Artwork by Rev. Ronald P. Raab, C.S.C.
The crucifix in the image above is ritually given to our men preparing for the priesthood on the day of their Final Profession of Vows. Commonly called our “profession cross,” it was originally part of our Holy Cross habit, worn around the neck and tucked between the buttons of the cassock. I am of a generation that did not receive a Holy Cross habit, yet the profession cross connects me to our tradition and to our challenge to live the Cross of Christ every day. The profession cross is handed down from generation to generation as a symbol of our commitment to Christ Jesus and to The Congregation of Holy Cross.
The real cross passed down to us, though, is not made of wood or stone, not metal or plastic, not painted or gold-leafed. The real cross is not about shape or form, but symbolizes Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. The authentic cross of our lives teaches us that physical death gives way to eternal life as we surrender to the miracle of God’s grace here on earth. We surrender our hearts to Christ in a life of prayer, silence, community support, and patience. Jesus invites us to take up our cross and follow him, opening our hearts to his abundant mercy and forgiveness. The image of the cross becomes a physical sign of our salvation in Christ Jesus.
I received the brass crucifix pictured above at my profession of Final Vows on September 10, 1982. I have kept it tucked next to my bible in every room in which I have lived over the years, but my profession cross has not remained dormant in its place next to my bible. On many days, I use it in my personal prayer. I retrieve it from my nearby bookshelf when fear grips me, when I feel alone and have forgotten to rely on God’s presence. I hold the symbol of the Savior when I do not have answers to people’s needs or when others rely on my decisions or actions for their lives. I cling to my profession cross when I view the suffering of others that seems overwhelming, when we are all brought to our knees in prayer, and when tears flow over my cheeks. My hands bear the imprint of my grasp on the crucifix in my intensity to have Jesus hear my requests or the angst of people who cannot speak up for themselves.
The cross is the place that leaves deep marks in our hearts and lasting memories in our souls. Somehow, my profession cross helps me remember the prayers of people who have faced great discouragement and those whose foreheads I anointed before the end of their lives. I am grateful for this simple, brass representation of the agony of Jesus’ death and the profound belief of our faith that death does not win. I need the visual representation of my faith to remind me that all things will rest in him, that all violence will ease, and that every heart will find peace in eternal rest. These are the reminders I feel in my early morning prayer when the blinds on my windows are still pulled shut, and the house is silent before dawn. These are the reminders that rest in my hands while I hold on for dear life to the small crucifix that I received on my profession day. Every time I grasp the crucifix, I make a commitment to Christ once again to live in the mystery that death gives way to life.
This small cross is usually one of the last possessions of our priests. In recent years, I have been privileged to find the profession cross in the rooms of our men who have died at Holy Cross House. I do not take this lightly. When I find a priest’s cross at his death, I will often bring it back to my room and use it in my prayer the following morning. I hold on to the untold ways he encountered suffering in his life and in his vocation. I imagine the people whom he served and the ways they were overwhelmed by life’s complexities. The cross I hold is a deep treasure of the soul. I am so grateful for the opportunity to engage in the lifespan of the profession cross, from seminary to last breath. The completed mission of our profession day, represented in such a simple metal crucifix, reminds me to hold on to such a mystery until my return to the hills of eternal life.
The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14. I invite you to sit quietly in prayer to reflect on the crosses that have given way to a new form of life for you. How has suffering led you deeper into your commitment to follow Jesus? When in your life did you face hardship or loss that you now recognize was a call to hold fast to your faith? Such witness to faith reveals to us all that in the end, all will be well in the saving love of Jesus Christ, that his death will offer us life forever in him.
Let us pray:
For people who face crosses of suffering and uncertainty in life. May we realize our faith commitment to follow Christ even through his agony and turmoil. May our hearts hold fast to Christ and may we experience his healing love in every aspect of life. We pray to the Lord.
For all Holy Cross religious who commit their lives to Christ Jesus. May hope in Christ’s passion and death become a way of life for all who profess vows in the Congregation of Holy Cross. May they surrender to God’s love for all humanity. We pray to the Lord
For people who face tragedies of war. May the overwhelming suffering of people be eased in the dying and rising of Christ Jesus. May tensions be resolved, gunfire be silenced, and grief be eased in Christ Jesus. We pray to the Lord.
For an abundant peace on our path to eternity. May Christians everywhere live in the depths of courage. May we live the truth of our lives in Christ Jesus and come to serve people in every need. May Christ become our nourishment and love become the bread we share for others most in need. We pray to the Lord.
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About:
Rev. Ronald Patrick Raab, C.S.C., serves as religious superior of Holy Cross House, our retirement and medical facility at Notre Dame, Indiana. He is an award-winning author, blogger, and visual artist. Learn more: ronaldraab.com
Artwork:
Fr. Ron created this image in 2025. Fr. Ron’s artwork has been published in parishes, dioceses, and ecumenical settings around the world.
Provided by Rev. Ronald P. Raab, C.S.C., August 2026.
