Holy Cross Brothers
The Lord has tremendous riches to offer...
From Br. Tom Giumenta, C.S.C., a Holy Cross brother, missionary and teacher:
I came to know that God has indeed called me to this life as a Brother of Holy Cross. Personally, I know that I have made the correct decision. During these years it has been very gratifying to be the hands, heart and voice of Christ to those who seek education and guidance.
Our vows bind us together in community. We commit ourselves to share with one another who we are, what we have and what we do. Thereby we form a community as did those who first believed in Christ’s resurrection and were possessed by His Spirit. The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul.
— Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, 5:46
Within the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau dedicated our religious brothers to the patronage of St. Joseph. Just as St. Joseph was an integral part of the Holy Family, so too, our brothers have an essential presence in the Holy Cross family.
Brothers profess the vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience and in doing so commit themselves to the common work, prayer, and life in Holy Cross. In service to the Church, our brothers answer Christ's call to go out to all the nations and make the Gospel known. They do this primarily as teachers, administrators, or directors in the schools, parishes and missions of Holy Cross around the world. In their commitment to the communal prayer of Holy Cross they strive to grow in holiness and draw the world into deeper holiness.
Their participation in the common life unites our community and provides support and encouragement for their confreres. In their "yes" to Christ's invitation to follow him, they make themselves radically open to serving the needs of the Church and the world.
To learn more about the vocation of a brother in Holy Cross:
- Read posts on our vocations blog from Holy Cross religious reflecting on the brotherhood.
- Learn more about Saint André Bessette, a humble Holy Cross brother who became the Congregation’s first canonized saint.