Sisters of the Holy Cross (1844-) (Notre Dame, IN)

Biographical

The Sisters of the Holy Cross, based in Notre Dame, Indiana, are a Roman Catholic community of women dedicated to global service in education, healthcare, and social justice. Their motherhouse is situated at Saint Mary's College.

The story of the congregation begins in Le Mans, France, where Father Basil Anthony Moreau established it in 1841. This was part of a larger family of the Holy Cross that includes sisters, brothers, and priests.

In 1843, four sisters made their way to northern Indiana. Their mission was to support the Holy Cross priests and brothers who were in the process of founding what would later become the University of Notre Dame. However, it wasn't long before the sisters realized their primary passion lay in education. In 1844, they opened a school in Bertrand, Michigan, which eventually relocated to its present site near Notre Dame and evolved into Saint Mary's College.

During the U.S. Civil War, the sisters earned national acclaim for their remarkable service as nurses on the battlefield. Out of the 160 sisters in the U.S. at the time, 65 jumped into action, providing care for the sick and wounded, and they played a pioneering role, laying the groundwork for what would become the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.

In 1869, the U.S. branch of the Sisters of the Holy Cross achieved a significant milestone by becoming an autonomous congregation, separating from the French motherhouse, which solidified their independent mission and identity.

Places

• Indiana (state) (Residence)