find extraordinary inner strength to live with joy, forgiveness, and hope.
May the Crucified Jesus, through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, bless the Men Thanh Gia Nha Trang’s Charity community – our vulnerable brothers and sisters, our religious sisters, and our benefactors and donors – with unshakeable peace and holiness!
Author: Men Thanh Gia Nha Trang’s Charity