Holy Cross Heritage Month
Holy Cross Heritage Month is a collaborative and dynamic initiative that engages the diverse ministries and apostolates of Holy Cross throughout the United States with the aim to celebrate their shared charism, and to deepen their sense of and connection to our mission as educators in the faith. Holy Cross Heritage Month is an annual awareness month celebrating the nearly 200-year-old mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross in making God known, loved, and served in the world.
Celebration Timeline
Feast of Saint André Bessette
January 6
Alfred Bessette entered the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1870 and took the name Brother André. As doorkeeper in one of the Congregation’s schools, he fostered devotion to Saint Joseph among the sick and soon became known as the “Miracle Man” of Montreal for the miraculous cures attributed to his intercession. In 1904, he founded the world-renowned Oratory of Saint Joseph.
Venerable Patrick Peyton
January 9 – birthday
Father Patrick Peyton, the “Rosary Priest”, dedicated his life and ministry to spreading devotion to the Blessed Mother, especially through the Family Rosary. He coordinated Rosary events in more than 40 countries, gathering more than 28 million people worldwide in prayer. Father Peyton’s vision that “the family that prays together, stays together,” continues to resonate in the Church today.
Feast of Blessed Basil Moreau
January 20
Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, was born in France in 1799. A sought-after preacher and lively professor, Fr. Moreau formed the first association of Holy Cross in 1837 to serve the educational needs of post-revolution France. Soon after, he sent members of his fledgling congregation to Africa, Asia, and North America to serve the Church as educators in the faith.
Catholic Schools Week
January 26-February 1
This week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. The Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers supports 15 province-sponsored parishes, 8 elementary/grade schools, and 4 higher education institutions.