Awareness months are an opportunity to connect people with an organization, acknowledge the impactful work of an institution, and celebrate a group’s dedication to change. The Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, is excited to observe and honor a religious family who have dedicated their lives to making God known, loved, and served worldwide through the observance of Holy Cross Heritage Month in January.
“Holy Cross Heritage Month is not really new. We live our heritage every day as we walk in the deep footsteps of all the men and women and lay partners of Holy Cross who for generation upon generation have together strived to build the Kingdom of God on earth,” noted the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers Provincial Superior Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C. “We lift up this month now just to remind ourselves that we’re all a part of this amazing band of faithful that continues to do the same today, throughout our ministries and beyond. Thank God for this moment to celebrate our forebears’ inspiration and our own efforts to live the mission of Holy Cross as we build the Kingdom together today.”
The month of January was chosen because it encompasses many impactful people and causes important to the Congregation. The celebration timeline begins with the feast of Saint André Bessette on January 6, the birthday of Venerable Patrick Peyton on January 9, the feast of founder Blessed Basil Moreau on January 20, National Catholic Schools week starting on January 26, and the 125th Anniversary of the Death of Mother Mary of Seven Dolors on January 29.
Saint André Bessette was the doorkeeper of one of the Congregation’s schools. He fostered a devotion to Saint Joseph and among the sick he became known as the “Miracle Man” of Montreal for the miraculous cures attributed to his intercession. On October 17, 2010, Saint André Bessette became Holy Cross’ first saint when Pope Benedict XVI canonized him.
Venerable Patrick Peyton, known as the “Rosary Priest,” dedicated his life and ministry to spreading devotion to the Blessed Mother. 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.
Blessed Basil Moreau was the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. He was known not only as an inspiring professor, but also as a man of God who faithfully sought to grow in the image of Christ through prayer, personal asceticism, and service. Moreau grew up amidst the turmoil of the French Revolution, and as a young priest, he felt compelled to revitalize a Church devastated by years of civil war.
The zeal to educate minds and hearts in the truth binds the men of Holy Cross in one family and inspires the work done in the United States and abroad. National Catholic Schools Week celebrates the role Catholic education plays in the development of children and communities, coinciding with the Congregation’s dedication to being educators in the faith.
A momentous way to end the month-long celebration is with the 125th Anniversary of the Death of Mother Mary of Seven Dolors. Mother Mary of the Seven Dolors was the co-founder of the Marianites of Holy Cross.
“There are committed Holy Cross priests, brothers, sisters, and lay people around the world who wake up each day with the expressed goal to make God known, loved, and served. This is a month to celebrate that commitment! It’s also an opportunity to inspire a world that longs for something deeper, something more fulfilling,” shared Provincial Assistant and Director of Apostolic Mission and Charism Dr. Chris Haug. “We have a message of hope that we bring to this world in need, through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our salvation. Holy Cross Heritage Month provides us a unique forum to raise awareness, to invite people in, and to celebrate the commitment of these men and women with hope to bring, as we prepare the world for better times!”
Learn more about this inaugural celebration and ways to celebrate at holycrossmonth.org.
Published January 2025
