Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau founded the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1837, forming one union of brothers and priests to serve the many needs of the Church after the turbulent years of the French Revolution. The Congregation of Holy Cross continues to live out Fr. Moreau’s vision as “educators in the faith,” ministering in formal education, parish and retreat work, and social services in 17 countries throughout the world. Our congregational seal is the cross and anchors, the Christian symbol for hope. Our motto is the Latin phrase Spes Unica, reflecting our conviction that the cross is our "only hope."
The Brothers of Holy Cross are lay religious who consecrate themselves to Christ and the Church by vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience. Although ministry is essential to the life of the brother, it does not define his life. Rather, what characterizes the brother's life as unique is his lifestyle. To be a "brother" to another requires fraternal friendship and love. As a vowed religious, he lives in a community committed to prayer and to one another. Centered in community and his own interior life, a brother is able to meet the needs of the Church in ministry.
The Brothers of Holy Cross have served in the Diocese of Albany since the 1930’s, first at the former Vincentian Institute in Albany, and currently at the St. Joseph Center in Valatie and in other local social service agencies. St. Joseph Center is home to over 30 Brothers and welcomes retreatants and visitors from the area. Just recently, the Brothers started a Community Supported Garden, an organic farm dedicated to promoting sustainability in agriculture.
If you are interested in learning more about the life of a Brother of Holy Cross, contact:
Bro. Jonathan Beebe, CSC
85 Overlook Circle
New Rochelle, NY 10804
(917) 538-7561
holycrossvocations@earthlink.net
holycrossbrothers.org
Brother Edward Boyer, CSC
St. Joseph Center
495 Maple Lane
Valatia, NY 12184
bebcsc@hotmail.com
(518) 784-9481
