Congregation of Holy Cross

- Spiritual Growth

St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church is served primarily by brothers, priests and sisters of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

The initials, "C.S.C.", after their names are an abbreviation for the Latin "Congregatio a Sancta Cruce", which means "Congregation of Holy Cross".

The Congregation of Holy Cross was founded in 1837 by Blessed Father Basil Moreau, who was a priest of the Diocese of Le Mans, France. It was founded in a town named "Holy Cross" hence the name "Congregation of Holy Cross". The mission of the Congregation was to assist in Church ministries wherever needed as parish priests, preachers of missions, educators, writers, and foreign missionaries.

From a small beginning, the Congregation grew rapidly in Algeria, Canada, India, and especially in the United States. In 1842 a small band of Holy Cross religious came to Indiana and founded the University of Notre Dame. As the University grew, the Congregation was invited to open other colleges, parishes and high schools throughout the United States.

In Texas, they founded Saint Edward’s University and many parishes in the Diocese of Austin. Today, Holy Cross religious are still active in Texas and across the United States, primarily in education, parish work and health ministries. In addition, Holy Cross religious serve the Church throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America.

St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church is an apostolate of the U.S. Province of Priests & Brothers.

You can find more information below about the Congregation of Holy Cross, our charism and our spirituality.

Bl. Basil Moreau
Priest, Founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross

Our Lady of Sorrows
Patroness of the Congregation of Holy Cross

St. Andre Bessette
Holy Cross Brother, First Saint of the Congregation of Holy Cross

Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross
Our rule of life and spiritual heritage

Holy Cross Document Library

Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward's University

Publications of the Congregation of Holy Cross,
U.S. Province of Priests & Brothers

From books and magazines to newsletters (both print and electronic) and a reflection series, there are many ways to learn more about Holy Cross and stay up to date on our ministries and missions here in the United States and around the world. We also have vocations publications to help those discerning to join Holy Cross as a priest or brother.

Ways to Support the Congregation of Holy Cross
Mass cards, prayer enrollments, votive candles