The Holy Cross is designed to remind us of God’s infinite Love for us, Christ’s suffering for our sake and our obligation to carry our daily cross courageously.  Jesus Christ addressed these words to all of us, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me . . .  He who does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.”  (Luke 9:23 and 14:27)

Luisa with the Crucifix

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Book of Heaven
Volume 1

One morning – it was the day of the Exaltation of the Cross – my sweet Jesus transported me (Luisa) to the holy sites; and first, He told me many things about the virtue of the cross.  I don’t remember all, but just a few things:  “My beloved, do you want to be beautiful?  The cross will give you the most beautiful features that can possibly be found, both in Heaven and on earth; so much so, as to enamor God, who contains all beauties within Himself.” 

Jesus continued:  “Do you want to be filled with immense riches – not for a short time, but for all eternity?  Well then, the cross will administer to you all kinds of riches – from the tiniest cents, which are the little crosses, up to the greatest amounts, which are the heavier crosses.  Yet, men are so greedy to earn a temporal penny, which they soon will have to leave, but do not give a thought to earning one eternal cent.  And when I, having compassion for them, in seeing their carelessness for all that regards eternity, kindly offer them the opportunity – instead of cherishing it, they get angry and offend Me.  What human madness – it seems that they understand it upside down.  My beloved, in the cross are all the triumphs, all the victories, and the greatest gains.  You must have no aim other than the cross, and it will be enough for you, in everything.  …