The Crucifix.
"There is also to be a cross, with the figure of Christ cricified upon it, either near the altar or near it, where it is clearly visible to the assembled congregation. It is appropriate that such a cross, which calls to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord, remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations."
General Instruction of the Roman Missal 308.
"The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the 'one mediator between God and men'. But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man, 'the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the pascah mystery' is offered to all men. He calls his disciples to 'take up [their] cross and follow [him]', for 'Christ also suffered for [us], leaving [us] an example so that [we] should follow in his steps.' In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries. This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering."
Catechism of the Catholic Church 618.
"'By the grace of God' Jesus tasted death 'for every one'. In his plan of salvation, God ordained that his Son should not only 'die for our sins' but should also 'taste death', experience the condition of death, the separation of his soul from his body, between the time he expired on the cross and the time he was raised from the dead."
Cathechism of the Catholic Church 624.
Prayer to Jesus Christ Crucified.
My good and dear Jesus, I kneel before you, asking you most earnestly to engrave upon my heart a deep and lively faith, hope, and charity, with true repentance for my sisn, and a firm resolve to make amends. As I reflect upon your five wounds, and dwell upon them with deep compassion and groed, I recall, good Jesus, the words the prophet David spoke long ago concerning yourself: "They have pierced my hands and my feet; they have counted all my bones!"
O Bona Crux
Prayer of Saint Andrew
O good cross, made beautiful by the body of the Lord; long have I desired you, ardently have I loved you, unceasingly have I sought you out; and now you are ready for my eager soul. Receive me from among men and restore me to my Master, so tht by means of you he may receive me who by means of your dying redeemed me. Amen.
We venerate the wood of thy Cross, O thou who lovest mankind, for upon it thou, the life of all, was nailed. O Saviour, thou hast opened paradise to the thief who turned to thee in faith, and thou hast counted him worthy of blessedness when he confessed to thee crying, 'O Lord remember me'. Accept us like him, as we cry: We all have sinned, in thy merciful kindness despise us not.
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Orthodox.
Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer.
Anima Christi.
Soul of Christ, make me holy.
Body of Chirst, be my salvation.
Blood of Chirst, let me drink your wine.
Water flowing from the side of Christ, wash me clean.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Kind Jesus, hear my prayer.
Hide within youe wound and keep me close to you.
Defend me from the evil enemy.
Call me at my death into the fellowship of your saints.
That I may sing your praise with them through all eternity. Amen.
"This, in fact, is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and left you an example for you to follow in his steps. He had done nothing wrong, and had spoken no deceit. He was insulted and did not retaliate with insults; when he was suffering he mee no threats but put his trust in the upright judge. He was bearing our sins in his own body on the cross, so that we might die to our sins and live for uprightness; through his bruises you have been healed."
1 Peter 2: 21-24.