​What is 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. Join us throughout this 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.

What should I look out for?

• January 6: Feast of St. André Bessette, C.S.C. (In the U.S. the Congregation of Holy Cross celebrates St. André’s feast on January 7).
• January 9-17: Family Rosary Novena for Family Unity and Peace to celebrate the birthday of Venerable Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. (January 9) coordinated by Holy Cross Family Ministries. Learn more here.
• January 11: Servant of God Br. Flavian LaPlante, C.S.C., coordinated with the Bangladeshi navy coast guard to capture pirates who had been attacking poor Hindu fishermen. Learn more about Br. Flavian here.
• January 16: Rev. Richard James Novak, C.S.C., missionary to Bangladesh, was killed in 1964, likely a casualty of the Hindu-Muslim divisions that were roiling the country at the time. Although the exact motivation of his killers is unknown, many believe he is a Christian martyr. Learn more about Fr. Novak here.
• January 19 at 11:30 am EST – January 21 at 3:30 am EST: 40 Hours of Devotion to celebrate the Feast of Blessed Basil Moreau (January 20). Coordinate with your local CSCs to sign up here.
• January 25 from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm EST: “Gifts to Give”: Holy Cross Associates National Conference. Register for this free virtual conference here.
• January 26 – February 1: Catholic Schools Week. Explore Holy Cross educational resources here.
• January 29: 125th Anniversary of the Death of Mother Mary of Seven Dolors. Learn more about this close collaborator with Blessed Basil Moreau and her role in the early years of the Marianites here

Can I organize Holy Cross Heritage Month events at my parish, on my campus, or in my school?

Yes, absolutely! The Holy Cross family has compiled resources such as films, lesson plans, books, activity ideas, and visuals for colleges, schools, and parishes at www.holycrossmonth.org. 

How can I stay updated? 

Subscribe to the Holy Cross Heritage Month e-newsletter by clicking the link below. We look forward to celebrating our shared Holy Cross heritage with you!

Publish on: January 6, 2025