Chile

Historical Background

The Congregation of Holy Cross went to Chile at the invitation of the Archbishop of Santiago to take over administration of St. George’s College. The first three priests arrived from the United States on March 1, 1943, just in time for the school year.

Within three years of arriving, Holy Cross had expanded its work in Chile to include parish ministry in the poor neighborhood of Peñalolen, as well as outreach to abandoned children in Santiago and later in Telegante. The Congregation’s efforts in these early decades were focused on increasing opportunities for the poor, with a strong focus on educational access.

In solidarity with the people of Chile, the Congregation continued ministering in the country during the military government of Augusto Pinochet. Several members of the Congregation were arrested, tortured, and deported. The government also took over St. George’s College in September 1973 and was later returned to Holy Cross in 1986. During these years, the Congregation took responsibility for Colegio Nuestra Señora de Andacollo, located in the older sector of Central Santiago.

Today, the Congregation continues to administer St. George’s and Andacollo. Both schools are known for their academic excellence and their strong faith formation, especially in terms of social justice and sacramental preparation. St. George’s, in particular, is perennially recognized as one of the best schools in the country.

In addition to still working at San Roque Parish in Peñalolen, Holy Cross administers two other parishes: Nuestra Señora de Andacollo, in the same area as the school, and Nuestra Señora de la Merced, in the Diocese of San FElipe. Alos, through Fundación Moreau (Fundamor), the Congregation continues its work with abandoned children.

Chile is also home to an international house of formation for Holy Cross. Members of the Congregation from Brazil, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, and Chile are there completing their theological studies and formation in preparation for ministry in the Church.