Extraordinary Lives, Bringing Hope to Others

Congregation of Holy Cross Celebrates 50 Years in East Africa
Holy Cross Brothers blog about their travels to Uganda,
Tanzania and Kenya to mark Golden Jubilee

     New Rochelle, NY, January 26, 2009 — The Congregation of Holy Cross’ District of East Africa celebrated 50 years of mission and ministry this year. To mark the momentous occasion, several Holy Cross Brothers traveled to East Africa for an Anniversary Mass and celebrations on January 3 and 4, followed by a three-week tour of Holy Cross ministries in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

     Entitled, “Jon and Bill’s Excellent Adventure,” the two brothers posted updates, as Internet connection allowed, on the work being done by Holy Cross brothers and priests in East Africa. Their travels took them from a boarding school that’s raising the standard of living for students in Jinja, Uganda to a Holy Cross parish in Dandora, Nairobi where a two-hour liturgy was conducted all in Swahili. “I just sat there and was amazed at the beautiful singing, drum playing and prayerfulness of the people,” blogged Brother Jon.

     For Brother Bill, the trip was a return home of sorts — he spent 10 years in East Africa and had the opportunity to see how Holy Cross mission and community has developed, “…it was impressive as always to hear about what they are doing,” he blogged after re-connecting with four members of the of Holy Cross community. “Br. Cleophas and Fr. Aristedes were with me when I lived in Dandora. I would like to take credit for what they have done, but it simply is that they are wonderful CSC’s with a real desire for ministry and concern for the people.”

     The Congregation of Holy Cross established its presence in East Africa in 1958 with four Holy Cross priests serving in Fort Portal, Uganda. Over the course of the next five decades, scores of Holy Cross brothers, priests, and sisters would transform the lives and situations of thousands in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. They even inspired Catholics in East Africa who felt called to religious life. Today, 90 percent of the Holy Cross religious serving in East Africa are from East Africa.

     Throughout 2009, the Congregation will continue to mark the 50th anniversary of the District of East Africa. Keep checking our home page for updates.

Brother Cleophas Kyomuhendo, C.S.C District of East Africa	Brother Jonathan Beebe, C.S.C. (left) and Brother Alan Harrod, C.S.C. (right) at that Anniversary Mass, celebrating 50 years of Holy Cross mission and ministry in East Africa.	One of many Golden Jubilee celebrations.