O venerable Cross, the work of both God's love and man's cruelty!

Cross, the object of Jesus Christ's desires, the end of his labors, the scene of his opprobrium as well as the trophy of his victories, the bed of pain where he gave birth to grace, the pulpit where he taught us the way to heaven, the altar where he sacrificed himself for our salvation!

Sacred Cross, who was the glorious instrument of our redemption, who reconciled heaven with earth, God with sinners!

Precious Cross, you have been preached to all nations, revered by all peoples, and have passed from the place of torture to the altars of the Most High.

Admirable Cross, which offers to our eyes a prodigy of mercy, a perfect model of penitence, an accomplished picture of all the virtues!

A salutary Cross, a true treasure of grace, the asylum of the unfortunate, the consolation of the afflicted, the relief of the poor, the refuge of sinners, the confidence of the dying.

Divine Cross, the shield of the Church militant, the salvation of the suffering Church, the standard of the Church triumphant, the terror of hell, the key to paradise, the great book of the saints and the predestined, the object of the veneration of angels and men.

Divine Cross, receive at this moment the homage of my faith, my devotion and my heart. I consecrate myself to you as my Saviour did for love of me. I attach myself to you with my heart and mind, and if possible, with all my heart, urging you, after this tender kiss I dare apply to your sacred wood, and in virtue of the precious blood with which you have been sprinkled to take me henceforth under your protection, to be my support in sorrow, my strength in temptation, my counsel in doubt, my light in darkness, my rule of conduct during my life, my confidence and the pledge of my salvation. Amen."