Over 300 Holy Cross Educators from around the world gathered in Austin, Texas, from 23-25 February for the Annual Convocation of the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University. This marked the 20th year of the convocation, and in recognition of the milestone, this year’s theme was: Seasons of Hope: Past, Present, and Future.

On the Monday morning, Br. Joel Giallanza, C.S.C., gave the keynote address, titled “The Holy Cross Institute: Seasoned by Hope – A Providential Perspective”. Later during the convocation, Br. Joel was awarded “The Brothers of St. Joseph Award” in recognition of his lifetime of service exemplifying the Holy Cross charism. Br. Giallanza currently dedicates his time to retreat and spiritual direction ministry.

Learn more about the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward's University

The following morning, there was another keynote presentation given jointly by the leaders of the four Congregations in the Holy Cross Family: Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Sr. Ann Lacour, M.S.C., Congregational Leader of the Marianites of Holy Cross, Sr. Raymonde Maisonneuve, C.S.C., Animator General of the Sisters of Holy Cross, and Sr. Sharlet Ann Wagner, C.S.C., President of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. They spoke on the shared project at La Solitude du Sauveur in Le Mans, France.

Later, Sr. Maisonneuve and Sr. Wagner accepted the Holy Cross Institute’s Legacy of Hope Award on behalf of the Sisters of Holy Cross and the Sisters of the Holy Cross, respectively. The Marianites of Holy Cross were presented with the same award by the institute in 2025.

The Holy Cross Institute’s other major award, the George Martin Leadership Award, was given to Mr. Terry Lee, Director of School Sponsorship for the Moreau Province, in recognition of his leadership within the Holy Cross tradition.

Following the banquet and awards on Tuesday evening, there was a closing keynote speech given by Mr. Linus Akanoh, Jr., Principal at Deloitte and Chair of the Board of Trustees at St. Edward’s University.

The afternoons of the convocation’s first two days had featured a variety of different workshops and breakout sessions. Then, on the third day, a change was made to have team and affinity groups come together to work on shared initiatives and projects. There were also Masses each day in Our Lady of Peace Chapel on the St. Edward’s campus.