To fill the spiritual and educational void of post-revolutionary France, the Congregation of Holy Cross was founded at Sainte Croix ("Holy Cross") in 1837 by Blessed Father Basil Anthony Moreau. He envisioned a religious community of priests, brothers, and sisters who would assist the diocesan clergy, respond to pressing needs in the church, and educate "both mind and heart," principally in schools, parishes, and in mission territories.
In 1841, Father Moreau sent Father Edward Sorin and six brothers to America. By late 1842, they arrived in what is now South Bend, Indiana, to begin building the first permanent foundation of the Congregation: The University of Notre Dame du Lac. Since then, three Holy Cross congregations of priests, brothers, and sisters have founded nine colleges and universities in the United States.
We shall always place education side by side with instruction: the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart. While we prepare useful citizens for society, we shall likewise do our utmost to prepare citizens for heaven.
The Holy Cross Community has ministered for more than 160 years in the United States in parishes, educational institutions, and as chaplains in hospitals, the military service, and elsewhere. The community seeks to form people whose Christian values guide their lives and who will contribute to the development of a more just society.
Holy Cross at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's
Â鶹ÊÓƵ's College and the local Holy Cross Community have worked together for eight decades. Currently, nearly 20 "C.S.C.s" (the Community's Latin name is "Congregatio a Sancta Cruce") serve at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's and in the Wyoming Valley, many of whom minister at the College and work locally, residing on campus or in the area. In addition to their roles at the College, the Holy Cross Community members are actively involved in Northeastern Pennsylvania religious, civic, and service organizations and many also assist at area parishes on weekends.
In living out our mission as "educators in the faith," we wish to help others to learn the values and the religious meaning of life. We also seek to collaborate with and empower our colleagues, students, and others to join us in this mission.
Prayer for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Community
Lord God, you filled the heart of Father Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with zeal for the proclamation of your kingdom through the ministry of education.
Bless us and all the administrators, teachers, students, staff, and alumni of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's College with a desire for your truth and a passion to make you known, loved, and served.
May we work together to educate the mind and heart of every member of our college community.
May your gracious Spirit enable this work of resurrection in us so that we might bring light to those in darkness and proclaim your liberating love to all in need.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer by Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D.
Annual Moreau Lecture
The Annual Moreau Lecture has welcomed leading theological voices to speak at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ's College campus since 1979. Sponsored by the priests and brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's College, the lecture animates theological thought among college faculty, staff, and students.
