Celebrations

Feast days and religious celebrations are an integral part of the life of a Holy Cross Brother.  We were very fortunate this year in that we celebrated both the Solemnity of St. Joseph and Easter within a few weeks of each other. 

On March 19, over 25 Holy Cross members - brothers, priests, and friends - gathered to pray at Holy Cross High School in Queens.  The Holy Cross Brothers were originally founded by Fr. Jacques Dujuarie in France in 1820.  At that time we were known as the "Brothers of St. Joseph."  It was Fr. Moreau's unique vision that the Brothers should be united with an auxiliary group of priests that he had established, forming in 1837 the Congregation of Holy Cross.  He placed the Brothers under the patronage of St. Joseph, for whom they were named.  To this day, following the advice of Blessed Bro. Andre - "Ite ad Joseph" or "Go to Joseph" - we continue to pray daily for Joseph's guidance, strength and perseverence in all that we do. 

A few weeks later, a group of Brothers here in my community attended services for Holy Week and the Triduum in local parishes.  Each year we return to the chapel at St. John's University for the Easter Vigil.  I have included here a clip of the Exultet or Easter Proclamation.  Who could not be inspired by our Catholic faith as the cantor sings of God's glorious achievements for our salvation!?

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!

Exult, all creation around God's throne!

Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!

Sound the trumpet of salvation!