Feel free to review the History of Holy Cross section of the Congregation website
When reviewing the Congregation website, consider the timeline of events and what the world was facing during particular historical periods. How did you notice Holy Cross responding to the emerging needs of God's people and the Church? What needs do you see your institution responding to today?
Read this essay about discerning the charism of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Whether this your first time hearing the word charism or you use it in your everyday life, this essay will give us a shared understanding of what we mean when we use the word and how we talk about the charism of Holy Cross. After reading this essay, ask yourself how you would explain the charism of Holy Cross to a new colleague at your institution?
OPTIONAL VIDEO WATCH (1:05 minutes)
Bro. Joel Giallanza is an educator, scholar, spiritual director, and leader. He has held many leadership positions in Holy Cross and has written and spoken extensively on the spirituality and history of Holy Cross. Br. Joel served as the Executive Director of the Holy Cross Institute, an organization that provides resources and formation for educational leaders at K-16 Holy Cross schools nationwide.
When watching this video, think about the story of your institution. Near the end of the video, Br. Joel reads quotes from students about their education at their Holy Cross school. What might students at your institution say?
OPTIONAL VIDEO WATCH (57:50 minutes)
This documentary from 2015 looks at how Holy Cross has been influential to the growth and development of South Bend, Indiana. The film is part of WNIT’s celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary.
Sacred Mission–Civic Duty explores the history and impact of the Holy Cross sisters, brothers and priests on education, health care, arts and culture, and the economy in South Bend and surrounding communities. Through interviews with key leaders of the Brothers of Holy Cross, Sisters of the Holy Cross, and the US Province of Holy Cross, viewers learn how their lives are influenced by the congregations, regardless of their religious faith.
South Bend, Indiana is considered the craddle of Holy Cross in the United States. It was from these humble beginnings in the wilderness of Northern Indiana that Holy Cross takes root in a growing and expanding country. When watching this video, think about your institution's origin story. When Holy Cross arrived to your area of the United States, what needs were they responding to? How did they become a part of the local culture? How does the origin story of your college or university still inspire your institution's mission today?