The veneration of relics is often an important part of popular catholic spirituality. The greatest relic ever, is of course, the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The story of the finding of the true cross by St Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, is a story of great faith and trust. After the cross was found, it was necessary to find a way to authenticate it. The cross itself provided its own authentication in the form of a miracle.

Parts of the cross were presented to some of the main Churches in Christendom.

Unlike other relics, relics of the Cross are not in private possession. Yet an image of the cross, usually with the image of the crucified Jesus, is a common feature of catholic homes, to remind us of the passion and death of Jesus and to serve as a focus for our attention when we pray. The cross plays an important role in our spiritual life. We venerate the Cross in a special way in the Good Friday liturgy and so learn to venerate it often in our daily lives.