Family & Community
The Congregation of Holy Cross, patterned after the Holy Family and built on a model of community life and sensibility, can be seen as a family. Like any family, it brings together people of different generations, interests, temperaments, and talents so that they can eat with each other, converse with each other, learn and teach with each other, support each other, and serve God together through their differences and similarities. From this family, all members go forth to collaborate with others in a spirit of service and ministry.
Who are some of the seminarians in the process of discernment right now? You can meet them at vocation.nd.edu/seminary/meet-the-seminarians.
Brother-scholastics preparing for the life of a Holy Cross brother can be found through the websites:
Take the international overview of Holy Cross vocations by exploring this online newsletter.
If you were to be part of a Holy Cross community somewhere in the world, you might be “part of the family” with people such as these:
Father Lenard Collins, C.S.C.
Position: Director of the Candidate Program in Mexico
Location: Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Date of Birth: Sept. 13, 1942
In his 33 years as a priest, Father Lenard Collins has been involved with inner city and minority ministries. Underlying his many and varied positions is his desire to minister to the poor and less fortunate.
“I went to the City of St. Jude in Montgomery, Ala. as an associate pastor, but ended up doing that and teaching in the high school as well as working in the grade school. I even drove the school bus for athletic activities.”
Here is his story . . .
During high school, I felt I had a vocation to be a priest and the road to the seminary was simple, since my uncle, A. Leonard Collins, was a Holy Cross priest at the University of Notre Dame. I was born the year he was ordained, and so my name: Leonard James Collins.
I graduated from Notre Dame in 1965 and received an M.A. in theology from Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C., in 1968. There, I began working in the African American community. I was ordained on April 12, 1969.
Community Organizing as a Means to Social Justice
My first assignment was as an associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church in New Orleans. I started an outreach program to the black community and also began some community organizing. Three years later I went to the City of St. Jude in Montgomery, Ala. This diocesan project included a parish, grade school, high school, social service center, hospital, and nursing school, all about 99 percent African American. I went as an associate pastor, but ended up doing that and teaching in the high school as well as working in the grade school. I even drove the school bus for athletic activities.
After five years in Montgomery, I served as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Houston. It was an inner-city parish about 80 percent Mexican American, 10 percent African American, and 10 percent undocumented. There, I became involved with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) and community organizing on a bigger scale. To this day, I am convinced that the IAF way of community organizing is the best way to go for real social justice change on a parish level.
Shift from Parish Ministry to Internal Ministry
After nearly 17 years of parish ministry, I moved to Holy Cross High School in San Antonio to begin our province’s theological formation program. In 1988, I was elected provincial and served nine years as provincial. My time as provincial had many rewards. I attended and participated in the Council of the Congregation and saw how international Holy Cross is and what a blessing we are to the Church. During one meeting in Rome, we concelebrated Mass with the Pope in his chapel. During another meeting in Ghana, we toured a slave castle in Elmina.
Starting Something New in a New Land
Now, I am in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon. My council and I thought we could take our founder as an example and start something new in a new land for us. Father Moreau sent men and women off to North America when there were real needs in France. We did the same. It seems to be paying off. We have two Mexicans in vows, three in the novitiate, and six in the candidate house, with about 40 seeking admission.
I also help out in La Luz Parish, which is a Holy Cross parish. There is an interesting story here, as well. Five years ago, Sto. Tomas Moro Parish just became too big to handle. So the archbishop divided the parish and gave us the choice of which part we wanted. We opted for the poorer part, even though we had put a lot of Holy Cross money into the living space at Sto. Tomas Moro. This has made quite an impression on the diocesan clergy, who originally thought the American priests were coming to Mexico to rest and play golf.
Romuald Fresnais
Position: Training for the priesthood
Location: Paris, France
Date of Birth: August 26, 1979
Romuald Fresnais is a young man just beginning his journey with the Congregation of the Holy Cross. His life-long desire to serve God is being fulfilled in a community that is supportive and joyful. He looks forward to being a leader at a Christian camp for youth this summer.
“After two years as a postulant and novice, and after these first years of religious life and seminary training, I can testify that it truly is possible to give your life to God today, with joy. The Holy Cross is a special place and I thank God for putting this religious family in my path.”
Here is his story . . .
As a child, my main desire had been the priesthood. I was an altar boy on Sundays, in my little village of only 300 people in the northwest of France. My father was a locomotive engineer, and my mother, after being a homemaker, eventually went to work in a medical center for the handicapped.
Pastor is Mentor
On a retreat, I realized that I owed a great deal to my pastor, a priest of the diocese of Angers, whom I appreciated for his closeness, his good humor, and at the same time his seriousness. I wanted to be like him. I wanted to be a priest and serve God and my brothers.
Learns about Holy Cross while Attending Catholic School
My education continued at a Catholic secondary school in a nearby town. It was there that I first encountered the Holy Cross. I was preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation with others of my age, and a young Holy Cross father was in charge of our training.
After our Confirmation, this priest organized a trip to Lourdes, in July 1993. It was wonderful to see so many young people praying, singing, laughing, and eating—especially in this Marian city. Up till then, the rural parishes of France had been better depicted by gray hair than by the hair of these young people. The trip reminded me that young people are also loved by God and members of His church.
Reunion with Holy Cross Fills Void
For two years, I lost touch with the priest who accompanied us on the trip. Then in 1995, I learned that he was planning another trip for the following summer—again, to Lourdes. I signed up, and I revived all the feelings that had been missing in the two intervening years. I would no longer lose sight of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. I loved visiting one of their communities, at the secondary school in Notre-Dame d’Orveau. I was especially struck by their joy, their piety, and their closeness. Finally, I understood that my place was with them.
Postulancy and Novitiate Brings Enrichment and Enlightenment
After passing my secondary school exams in 1997, I asked to be admitted as a postulant. On Aug. 29, 1998, I entered the novitiate. I have kept many fond memories of this year of discernment, in which I learned what the religious life means: community life, contact with students, catechism classes, daily Mass, Rosary, the Divine Office. Father Pascal, the novice master, helped us understand the meaning of religious life and convinced me that it was with the Holy Cross that I could give my life to God and to my brothers.
Religious Vows Professed; Religious Life and Study Begins
On Aug. 29, 1999, I professed my first religious vows before Father Jean-Marie Esnault, provincial of France, and before many brothers and friends who filled the chapel at Orveau. Some weeks later, my training shifted to the scholasticate in Paris. Now, I am training for the priesthood at the interdiocesan seminary at Issy-les-Moulineaux, in the southwest of Paris, where Father Moreau, himself, had studied.
Brother Kenneth Kunditani
Date of Birth: 1963
Location: Ghana, West Africa
Although Brother Kenneth Kunditani always dreamed of becoming a priest, making the final decision was difficult. He wanted to succeed and become respected for his wealth, but at the same time he knew that these things would not bring the happiness and fulfillment that he desired.
“It took me a long time to begin to understand that God alone could fill the empty space within me. In me was a “holy ground” meant for God and God alone.”
Here is his story . . .
As a young boy and an altar boy, all that was on my mind was to become a priest. After completing middle school in 1977, my mother wanted me to go to St. Basilide Vocational Institute to learn cabinet making and carpentry. I wondered, how could a carpenter become a priest?
In reality, my mother could not afford to pay my fees at the secondary school. None of my relations was ready to assist either. At my age, I thought the only way to be a priest was to go through secondary school.
Following in the Footsteps of Young Seminarians
I was so impressed by the young seminarians in my parish. I respected them so much and strongly desired to be one of them. I cultivated almost all of their ways of life at a very early age, but then I was influenced by the worldly life after school. I then realized that there was a great vacuum in my life that needed to be filled.
Worldly Ambitions Leads to Restlessness
I have always been as ambitious as anyone else, and I believed that I had the talent and the guts to get anything I wanted. But somewhere deep inside me, there was a feeling that something was missing. There was an empty space within me, which nothing could fill. This brought about a feeling of restlessness.
I felt invited to turn away from worldly concerns. This was the only way I could find myself fulfilled. I took my Christian obligations seriously, but because I saw a promising future ahead of me, I could not see myself in a religious habit. This left me even more confused than before, because I also wanted to allow God to fill the space within me.
Abandoning Ambitions Brings Fulfillment and Happiness
I became preoccupied with thoughts of joining a religious order. At the same time, I wanted to succeed and become someone respected for my wealth. The recognition that the only way I can be truly happy and self-fulfilled is to abandon all those ambitions for a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience became stronger. That was a very difficult moment in my life. But, with the guidance of some very unique people, and through prayerful reflection, I have found the courage.
Father Genaro Aguilar
Position: Counselor and Teacher
Location: Stonehill College, North Easton, Mass.
Date of Birth: 1953
As a teacher and counselor, Father Genaro P. Aguilar looks forward to his fifth birthday and his future endeavors with the Congregation of Holy Cross.
“The diversity of students, as well as the diversity of student issues, electrified my work, and I was daily energized by the challenges of life in a major city. All my experiences have been filled with wonder and the ever-present face of God. It is the face of God that presents itself to me in students, parishioners, colleagues, friends, and family.”
Here is his story . . .
Reaching the age of 50 has caused me to reflect on my life and the wonder-filled experiences that have come to me through my commitment to the Congregation of Holy Cross and the congregation’s commitment to me.
Originally from San Antonio, I came to the Congregation after studying theology at the University of Notre Dame. After my graduation in 1977, I was faced with several years in regency, continuing my formation and preparing for final vows and ordination. This preparation took me to Bennington, Vt., where I was a novitiate; Bridgeport, Conn., where I was a teacher at Notre Dame High School; and Saco, Me., where I served as a deacon at Most Holy Trinity. After my ordination in 1983, I returned to teach at Holy Cross in Waterbury and Immaculate High School in Danbury.
Feeling Called to Do More
While teaching had been an incredible experience, I felt called to offer my students something more. Heeding this call, I attended Boston College School of Social Work and, after graduation in 1989, I remained in Boston for several years providing community mental health services to Boston Public School.
Most of my work in Boston Public School was done completely in Spanish. And, while in this ministry, neither the students nor the faculty knew that I was a religious. I am completely convinced that this lack of information on their part liberated me to experience ministry on a totally different level.
In 1995, I moved to Coyle/Cassidy High School in Taunton, Mass., where I worked in the school’s guidance program. This school continues to recognize the enormous contribution the Holy Cross Brothers have made to the Taunton area and to their institution.
Today, I work in Stonehill College’s Counseling and Testing Center. I have been here for four years, enjoying my interaction with students, faculty and staff, while also enjoying my work within a Holy Cross setting.
Vocation Is a Gift from God
The face of God—a face that sustains, nurtures, and challenges me—continues to be ever-present in the variety of ministries in which I serve. For that I will be forever grateful. I also give thanks to God for my vocation in the Congregation of Holy Cross, and I give thanks for everything the Congregation has offered me. Turning 50 may be a source of stress, but as a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, I look forward to what lies ahead.
Brother John Britto, C.S.C.
Date of Birth: 1963
Position: Principal, Holy Cross Secondary School
Location: Salem, India
Brother John Britto grew up in a house very close to a church. Today the church is his home, and he takes pride in his work as educator in Salem, India.
“My vocation to religious life through the congregation of Holy Cross is the most prized event in my life. I am proud to be a brother in the Congregation of Holy Cross, doing the works that pleases God and benefits humanity.”
Here is his story . . .
I come from an ordinary village in the suburbs of Salem District in the State of Tamil Nadu, and was born of simple, but pious, parents in a family of five children. Because my house was located about 200 feet from the church, I was able to enjoy the privilege of attending daily Mass.
Early Desire to Become a Religious Is Realized
I attended a Catholic primary school run by nuns and then a high school run by the diocesan priests. During this time, I had the fortune of associating with Holy Cross brothers who were working in the neighboring parish. Having decided from early on to become a religious, the brothers’ invitation to join them in the juniorate was very timely. After completing two years in juniorate, I was called to Bangalore for two years. Then I moved on to Madras (now called Chennai) to be in the postulancy for three years.
It was in 1984–85 that I joined my novitiate perched on a beautiful mountain. May 30th was a day to remember, as it is on that day that I professed my first vows. Then, it was time for the post novitiate program, which took me to several places for various studies and experiences.
Work and Study to Please God and Benefit Humanity
After completing my theology degree in 1990, I joined the staff postulancy in Madras, where I had the privilege of serving our candidates for five years. In 1995, I was shifted to another formation house in Salem, which is located close to the school run by the brothers. This close proximity provided me with opportunities to be involved in the school as well as the rural development work of the brothers.
In June 2000, I bid farewell to formation works, to be involved full-time in the school.
Brother Alan Harrod
Position: Vocations Director
Location: Uganda, East Africa
Date of Birth: 1943
Brother Alan Harrod joined Holy Cross when he was 18. Now in his late 40s, he appreciates the opportunities provided by Holy Cross to work with young people both in the United States and in Africa. No matter where he is, he finds that the youthful enthusiasm of his students keeps him feeling young.
“We had no language labs, overhead projectors, or even textbooks. But those kids were so hungry to learn that the chalkboard—and I—sufficed.”
Here is his story . . .
I joined Holy Cross as an 18-year-old. The ink was barely dry on my high school diploma! When I finished my bachelor’s degree, I was assigned to Holy Cross High School in Flushing. I was one of the youngest brothers on the faculty and barely older than some of my students.
I stayed at Holy Cross for six-and-a-half years. Those first years were not easy—at one point, I had six classes a day with 45 students in each class. But, the hard work was offset by the enthusiasm that comes from being surrounded by youth.
No Matter What Age—It’s the Attitude That Counts
In 1972, I was asked by the provincial superior to go to Washington, D.C., as director of the local community. I also began a wonderful career of 17 years at Mackin High School. I began as a young man of 29 and ended as a middle-aged man of 46. But, I was always around young people, full of enthusiasm. I also worked with homebound and elderly parishioners at St. Augustine’s Parish. I learned from the elders I ministered to that years aren’t so important. It is a positive attitude that counts.
My time at Mackin ended when the school closed. In my last four years there, I worked as vice principal and director of studies. Because of the troubles caused by the drug epidemic in Washington and other social problems caused by poverty and racism, I found that most of the school day was spent counseling students. My administrative work had to wait for weekends and evenings. The closing of Mackin was very difficult, but then came another call to work with youth—this time in East Africa.
Following a Call to Teach and Serve Youth in Africa
During the 1989–90 academic year, I went on sabbatical. A wonderful part of that sabbatical was a visit to Uganda. It was a new beginning for me in a place just brimming with youth and energy. In Uganda, a man of 46 years is an elder. Young people have great respect for elders and that has helped me to be a bit “youthful” myself.
I spent a year in Fort Portal and enjoyed teaching French to high school students. We had no language labs, overhead projectors, or even textbooks. But those kids were so hungry to learn that the chalkboard and I sufficed. Then I was asked to go to Jinja, Uganda, as director of the candidacy program for Holy Cross. It was a wonderful seven years. The youthful enthusiasm of our students and candidates kept me feeling young, at least on the inside.
After that assignment, I was asked to assume the duties of vocations director for the Congregation in East Africa. Now, I feel a little like the “Pied Piper” sometimes because lots of people in East Africa want to see the vocations director. I have visits from young people in the parish almost every day. And, I do a lot of visiting myself. My work is fulfilling because there are fine young men who want to join Holy Cross and serve the Lord.
Sometimes, after a long journey, I will admit to feeling a bit tired. But, the young people I meet and serve still energize me.
