Pilgrimage of faith and gratitude at Holy Cross Feast

Sep 27, 2024

Elvina Fernandez
The annual Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the Santa Cruz Chapel in Malim Hill, is a spiritual event that draws thousands of faithful each year. This year’s celebration, held from September 11 to 15, featured a series of Masses and the veneration of the Holy Cross, a tradition that deeply resonates with the Catholic community.

The feast’s highlight was the daily veneration of the Holy Cross, which saw pilgrims arriving from across the region, forming long queues to enter the chapel, light candles, and venerate the cross. A special Mass was ce-lebrated on Sept 16 for pilgrims, with a focus on the elderly and physically challenged, giving them an opportunity to participate in the veneration.

As a first-time visitor, I was overwhelmed by the devotion of believers of all ages, walking up the hill to the chapel, which is situated next to a Chinese cemetery. Arriving four hours before the 7.00pm Mass, I saw the parking area quickly filling up, with buses and cars lining the road.

Many stalls were already open, selling items like crosses and rosaries. Like other pilgrims, I took the opportunity to get a cross for the altar of my new home, to be blessed by one of the priests at the chapel.

The ascent to the chapel is a reflective journey in itself. Walking up Malim Hill, I passed the stations of the cross, reflecting on Christ’s suffering and sacrifice for our salvation. With each step, my heart grew heavier, filled with gratitude for God’s love. Many pilgrims carried crosses provided by the chapel as they participated in the Stations of the Cross. I joined them, walking alongside my sister, tears welling in my eyes as I considered Christ’s love for us.

Once we completed the 14th station, we entered the chapel. At 3.40pm, there was no queue, and we were able to proceed directly to light a candle with the help of hospitable volunteers. The moment came to touch and venerate the cross. As I bowed my head and placed my hands on it, tears flowed, overwhelmed by His love and care through the years. It was a deeply emotional experience, reflecting on the times He made the impossible possible, offering grace when I thought I couldn’t go on.

With both hands on the cross, I whispered, “Thank you, Lord,” and fell to my knees in gratitude. Everything I am today is by His grace. In that moment, I also thanked Him for the blessing of being near Pope Francis during his visit to Singapore and for guiding me through that journey.

On Sept 14, the congregation gathered for Mass celebrated by Bishop Bernard Paul. Before the Mass, Fr Lionel Thomas led the congregation of more than 1,000 in the Eucharistic Adoration and reflection.

In his homily, Bishop Bernard Paul emphasised the significance of the cross in Christian life, calling it a bridge between heaven and earth. “When Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross, He connected us with God and each other,” he said.

He further elaborated on the sacrificial nature of love, drawing parallels between divine and human love. “God’s love is a suffering love for His children. When we struggle to make life better for others, that is love.”

The bishop also urged the faithful to seek solace in the cross during difficult times. “When suffering comes, don’t turn to negative paths. Bring your pain to the cross. Ask not why, but how to continue,” he encouraged, offering a message of hope and healing. “Freedom, strength, and healing come when you bring your struggles to the cross.”

The Feast of the Holy Cross at Santa Cruz Chapel is not just a celebration but a reminder of the enduring power of faith, hope, and unity. As for me, my first experience has marked the beginning of what I hope will be a yearly pilgrimage, returning each time with a heart full of gratitude to the foot of the cross.