OUR HISTORY

We are a Congregation of Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross united in the mission of Jesus. We give witness and service to humanity, especially in the care of the sick, the elderly, individuals with intellectual disabilities, in hospital and nursing homes and Pastoral care.

As a religious community of men, we look to the example of Saint Francis. St. Francis discovered the face of Jesus in the suffering condition of humanity, that of the leper. So we, as his Brothers, follow Jesus in our daily life leading to fulfillment and service.

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Our religious congregation was founded in Germany, by Brother James Wirth in 1862. He felt called by God to live a religious life in the Franciscan Tradition. The Holy Cross Chapel was the founding place of the community and opened the way for what was and continues to be and religious community of religious Brothers, praying, living in community and in caring service to those in need. The Franciscan lifestyle is of particular importance in the founding of the community. The name then of the Congregation: Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross. our Motto in Latin is: “In Cruce Victoria“, which means, “In the Cross is Victory.

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OUR MISSION

As members of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, we strive to live Gospel values inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and guided by the life and rule of our founder Brother James Wirth.  Our mission is to be of service to the Church and the people of God by providing care in a joyful giving of self to the sick, the suffering and those in need.

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OUR VISION

We, the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, choose to live a fraternal life based on Gospel values in the prophetic spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and of our founder, Brother James Wirth.  With Jesus Christ as our Brother, we live as Brothers with one another, with the entire human family, and with all creation.  Calling ourselves and one another to continuous conversion of heart based on trust, we commit ourselves to a life of Brotherhood: simplicity, poverty and humility.

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