The month of August was marked by special moments at the Holy Cross Socio-Educational Center (CESSC). Among the various activities organized with the children and adolescents in our care, two experiences stood out for providing opportunities for formation, fellowship, sharing, and a deeper connection with the life and mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
GETTING TO KNOW A RELIGIOUS OF HOLY CROSS
As part of Vocational Month, CESSC organized the event “Getting to Know a Religious of Holy Cross,” giving participants the opportunity to learn more about the life, vocation, and mission of a religious from the Congregation.
The guest for this interview and conversation was Father José Soares, CSC, affectionately known to everyone as Fr. Júnior. He currently oversees the PESC and CESSC projects, in addition to serving as Coordinator of the Vocational Center of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Northeast Brazil and as Parish Vicar of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, administered by the Congregation of Holy Cross.
During the meeting, the children and teenagers had the opportunity to learn a little more about his vocational journey, his experience as a religious and priest, and his missionary work. More than just learning about roles and responsibilities, the event brought them closer to the religious vocation itself—understood as a response to God’s call and a willingness to place one’s life at the service of others.
The activity also helped spark an important reflection among the participants: every person is called to discover their vocation and to find a way to put their gifts to work in building a more fraternal, just, and compassionate world.
A SPECIAL VISIT FROM THE CONGREGATION OF HOLY CROSS
Also during the month of August, CESSC had the joy of welcoming Brother Steph LaMendola, CSC, Provincial of the Congregation of Holy Cross, accompanied by his Assistant, Brother Richard Critz, CSC.
The presence of the religious brothers provided a meaningful opportunity for encounter and fellowship. The Brothers were able to gain a closer understanding of the reality of CESSC, share some of their experiences of leadership and mission within the Congregation, and, above all, interact in a simple and warm way with the children and adolescents served by the project.
As a gesture of welcome, the children and teens prepared a brief musical performance to greet the visitors. The gathering, however, took on an even more spontaneous tone when Brother Steph himself decided to share a musical experience with the children and teens, teaching them a song in English.
Amid smiles, music, curiosity, and active participation, that moment became a true experience of cultural and fraternal exchange. The simplicity of the activity showed that education also takes place through the encounters and relationships built in everyday life.
EDUCATING HEARTS AND MINDS
The experiences lived during the month of August reaffirm that the work carried out at CESSC goes beyond the implementation of socio-educational activities. Each encounter can become an opportunity for human, spiritual, cultural, and community formation.
By bringing those we serve closer to the religious of Holy Cross, CESSC also enables children and adolescents to get to know, in a tangible way, men who have chosen to dedicate their lives to mission, education, evangelization, and service.
Thus, through conversation, music, hospitality, and the sharing of experiences, we continue to strengthen the mission of Holy Cross and help our children and adolescents understand that they, too, possess gifts, dreams, and possibilities capable of transforming their own lives and the reality around them.
