Find out more about the Congregation of Holy Cross around the world: www.holycrosscongregation.orgInspired by our First Saint By Fr. Edwin Obermiller, CSC Assistant Provincial, Congregation of Holy Cross, Indiana Province Brother André Bessette, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, will be canonized in Rome on October 17. This is the first saint for our community! The anticipation of the event has generated a heightened level of awareness and appreciation for Brother André, his ministry, and the work of Holy Cross around the world. Who we are as Holy Cross The Congregation of Holy Cross is a relatively young community. Founded in France in 1837 by Blessed Basil Moreau, CSC, the men of Holy Cross seek to make God known, loved, and served in educational, parish, and mission settings. The canonization of Brother André helps to inspire members of our community and the thousands of students, staff, faculty, parishioners, supporters and collaborators who support us in this mission. At the heart of who we are as Holy Cross André reminds me of what should be at the heart of who I am as a Holy Cross religious. Through his action and care for others, André reminds us all of what is really important – prayer, time with and service to others, using our unique skills and abilities, opportunities for silence and reflection. As a priest in residence at O’Neill Hall at the University of Notre Dame, I know young people today who are full of energy and enthusiasm and are able to multi-task unlike any other generation before them. But there is a hazard in this fast-paced world that we live in. You can get lost in technology and trends that are so fleeting. Br. André’s inspiration André’s message is timeless and true. It is my deepest desire that this special moment for the Holy Cross religious and the Universal Church provides an opportunity for each one of us and for all of us together… an opportunity to re-examine our priorities and to re-invigorate the spirit and prayer life of our collective community.
At the Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, ON, retreatants of all ages can encounter a God of surprises.
In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.