Our Holy Cross Heritage

The Congregation of Holy Cross, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in post-revolutionary France by Father Basil Moreau, today operates schools, colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. The legacy of Holy Cross education is distinguished by the following characteristics:

Innovative. The Congregation’s founder, Basil Moreau, was an innovative educator: introducing the arts and sciences to the curriculum, emphasizing experimental learning, and acquainting students with the Catholic social teaching. A Holy Cross education is an experience in justice, one student at
a time.

Inclusive. Unlike the founders of some other congregations, Father Moreau did not employ only religious to teach in his schools. He stepped out and found the best educators, and since 1837 lay and vowed men and women have worked side by side in Holy Cross institutions.

Diverse. In Moreau’s Christian Education, he advises us to show preference
to the poor, the neglected, the unskilled and those who are not Catholic or Christian. Today, Holy Cross faculty remain committed to maintaining a student body diverse in ethnicity, faith traditions, academic aptitude and socio-economic backgrounds.

Visit our Resource Center for a copy of Father Basil Moreau’s Christian Education.

United. Visit any Holy Cross school, and people are likely to tell you, “It feels like a family.” This family spirit becomes visible through our common practices of hospitality and respect for others. Our work has far-reaching implications, for as Moreau told us, our students are “the parents of future generations, each of whom bears within self a family.”

Accepting. As Catholic schools, we teach the Catholic faith, foster Christian insight into social problems and engage in Christian service. As growing numbers of non-Catholics join our school communities, we also must introduce them to the values that set us apart. It is a mission that can shape the future of our society, as well as our schools.

If you share the vision of Father Moreau, consider adding your gift to St. Edward’s University and designate it to benefit the Holy Cross Institute