The Cross of Gratitude

The remarkable 800-pound, 16-foot high cross crafted of Ukrainian wood by Vitaliy Sobolivsky in 2003 in Lviv, Ukraine will be visiting the Diocese of Orange. Its mission is a spiritual pilgrimage to visit every capital city in the world by 2033, marking the 2000th jubilee of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection as a testament of gratitude for our salvation.

Blessed by three popes—St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—the journey began with a calling heard by Vitaliy on Easter in 2003: “Take my cross and carry it to all the capital cities of the world as a sign of gratitude for the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ.”

Since then, the cross has traveled to 46 European capitals and various locations in the United States, often present during Holy Mass, night vigils, and adoration. People of diverse faiths, including Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, and Buddhist, have engaged with the cross.

All are invited to pray and reflect with the Cross of Gratitude on Friday, November 21 at the Christ Cathedral Arboretum starting with Mass at 8:15am, praying for an end to war in Ukraine. The Cross of Gratitude will be open to the public for prayer and visitation in the Arboretum until 8pm. Throughout the day, there will be various rosary and prayer groups available.

Daily schedule:
8:15 a.m. – Mass
9 a.m. – Presentation by Vitaliy Sobolivsky
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. – Adoration
3 p.m. – Divine Mercy chaplet