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.

HISTORY

University of Notre Dame 1842: Notre Dame, Ind.
St. Mary 's College 1844: Notre Dame, Ind.
St. Edward's University 1885: Austin, Texas
University of Portland 1901: Portland, Ore.
Our Lady of Holy Cross 1916: New Orleans, La.
King's College 1946: Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Stonehill College 1948: North Easton, Mass.
Notre Dame College 1950: Manchester , N.H. (closed)
Holy Cross College 1966: Notre Dame, Ind.

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.

Mission

Faithful to the mission of the first Holy Cross religious sent to minister to the people of the Wyoming Valley, we continue to preach the Gospel, to teach, and to serve. We do this primarily within the King's College community, as well as in the local church and through participation in the wider civic community.

Our ministry is guided by our desire to follow the example of Jesus Christ who, by living a preferential option for all in need, helped people to grow in the knowledge and service of the Father. The ministry flows from a strong community life rooted in prayer and fidelity to the vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience.

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.

Adopted November 6, 1989

Service

King's College and the local Holy Cross Community have worked together for seven decades. Currently, 17 "C.S.C.s" (the Community's Latin name is "Congregatio a Sancta Cruce") serve at King's and in the Wyoming Valley. Of those, twelve minister at the College and five 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.

Holy Cross Affiliates Program: We offer this experience for those students who may feel called to examine religious life in Holy Cross. They have an opportunity to meet on a regular basis for prayer and conversation with Holy Cross religious and with other young men who are interested in religious life.

Holy Cross Candidate and Semester Residential Program: This is a two-semester residential program for college graduates who are seriously interested in pursuing a vocation as a Holy Cross religious. They share daily prayer and meals, volunteer ministry, and take courses in theology and philosophy, while exploring the various aspects of religious life and the sharing of faith. The Holy Cross Candidate Program is situated at the University of Notre Dame. You may also ask Fr. Dan Issing or any Holy Cross priest or brother for further information.

Beatification

Beatification is a special time for the Holy Cross Order. Beatification is one way the Roman Catholic Church honors people whose lives have been exemplary models of love, devotion, and witness to God. Beatification celebrates the life of someone whose life is worthy of exceptional recognition. On September 15, 2007, Fr. Basil Moreau, was beatified in Le Mans, France bringing him one step closer to sainthood.

Prayer for the King's College 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 King'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 Looney, C.S.C.

Blessed Basil A. Moreau, C.S.C., founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross,
was beatified September 15, 2007 in LeMans, France. His beatification brought him one step closer to being canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

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