The Congregation of Holy Cross’s U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers recently announced that January will now be observed as Holy Cross Heritage Month as a way to promote the legacy and charism of Congregation.

“Holy Cross Heritage Month is not really new. We live our heritage every day as we walk in the deep footsteps of all the men and women and lay partners of Holy Cross who for generation upon generation have together strived to build the Kingdom of God on earth,” noted Fr. William M. Lies, C.S.C., Superior of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers. “We lift up this month now just to remind ourselves that we’re all a part of this amazing band of faithful that continues to do the same today, throughout our ministries and beyond. Thank God for this moment to celebrate our forebears’ inspiration and our own efforts to live the mission of Holy Cross as we build the Kingdom together today.”

The month of January was chosen because it encompasses many impactful people and causes important to the Congregation. The celebration timeline begins with the feast of St. André Bessette on January 7, the birthday of Venerable Patrick Peyton on January 9, the feast of founder Blessed Basil Moreau on January 20, and the death anniversary of Mother Mary of Seven Dolores on January 29.

Also, in the United States, National Catholic Schools Week begins on January 26. The week celebrates the role Catholic education plays in the development of children and communities, which coincides beautifully with the Congregation’s mission and charism of educating in the faith as a work of resurrection.

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“There are committed Holy Cross Priests, Brothers, Sisters, and lay people around the world who wake up each day with the expressed goal to make God known, loved, and served. This is a month to celebrate that commitment! It’s also an opportunity to inspire a world that longs for something deeper, something more fulfilling,” shared Dr. Chris Haug, Provincial Assistant and Director of Apostolic Mission and Charism.

“We have a message of hope that we bring to this world in need, through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our salvation,” he added. “Holy Cross Heritage Month provides us a unique forum to raise awareness, to invite people in, and to celebrate the commitment of these men and women with hope to bring, as we prepare the world for better times!”

To learn more about this inaugural celebration and ways to celebrate, visit: holycrossmonth.org.