The Congregation of Holy Cross has been at the Oratory of Saint Joseph of Mount Royal since its founding by Brother Andre. Over 30 brothers, sisters and priests of Holy Cross minister together here in service to the church.

 

Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau founded the Congregation in the town of Saint Croix (Holy Cross), `near Le Mans, France, during the troubled period following the French Revolution. In response to the pressing needs of the time, he assembled a band of priests for the purpose of preaching parish missions. Father Moreau also wanted his "auxiliary priests" to be educators as well.

 

In 1835, he agreed to become director of the Brothers of Saint Joseph, founded 15 years earlier by Father Jacques François Dujarié. The brothers served chiefly as teachers in primary schools in rural areas. Moreau decided to unite the priests and the brothers into one fellowship to supply the pastoral and educational needs of the French church. In 1838, Father Moreau gave a rule of life to a small group of women who provided domestic service to the priests and brothers. Eventually he directed them toward teaching.

 

Within the first 15 years of its existence the Congregation extended its field of service to other countries in Europe, Africa, North America, and the Bengal (today India and Bangladesh). This was how the Congregation came to establish schools in Quebec, and how Brother Andre came to work as porter at the College Notre-Dame before building his first tiny chapel in honour of Saint Joseph.