Q: The last few years at my parish there has been “veneration” of a relic of the true Cross in Good Friday while having a very large cross in front of the altar for the faithful to see (placed there before the service). As the procession for Adoration of the Cross takes place the priest is standing in front of the large cross with the relic for veneration. May I have your opinion please?
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A: Actually, I’m OK with this. The point of the adoration of the cross is to adore the wood of the cross upon which Christ died. The practice originated in just that way – in the presence of a relic of the true cross.
If you’re reasonably certain that the relic was obtained from a reputable source, I think that using it on Good Friday makes sense.