Hosted by the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, the Council of the Congregation (CoC) gathered at the Province’s Center in La Porte, Indiana, for its annual meeting from 16-21 November. The CoC is a consultative body composed of the Superior General, General Assistants, and Provincial and District Superiors.
After gathering for Mass, Evening Prayer, and dinner on Sunday evening, the meeting began in earnest on Monday morning with the welcome and opening address by Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General. A time for conversations in small groups and questions followed.
At the midday Mass, Fr. William M. Lies, C.S.C., Superior of the U.S. Province, presided and preached, adding his welcome to all the jurisdictional superiors and General Council. Following lunch, there were several presentations and conversations about mission initiatives around the Congregation.
Learn about the Conregation's mission
Tuesday was devoted to the topics of planning, sustainability, and synodality. Joining the CoC in its afternoon session was Fr. Jeffrey Kirch, C.PP.S., Provincial of the U.S. Province of the Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood and the immediate past President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. He spoke specifically on synodality and facilitated a conversation about practical ideas of how to improve chapter processes.
On Wednesday, the CoC went for the day to Notre Dame, Indiana, where they visited the recently renovated Moreau Seminary and Scholasticate, and then had tours and presentations at both Holy Cross College and the University of Notre Dame.
Back at La Porte on Thursday, the CoC continued with its agenda, including reports from a task force on governance and the general steward. Following dinner, the CoC connected with the Congregation’s pioneering missionaries in Papua New Guinea, who gave an update on the progress of the Holy Family Mission.
Explore the Congregation's mission in Papua New Guinea
Friday morning began with the reports from our two Congregational Patrimonies: Fr. John DeRiso, C.S.C., Rector and Pastor, who joined via Zoom for the Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau, and Fr. Bernard Antoine, C.S.C., Rector, for Saint Joseph’s Oratory. Then Sr. Ann Lacour, M.S.C., Congregational Leader of the Marianites, gave a report on La Solitude du Sauveur, including an update on the construction of the new conference room, the progress on the governing and financing structure, and the vision for its future mission.
Following lunch, the Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, gave an engaging talk on mission and synodality, in which he wove together his extensive knowledge of Holy Cross history, charism, and spirituality with his diocese’s current experience of preparing for a synod in 2026. His insights and wisdom were greatly appreciated by the CoC members. Bishop Rhoades then celebrated Mass with the CoC and remained for the evening’s social and dinner, which brought an official close to the week.