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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
From its origins in nineteenth-century France, the Congregation of Holy Cross has expanded around the world, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to the farthest reaches of the planet in its mission to make God known, loved, and served. As of 2026, the Congregation of Holy Cross has a presence in 17 countries across 6 continents. The process of expansion took place gradually over the course of the community’s 190-year history. Below, in a snapshot, is a list of the countries where Holy Cross serves today, along with the dates of the community’s arrival:
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In this installment of our Holy Cross Heritage month series, we reflect a little more deeply into the life, mission, and spirituality of Blessed Basile Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, particularly his vision on unity. Moreau's legacy continues to shape Catholic education, parish life, missionary work, and the formation of families rooted in faith. Moreau was an extraordinary figure of the nineteenth‑century French Church—an educator, a spiritual leader, and a visionary who believed deeply in the power of unity, love, and the renewal of society through faith. As we shared in an earlier reflection, Basile Moreau was born in 1799 in Laigné‑en‑Belin, a rural region of northwestern France marked by its resilience and deep Catholic identity, especially during the persecution of the French Revolution. The ninth of fourteen children, Moreau grew up in a tightly knit family whose hardships and fidelity helped form his lifelong conviction that the family is the “domestic Church,” the seedbed of unity, holiness, and Christian virtue.
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Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
The history of the Congregation of Holy Cross is rich and fascinating, filled with incredible stories of faith, courage, perseverance, and adventure in the face of great challenges to both the community and the world. As an apostolic congregation, Holy Cross has taken an active role in global affairs since the very beginning; in the nearly 190 years since its formation, the men and women of Holy Cross have been present for many of the most pivotal moments of the last three centuries.
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The celebrations of Holy Cross Heritage Month are punctuated by the feast days and birthdays of Holy Cross heroes, men and women alike, whose lives testified to the good and holy work that Holy Cross was established to do. From the feasts of St. André Bessette and Blessed Basil Moreau to the birthday of Venerable Patrick Peyton — Holy Cross Heritage Month in many ways revolves around these saints and saints-in-the-making. But who exactly are the holy heroes of Holy Cross? Let’s take a look at two extraordinary men: Father Basil Moreau, C.S.C. and Brother Flavian Laplante, C.S.C.
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Did you know that January is "Holy Cross Heritage Month" here in the United States? The inaugural Holy Cross Heritage Month was launched last year by the Congregation of Holy Cross’ U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers to celebrate the incredible family of Holy Cross, a family of which Holy Cross Family Ministries is a proud member and an important part. From local parishes to missions and schools around the globe, the Congregation of Holy Cross has built an incredible legacy of faith, hope, and service over its nearly two-hundred-year history. But beyond the beautiful schools and universities (with some pretty outstanding football programs — Go Irish!), the vibrant parishes, and the diverse ministries serving the needy around the world, you might be wondering: what exactly is the Congregation of Holy Cross, and what is the story behind the heritage we’re celebrating?
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