The Generalate was delighted to welcome Mr. Joe Donnelly, the current United States Ambassador to the Holy See, for a visit on Sunday, April 30. The ambassador is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a longtime friend of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

The visit began with Mass in the Generalate’s Notre-Dame de Sainte Croix Chapel, presided by local Superior and General Steward, Fr. Jack Ryan, C.S.C.

Following Mass, the community and guests went to the fourth-floor community room for a social, at which Ambassador Donnelly spoke on his work with the Vatican and answered questions on a wide variety of topics in current world affairs and politics. Then everyone went to the refectory for a delicious pranzo, where the engaging conversation continued.

"It was both a privilege and honor to host Ambassador Donnelly for Mass and lunch at the Generalate," said Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross. "Not only is the Ambassador a good friend of Holy Cross, but he is also a great conversationalist and skilled diplomat, which provided for the community with a delightful afternoon and an informative discussion. We look forward to his return visit in the near future."

Mr. Donnelly served as United States senator from Indiana from 2013 to 2019 and was appointed to serve as the 12th US Ambassador to the Holy See on January 24 and was confirmed by the US Senate in February 2022. Ambassador Donnelly is married with two children – and a new grandchild.

Ambassador Donnelly said, “My family and I are proud to be members of the Catholic faith, and through my years of public service, the Church has been a core part of my life and my values.”