Gratitude for the C.S.C.'s

It is with a spirit of immense gratitude that I write this most recent post.

For the past seven years, I have been in institutions of higher education sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross. The education philosophy and spirituality of the Holy Cross priests and brothers has been very formative for me.

This religious congregation, comprised of priests and brothers, was founded in post-revolutionary France in 1837. The priests and brothers grew out of the small French village of Sainte-Croix, from which they took their name (in Latin: Congregatio a Sancte Cruce... and hence, they are affectionately known as the C.S.C.'s). Such a choice in name reveals an important part of the ministry of Holy Cross: these men are not only dedicated to their work of education and mission, but also to the very places in which they serve.

Their founder, Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., recognized that many parts of the world beyond his native France were also in great need of higher education and religious formation.

Fr. Connerton, C.S.C.

By 1841-42, the Congregation had sent several missionaries into the wilderness of northern Indiana in order to establish the University of Notre Dame. After numerous setbacks, Notre Dame would eventually become one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in America. More than 100 years later, in 1946, Rev. James Connerton, C.S.C., was sent from Notre Dame to Wilkes-Barre, PA in order to establish another Holy Cross institution of higher education.

The founding of King's College is a wonderful story of faithfulness and dedication on the part of Holy Cross, the Diocese of Scranton, and many contributors from throughout the Wyoming Valley. The whole enterprise of establishing a college in Wilkes-Barre began with Fr. Connerton's typewriter, a few hundred dollars from Bishop William Hafey, and a grand vision of Catholic higher education in 'coal country'.

Countless Holy Cross priests and brothers have spent their lives "forming the hearts and minds" of students at Notre Dame and King's College (as well as at Stonehill College, University of Portland, and St. Edward's University). I personally benefited from their witness of intelligence, creativity, and compassion. I leaned that education is much more than just memorizing facts and statistics; education is an openness and willingness to engage all of life with passion and zeal. I feel blessed to have known many  C.S.C.'s, especially those who have accompanied me during some of life's wildest journeys.

The Congregation of Holy Cross is a great source of hope and light for the world. And for that, I am truly grateful.

C.S.C.'s at King's College (2013)