BULLETIN ARTICLE - FATHER CARL'S CORNER - SEPTEMBER 20, 2026

The Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows. This past week, the Church invited us to celebrate two important memorials: the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14 and Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15. At first, they may seem like rather somber celebrations. Why would the Church ask us to honor suffering? The answer is found in the story they tell together.

On the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we look upon the cross of Jesus and recognize that what appeared to be a symbol of defeat became the instrument of our salvation. Jesus did not avoid suffering. He entered it and transformed it through love.

The cross reminds us that suffering does not have the final word. In Christ, God can bring life out of suffering, hope out of despair, and new beginnings out of what seems to be an ending.

The following day we remembered Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary stands beneath the cross of her Son. She cannot take away Jesus’ suffering. She cannot change what is happening. But she stays. That may be one of the most beautiful lessons Mary gives us. Sometimes we cannot fix another person’s pain. We cannot take away their grief, or illness, loneliness, or fear. But we can stay. We can listen. We can pray. We can sit beside someone and let them know, “You are not alone.” Mary teaches us that presence alone can be an act of love.

These two memories belong together. The Cross tells us God shares in our suffering. Mary beneath the Cross teaches us that we are called to share one another’s suffering with love and compassion. And neither the Cross nor Mary’s sorrow is the end of the story. The Cross leads to resurrection. Mary’s sorrow gives way to the joy of Easter. Perhaps that is what the Church wants us to remember on these memorials that are back-to-back. The Cross reminds us that suffering is not the end while Mary reminds us that we never have to suffer alone.

As we look around our parish community, may we be people who are willing not only to celebrate with one another, but also remain with one another when life becomes difficult. In doing so, we become a visible sign of Christ’s love. This week, don’t just ask someone, “How are you?” Stop long enough to be present for their answer.

With you a Christian, for you, a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish