On September 14, 2021 parishes throughout our diocese celebrated the Feast of the Holy Cross, the celebration of the finding of Jesus’ cross by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Tradition says that when the cross was found, fire signals were lit from Jerusalem to Constantinople. That is why in the Chaldean Church and other Eastern Rites celebrate the feast day by jumping over fire.

Fr. Matthew Zetouna, associate pastor at Mart Mariam Chaldean Catholic Church in Northbrook, IL, jumping over a fire in celebration of the Feast of the Holy Cross.