As Catholics, we have many traditions that help express our love and respect for our Lord and Savior. Veneration of the Crucifix is a profound way to express our love and show respect for what He has done for us. This practice does not have to occur only on Good Friday. Here is a brief history and an explanation of what takes place when we engage in this devotion.
In the Catholic Church
The veneration of the crucifix is primarily practiced during the Good Friday service, which occurs during Holy Week. This solemn practice commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity's redemption.
Good Friday
The most significant day for venerating the crucifix is Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Timing
The Veneration of the Cross typically takes place during the afternoon service on Good Friday, often around 3:00 p.m., the hour traditionally associated with Christ's death.
Jerusalem Tradition
The practice of venerating the cross dates back to the fourth century in Jerusalem, where Christians would gather before a relic of the True Cross, kneel, bow, and kiss it.
Symbolic Meaning
The veneration of the cross is a powerful way to remember and reflect on Christ's passion and suffering and to express love and gratitude for His sacrifice.
What Happens When You Kiss a Crucifix?
Kissing a crucifix may seem like a small and simple gesture, but for Catholics, it carries profound spiritual meaning and is rooted in centuries of devotion. It is an act of love, reverence, humility, and connection to the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the Cross.
When a person kisses a crucifix, they are not merely touching an object—they are reaching out in faith and affection to the Savior who gave everything for their salvation. That kiss becomes a silent prayer, a heartfelt act of thanksgiving for Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is an expression of deep gratitude and devotion to the One who bore our sins and opened the gates of Heaven.
Spiritually, kissing the crucifix is also a form of reparation—an act of sorrow for our sins and for the sins of the world. In this simple touch, the soul whispers, “Forgive me, Lord. I love You.” The act becomes especially powerful when done in times of personal suffering, trial, or temptation. In those moments, the crucifix reminds us that we are not alone—that Jesus, too, suffered and walks with us through every valley.
The Church has long recognized the power of such devotions. Kissing the crucifix is part of traditional practices like the Stations of the Cross, where the faithful often venerate the Cross in remembrance of Christ’s suffering. When done with love and intention, this act can even carry indulgences—spiritual graces granted by the Church to aid the soul in its journey to holiness.
Kissing the crucifix also serves as a public witness to faith. Whether in private prayer or in moments of visible devotion, it shows others that Christ is at the center of your life. It reinforces our Catholic identity and brings us closer to the heart of the Gospel: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Moreover, it is a beautiful way to begin or end your day. Keeping a crucifix nearby—on a rosary, a necklace, or by your bedside—invites frequent moments of reflection and reverence. Each kiss becomes a renewal of your faith, a small yet powerful act that can strengthen your soul and stir your heart.
In a world filled with distractions, noise, and spiritual indifference, this quiet act speaks volumes. It reminds us of what truly matters: the love of Christ, the cost of our salvation, and the call to carry our own crosses with faith and courage.
So, the next time you hold a crucifix, do not rush the moment. Let your lips touch the wood or metal with full awareness of what it represents. Let your heart speak through that kiss.
An Exemplification was held at Council 16169 on August 17. Both Council 16169 and 3292 added one new member each. District Deputy Dan Timmerman, Deacon Pat Conley, GK 16169 Steve Sarlitto, MD 16169 Larry Redman,and MD 3292 Mike Robb were in attendance.
By: Thomas Kendziorski -
Wed, Aug 20, 2025 8:19 AM
We had a wonderful Exemplification ceremonial on Sunday, August 17th, at the Saginaw Diocese Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. This was the first such Exemplification in our quest to establish a new council at the Cathedral. We are well on our way towards making this a reality.
Today, we had a total of 20 men become 3rd Degree Brother Knights! Four of the 20 were from the Fr. Nouvelle Council #4232 located in Saginaw. The other 16 will become charter members of the soon-to-be new council at the Cathedral. The Saginaw Exemplification Team led by Frank Cieszlak expertly performed the ceremonial. About 15 family members witnessed this event.
The Rector of the Cathedral is Rev. Fr. Adam Maher. He was already a 1st Degree Knight, but became a 3rd Degree today! Fr. Adam is slated to become the chaplain for the new council.
Our Worthy State Deputy, Barry Borsenik, was in attendance and charged all of our newly-minted 3rd Degree Knights to have a fire for the faith and to accomplish great things!
Also in attendance and personally supporting this Exemplification were: SDRR Ray Gehlmann, DD703 Mitch Lenczewski, Field Agent Brian Barlow, and State New Council Development Director Tom Kendziorski.
VIVAT JESUS!
SOAR With Us!
THOMAS ("Tom") F. KENDZIORSKI ("ken-jor-skee"), PGK, FDD
On Sunday August 17, the District 3 Color Corps joined the members of Goetzville Council 7100 in welcoming Bishop John Doerfler as he installed Fr. Brandon Yanni as Pastor of the 4 parish cluster of Drummond Island, DeTour, Goetzville, and Hessel. The Council prepared a meal following the installation including 100 lbs. of grilled chicken.
Congratulations to Andrew Doppke on being chosen as our K of C Au Lac Council Youth of the Month for August 2025! Andrew is the son of Gregory and Elizabeth Doppke and will be a 6th grade student at Immaculate Conception School this year. He is an altar server for weekend and school Masses and a lector at school Mass. he has helped with the parish fish fries and summer festival during the past two years. He has been a member of the basketball and track teams at school and participated in the K of C Free Throw Contest. We thank Andrew for his service to our parish school and community.
L-R: Mark Kehoe (Grand Knight); Andrew Doppke; Fr. Joseph Esper (Pastor)
On Saturday, August 16, District Master William Perkis and the District 3 degree staff exemplified the patriotic degree upon 19 new Sir Knights from the dioceses of Marquette and Gaylord. Assisting Master Perkis with the Knighting ceremony were Master Dale Korson of Michigan District 4, and State Treasurer Vern Miron, former Master of District 3. Also present was the Most Rev. SK Brian Gerber, Faithful Friar for the Marquette Diocese.
In today’s first reading, the prophet Jeremiah is dropped into a cistern. How does that story connect to today’s Gospel reading about divisions in the family, or to the second reading about running a race with our eyes fixed on Jesus? Quite beautifully. We’ll put all the pieces together in today’s Dad Talk:
When using a scissor lift to install new fans in Immaculate Conception Church in Anchorville a few months ago, Brothers in Au Lac Council 10724 noticed that the church floor seemed soft and in need of repair. The Council jumped into action and worked with Fr. Joseph Esper to set up a time where Council 10724 could move the pews and replace the church subfloor, install a new laminate, along with examining the joists.
Au Lac Council donated approximately $30,000 in materials and provided free labor to the project and promisted to Fr. Esper that they could get the work done in between weekend masses.
Upon ripping up the subfloor, Brothers noticed that several floor joists in the main aisle had rotted and needed to be replaced. This set the team back about an estimated two days behind to get the materials and perform the needed repairs.
Worthy Grand Knight Mark Kehoe and Brother Joe Whitenight rallied the Brothers and the families and at one point had over thirty-three people in the church performing repair work, laying down the new subfloor, and putting the pews back in place (repaired and better than ever) to allow the Saturday evening mass to take place in the church as promised.
This next week, the Council will be working on the other side of the aisle, where they will move the other pews and replace the subfloor on the opposite side.
It is estimated that the Council will be saving Immaculate Conception Parish approximately $60,000 in both labor and materials over the entire course of the project!
Rotted joists under the subfloorBrothers and families repairing pews before putting them back in place
Removing cement off of the floor before replacing the floor and the joists.
Brothers bolting the pews back in place on the new floorBrothers putting the new subfloor down on top of the new joists
This weekend, during Greenville's 61st annual Danish Festival, celebrating the original community settlers' cultural background, St. Charles Council 2084 once again was the only group to offer actual Danish food to the crowds. Money raised during the weekend goes toward the council's many charitable activities.
People line up and extend around the block for the Knights' Danish aebleskivers, sort of a cross between a pancake ball and a doughnut that crowds can't get enough of.
Golden aebleskivers finish cooking in their special pan over an open flame at Council 2084's street booth.
Amy Norton, mother of Grand Knight Kevin Norton and wife of Brother Knight John Norton, joins Margaret Karpus, wife of
District Deputy 312 Mike Karpus, to crack and separate eggs to add to the aebleskiver batter.
Knights and family members make the aebleskivers in specialty pans in the Council 2084 street booth.
Brother Knights Jacob Woycehoski, left, and his dad, Ron Woycehoski, man the Knights' newest Danish offering,
Rød Pølse, or Danish hot dogs, just like you'd find in carts on the streets of Copenhagen.
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