Following up on the inaugural program in 2025, the Congregation of Holy Cross’ General Administration hosted its second Coming into the Land of Our Blessing Final Vows Program in France. The program was led by Br. Bertrand Nee Wayoe, C.S.C., Fourth Assistant, who was assisted this year by Br. Jacob Eifrid, C.S.C.
Eighteen religious from around the Congregation participated in the program. Due to differences in formation schedules, the group included a mixture of those preparing for their Final Vows and those who had recently professed them. Five are members of the Society of Brothers, and 13 are from the Society of Priests. They hailed from five different countries and nine different jurisdictions.
All the participants gathered in Paris on Saturday, 27 June. After spending a day visiting the French capital, the group traveled to Le Mans on Monday, 29 June, stopping at the Cathedral of Chartres for a tour and Mass.
At La Solitude du Sauveur on Tuesday morning, the group reflected on God’s call, with the participants sharing their vocation stories. In the afternoon, the group turned its focus to the Congregation’s history and spirituality, beginning with a tour of Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix Church and the Cathedral of St. Julien.
On Wednesday, the group made a pilgrimage to Laigné-en-Belin, where Fr. Moreau grew up, and Ruillé-sur-Loir, where Fr. Jacques Dujarié founded the Sisters of Providence and the Brothers of St. Joseph.
Learn more about a vocation to Holy Cross
The program had two more pilgrimage days. On 3 July, in the morning, they went to Notre-Dame de l’Habit, a place of pilgrimage on the Camino of Santiago de Compostela that Fr. Moreau frequented. That same afternoon, the group traveled to Saint Peter’s Abbey in Solesmes, where the liturgical renewal influenced our Founder’s spirituality. Then, on 7 July, the group went to La Grande Trappe, a favorite pilgrimage site of Fr. Moreau, where similarly they had a tour of the monastery and grounds with one of the monks.
“Visiting our historical places like Ruillé and the Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau offered a profound connection to the footsteps of our founder,” said Br. Godfred Kyeremeh, C.S.C., from the Province of West Africa.
Between the days of pilgrimage, the participants explored a variety of themes related to our vocation and mission. Topics covered included: Fr. Moreau’s understanding of the religious; the prophetic nature of the religious vows; Fr. Moreau’s sense of mission and the mission of the Congregation today; the cross and prayer in Father Moreau’s life; living with the heart of a missionary; and self-awareness and growth.
Explore some of the Historical Places related to Blessed Basile Moreau
As last year, one of the program’s highlights was a cultural program on the evening of 4 July, during which participants shared traditional songs and dances from their countries. The participants also shared about the work and mission of Holy Cross in their respective countries.
“Witnessing our internationality firsthand in the very land of our blessings truly renewed my spirit and appreciation for the Holy Cross heritage,” said Br. Christy Sheelan Perianayagam, C.S.C., from the Saint André Province in India.
The program culminated with the participants spending three days praying with the Spiritual Exercises of Fr. Moreau. To conclude those days of retreat, the participants made a devotional renewal of their vows, recommitting themselves to their religious consecration and their ministry in the Congregation and the Church.
“This program, Coming into the Land of Our Blessings, has truly been a blessing in my life,” said Fr. Jessel Pradeep Cutinha, C.S.C., from the Province of South India. “It has been an emotional and grace-filled journey, especially because I had the opportunity to walk closely with the founder and follow in his footsteps. I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality, genuine companionship, and beautiful spirit of brotherhood that I experienced throughout this journey. It is a memory and a blessing that I will always cherish.”
“I felt the sense of belonging in the diverse and international community of Holy Cross, united by the Holy Spirit and heritages of Father Moreau. It is an enriching and grace-filled experience,” added Fr. Edson Onesmo Mwoleka, C.S.C., from the Province of East Africa. “I leave with renewed zeal for mission and love for God.”