September 14 is Holy Cross Day, the Triumph of the Cross, the Exaltation of the Cross.
St Helena, having discovered the true cross of Jesus 14 September 326 (the “Invention of the Cross” sic. – 3 May) had a basilica in Jerusalem built over the spot. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was dedicated on 14 September 335.
The Rule of St Benedict 41:6 changes the eating habits of the monks – who should from now until Lent eat at None. This date, hence, has been taken as starting “monastic Lent”.
From the Ides of September until the beginning of Len let them always take their dinner at the ninth hour.
We too might change our pace. In the Southern Hemisphere we can take on some of the Spring practices of our Northern Hemisphere siblings attached to Lent.
Almighty God,
whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross
that he might draw the whole world to himself:
Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption,
may have grace to take up our cross and follow him;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.
