Knights, Dames, and Guests from the Diocese of Tucson Council and the Diocese of Phoenix Council gathered for an Exhalation of the Cross-feast day retreat at Saint Helen of the Cross Catholic Church in Eloy, Arizona on September 13, 2025. The retreat is an annual event that provides an opportunity to grow spiritually and get to know other members of the Order. This year’s retreat was hosted by the Knights and Dames of the Diocese of Tucson. Reverend Calistus Iyorembor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Florence, Arizona served as the Retreat Master.
The retreat began with Mass. The Saint of the Day was Saint John Chrysoston, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. The Gospel reading was Luke 6:43-49 which emphasizes the integrity between belief and behavior. Another aspect of the passage is how a person’s actions reveal their inner character. In his Homily, Father Calistus compared the good works of the Order to revealing a person’s inner character in supporting the Order’s mission.
The theme of the retreat was “Exaltation of the Cross – Encountering Christ.” Father Calistus led the retreat attendees through three sessions focusing on “We should glory in the Cross of Jesus Christ.”
- Take up the Cross
You choose your cross – Invite Jesus to help you – Experience the power of God through prayer – Prayer is a conversation with God.- Reflection – When have you experienced someone or Jesus himself helping you carry your cross?
- The sadness of the Cross
Mary suffered at the foot of the Cross – Love of God can turn your life around – God can bring good out of evil – Glory will be revealed at the end of time- Love of the Cross is an act of will not emotion or feeling.- Reflection – When have you encountered God giving you an opportunity to express your love for him?
- Something happened beyond the Cross
The stone was rolled away revealing an empty tomb – Belief that someone had not broken into the tomb, but someone had broken out of the tomb – Go forth and proclaim the good news of the Lord – The resurrection.- Reflection – How has the grace of God been evident in your life?
The retreated concluded with prayer and singing of Amazing Grace. A spiritually filled day was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. What a blessing that Father Calistus shared his ministry with us!
