The Congregation of Holy Cross
The Congregation of Holy Cross is a community of vowed men within the Catholic Church embracing their charism "Educators in the Faith" and spirituality "The Cross Our Only Hope." Dedicated to the service of others through pastoral work in parishes and education in schools, the Congregation traces its origin to the period following the French Revolution (1789). This era saw the collapse of France's educational system, yet Holy Cross rose to educate people as a way to overcome the injustices of the time.
In 1820, Fr. James Dujarie founded a group of brothers to teach in parish schools. Around 1835, Fr. Basil Moreau joined with a group of priests to formally establish the Congregation of Holy Cross. The congregation rapidly spread to Africa (Algeria) and North America (United States and Canada) in the 1840s, and to Western Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1852.
In 1958, Holy Cross came to Fort Portal, Uganda, though its work was mostly restricted to that area until moving to Nairobi in 1978. At that time, the congregation began admitting East Africans to its ranks.
The Founding of Lake View SSS
The need to educate young seminarians and brothers in 1990 led to the establishment of the Philosophical Centre in Jinja. It was at this time that Holy Cross was given a parish in Bugembe. The first parish priest was the late Fr. Robert Hesse, C.S.C., who had been in the very first group of Holy Cross members to come to Uganda in 1958.
Fr. Hesse and Br. Paul Kasande, C.S.C. saw the urgent need for secondary education in the Bugembe area. Although Wanyange Girls, Busoga College Mwiri, and M.M. Wairaka College existed, they were not accessible to local people due to high competition and high school fees.
On 23rd February 1993, the school opened as an O-level day school with just one classroom and fifty-one Senior One students. Sr. Mary Louise Whaler, C.S.C. was the first headmistress.
Each year, another group was admitted, and another classroom built. Due to pressure from parents, a hostel was opened in 1995, and the school began its transition from day to boarding. UNEB granted an O-level center on 8th August 1995.
When the pioneer students sat in 1996, a "miracle" happened. Lake View S.S. was listed among the best fifty schools in Uganda — a testament to the dedication of the founders, staff, and students.
St. Andre Bessette, C.S.C. — Our Heavenly Patron
Br. Andre Bessette, C.S.C., born in 1845, was a humble and sickly man who never finished primary school. He was assigned to a large Holy Cross boarding secondary school in Montreal, Canada, and for forty years served humbly as a porter. Mostly, he prayed.
People were attracted by his kindness, and he was blessed with the gift of healing. He had a special devotion to St. Joseph, and with time a huge church called St. Joseph's Oratory was built on the hill opposite the school. When he died in January 1937, over one million people came to pay respects despite the very cold weather.
St. Andre is a "special friend" of Holy Cross Lake View SSS! All our achievements are attributed to St. Andre from 1996 to date. The school hall is named Andre Hall, and we have a club named Bro. Andre Vocation Club, nurturing young people to follow in his footsteps of humble service and unwavering faith.
Key Milestones
Foundation of Holy Cross Brothers
Fr. James Dujarie founds a group of brothers to teach in parish schools.
Formal Establishment
Fr. Basil Moreau formally establishes the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Holy Cross Arrives in Uganda
The Congregation comes to Fort Portal, Uganda, beginning its mission in East Africa.
18th October 1992
Historic meeting rallies support for a new secondary school in Bugembe.
23rd February 1993
School opens with one classroom and 51 students. Sr. Mary Louise Whaler becomes first headmistress.
Hostel Opens
School begins transitioning from day to boarding. UNEB grants O-level center status.
The "Miracle" Year
Lake View S.S. is listed among the best fifty schools in Uganda.
Incorporation
School is incorporated under the sponsorship of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Development Plan
A plan for physical development is drawn. Br. John Flood, C.S.C., takes leadership.
New Campus Vision
A development plan is structured to build a new campus on "Musiima land."
8th March 2019
New girls' dormitory (capacity 600) opened on International Women's Day.
Silver Jubilee Complex
Dining hall, kitchen, canteen, and conference hall completed.
Leadership Succession
Each leader has contributed uniquely to the school's growth, preserving the Holy Cross charism of educating minds, hearts, and bodies.
Campus Development
Under the leadership of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the school has witnessed tremendous physical development. A 500-capacity boys' dormitory has been completed, and a new girls' dormitory (capacity 600) was opened on 8th March 2019. A new classroom and administration block with modern laboratories now includes a library space with capacity for 2,000 students.
The Silver Jubilee Complex — featuring dining hall, kitchen, canteen, and conference hall — was completed in 2020. Parents partnered with the Congregation by contributing 20% of the construction cost. Teachers' staff housing (twelve self-contained apartments) was completed and is already occupied.
The second phase of staff housing, the CSC men's community house, and playground construction are in progress. Future priorities include the chapel, second wing of dormitories, rainwater harvesting tanks, and upgrading the solar system.
As the school focuses on its preferred future, these priorities remain at the heart of our development: completing the chapel, expanding dormitory wings, ensuring water sustainability, and upgrading renewable energy systems. Per Scientiam Ad Serviendum — Education for Service.