Group Plans Pilgrimage to 2024 March for Life at Holy Cross

On the chilly morning of January 18, a group from the College of the Holy Cross embarked on a journey that would lead them to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. The journey began with a significant milestone - the first student Mass offered in the sacred space of the new Jesuit community residence.

Led by Fr. Jim Hayes, S.J., the group, which included seven students and two priests, braved the cold temperatures with high spirits. After the Mass, they boarded two vans and set off for the capital.

Meanwhile, back on campus, Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., the president of the College of the Holy Cross, made a surprise announcement during his fall address. He revealed his intention to retire at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year.

In a bid to reaffirm the mission of the College, Rev. Boroughs also announced the start of the Mission Priority Examen on campus, scheduled for September 14. This initiative, an Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) development, aims to reaffirm the mission of the College.

The Mission Priority Examen was introduced to the campus community in a letter, sent on March 13. The letter also announced the departure of Rev. William R. Campbell, S.J., '87, who has been the Vice President for Mission at Holy Cross. Fr. Campbell has been appointed as the director of the Eastern Point Retreat House.

On the same weekend, a group from Holy Cross attended the Cardinal O'Connor Conference on Life at Georgetown University. They were joined by the Sisters of Life during one of the events. Fr. Jim Hayes, S.J. presided, and Fr. John Gavin, S.J. concelebrated at the Mass.

The conference, one of the largest student-run, pro-life conferences in the United States, marked a significant event in the College's commitment to life. The students also participated in Life Fest at the D.C. Armory, which included Mass, a rally, and the March.

Seven students and two priests from the College of the Holy Cross participated in the 2024 National March for Life, adding another chapter to the College's ongoing mission. Despite the changes, the spirit of Holy Cross remains steadfast, guided by its mission to educate students in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.