The Congregation of Holy Cross (Latin: Congregatio a Sancta Cruce) is a vibrant religious congregation in the Catholic Church, founded in the aftermath of the French Revolution—a time of chaos and spiritual famine. At the heart of this bold mission was Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau, a visionary priest and educator from Le Mans, France. In 1837, Moreau brought together a community of priests and brothers, united by one holy calling: to educate the hearts and minds of God’s people and to be agents of resurrection in a broken world. Inspired by the Cross as the tree of life and a sign of hope, Moreau’s vision was deeply Marian, apostolic, and anchored in the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

This newly-founded community, tested by suffering, grew into a Congregation of pontifical right when it received approval from Pope Pius IX in 1857. Since then, the Congregation of Holy Cross has expanded across the globe, lighting flames of faith, education, and justice. Today, it is present in 18 countries, including France, Italy, the United States, Canada, India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Haiti, Tanzania, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.

The Congregation of Holy Cross is a unique family, composed of priests and brothers living and working together in a shared apostolate. The deep bond of fraternity between them reflects their founder’s insistence that they are” men with hope to bring”. The Holy Cross family also includes the Sisters of Holy Cross, who share this charism in diverse expressions. At the helm of this global family is the Superior General, Rev. Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., who leads the Congregation from its Generalate in Rome. The current headquarters is located at: Via Framura 85, 00168 Rome, Italy. It is the heart of the Congregation, inspired by prayerful discernment and leadership for the mission of Holy Cross across the world. The spirituality of Holy Cross is rooted in the Cross itself—a Cross that does not crush but gives life. The motto “Ave Crux, Spes Unica”—Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope— sums up this spirituality. Holy Cross men are formed in a deep life of prayer, brotherhood and apostolic zeal, trusting in Divine Providence and seeking always to be faithful disciples and courageous missionaries in the footsteps of Christ. The vision and mission of the Congregation are inseparable: to educate in the faith, to evangelize with compassion, and to serve with justice. Whether in a school classroom, in pastoral ministry, or social outreach to the poor and marginalized, Holy Cross members commit to building up the Reign of God, one soul and one society at a time.

As of today, the Congregation has a vibrant and diverse membership of over 1,200 religious, including priests, brothers, and seminarians, with growing vocations particularly in Asia and Africa. This diversity reflects the global face of the Church, as Holy Cross continues to renew itself for the challenges of the 21st century. Blessed Basil Moreau once said, “With the eyes of faith, consider the greatness of your mission and the wonderful amount of good which you can accomplish.” That vision lives on in the Congregation of Holy Cross, a beacon of resurrection-hope and a steadfast companion with Christ on the road to Calvary—and beyond, to the glory of Easter morning. On September 15, 2007, Blessed Basile Moreau was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church. Three years later, the first Holy Cross saint, Saint André Bessette, known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal,” was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010.