I am from Baskouré parish in Burkina Faso, Western Africa. While discerning my vocation, I felt attracted to the Sisters of Holy Cross because of their simple lifestyle, their openness to the world and their charism of liberating education which is at the heart of their various ministries. Presently I am in Mali, in the Diocese of Sikasso. I work at the Holy Cross Centre for Students. This centre offers a safe environment where adolescent girls can further their studies and personal development. Yvonne (Afrique de l'Quest)

I was born in Lima, Peru. I had the desire to be a religious since I was a young girl. One thing that attracted me to enter the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross was their commitment with the people. Through my life, my thoughts, actions and words, I dream of witnessing a liberating Jesus. I want to help the poorest people claim their dignity, overcome adversity and find happiness. With God's help, "who makes all things good" and Mary, to whom I have entrusted my life since childhood, I am sure that this dream will come true! Mary-Esther (Peru)

Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to give my life to God to serve the little ones of our society. When I met Holy Cross I knew that with them I would be able to realize my dream. I chose Holy Cross because of their way of working with the poor, whether children, women or youth. Often these people are not treated with respect and dignity, nor are they recognized as having rights as human beings.

This spirit of service, which characterizes Holy Cross, motivated me even more in my own option to follow Jesus. Despite the challenges and adversities, I feel strengthened and encouraged to continue my journey. Holy Cross is recognized for being open to different cultures, without distinction of race, ideology or social condition. The Congregation values each person and helps each one develop their gifts to better serve humanity. All this helps me to continue in Holy Cross with all that I am and will become. As a member, I am evermore willing to better serve the most needy. Lucia Ccalli

I was born and raised in the northern department of the Amazonas in Peru. Since I was a child, I wanted to b come a religious and work with the poorest of my people. When I came to Live, I met Sister Francesca Biondi and through her, I cam to know the Sisters of Holy Cross. After my first vows, I was invited to go to Haiti for a mission experience. At first, I felt resistance within me, for I did not want to leave Peru. When I look back now, I realize that this time spent outside of my own country opened me up and gave me a broader vision of the whole congregation. I worked for one year in the Congregation's hospital called "Hope" in Pilate. That experience marked me deeply, especially our sisters' dedication and commitment to the Haitian people. Vilma Arévalo Torres

My name is Guerda. I made my first vows two years ago. In my own milieu, I was a very committed person, a woman of faith and zeal, a woman of audacity to face the struggles of life. I had a passion to work with the destitute. I chose religious life to live the evangelical values through the gifts that God has given me. I chose Holy Cross because of the openness of the sisters and because I discovered in them a great freedom. I also recognize myself in the charism of this Congregation. I deeply felt that Hly Cross could help me to put my gifts at the service of the Church and to grow according to the will of God. Marie Guerda (Haiti)

What makes my heart sing in Holy Cross is to give myself totally to God at the service of others without distinction. This fills me with much joy and satisfaction. God is already living in me and I in God. that is why I can continue to say "YES" each day to my call. I feel that religious life is a life long commitment which is bigger than each one of us living out our individual option; we witness to this option by the way we live, the manner we pray and most of all by our shared experience of God.

What drew me to Holy Cross was the way we live close to the people, our prayer life, our community life and also our charism of education for liberation. Our particular mission which involves working with women, with youth and with children is very meaningful to me.

I feel called by god to follow in this path and it fill me with pace and tranquility. That is why I am with Holy Cross; God has given me this gift and I want to give my life to God in all confidence at the service of others, especially the most needy. I want to be a humble and simple presence to them. Esmeralda Merma Camacho

To be a part of Holy Cross is to live as a family, in community and to be close to the God's people, especially the most simple and humble. On a daily basis, we share the responsibilities and respect one another in our differences, culturally and in other aspects.

We accept on another just as we are!

Thank you, God, for the gift of my vocation and my call to Holy Cross! Judith Arocutipa

I had a happy home life as a child. I studied to become an aesthetician and I was passionate about my work, because it helped me see beauty in each person. But an emptiness inside made me yearn for something else. In my search I found a God who loves me profoundly. Seduced by this unconditional love, I chose to offer myself as a Sister of Holy Cross and help build a world full of love and justice. Presently, I work with young people who also thirst for God and who are searching for deeper meaning in their lives. i have gone from embellishing exterior beauty to enhancing people's interior beauty! I love what I do and I am happy for the support I receive from my sisters as I journey on ths new road! Hang (Canada)

For me, to be part of Holy Cross is a gift from God. Holy Cross is a place and a way which leads me to encounter the Beloved. I must first and foremost immerse myself in the Spirit and dwell in the Blessed Heart of Jesus. I am then invited by Jesus to serve the poorest and most forgotten of God's people and to form with them and amongst them true union of hearts. Marlene Lázaro Astete