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 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. This commitment extends to Justice and Peace ministry with a preferential option for the poor.
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. Over the years, the Congregation has also spread to Peru, Chile, Brazil, Haiti, India, and Ghana, opening parishes and schools — primary, secondary, and universities — in these countries.
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, in collaboration with the Missionaries of Africa ("White Fathers"). It was at this time that Holy Cross was given a parish in Bugembe by Bishop Willgers, MHM (RIP). 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.
Fr. Hesse and Br. Paul organized the local people and rallied their support for the project at a meeting of parishioners, LCs, local educators, and other interested people held on 18th October 1992. Contributions were made in cash and kind. Volunteer labor was obtained.
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., of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, was the first headmistress. She led the school as a true educator in faith, embracing the Holy Cross charism by educating the minds, hearts, and bodies of the learners.
Each year, another group was admitted, and another classroom built. Due to pressure from parents who "knew a good thing when they saw it," 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, setting the stage for the first sitting the following year.
When the pioneer students sat in 1996, a "miracle" happened. When the results were issued, 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 (doorkeeper). He also did simple jobs like giving haircuts to students, mopping floors, and filling lanterns. Mostly, he prayed.
People were attracted by his kindness, and he was blessed with the gift of healing. With time, more and more people sought him out. He had a special devotion to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, and with time a huge church called St. Joseph's Oratory was built on the hill opposite the school. The Oratory is still visited by millions of pilgrims each year. 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 — a place of prayer, assemblies, group discussions, and all formal gatherings. Today, 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 in Our Journey
18th October 1992
Historic meeting of parishioners, LCs, local educators, and community members rallies support for a new secondary school.
23rd February 1993
School opens as an O-level day school with one classroom and 51 Senior One students. Sr. Mary Louise Whaler, C.S.C., becomes first headmistress.
Hostel Opens
Due to parent demand, a hostel opens and the school begins transitioning from day to boarding. UNEB grants O-level center status on 8th August.
The "Miracle" Year
Pioneer students sit for UNEB; Lake View S.S. is listed among the best fifty schools in Uganda.
Separation from Parish
The school is separated from the parish and incorporated under the sponsorship and administration of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Development Plan
A plan for physical development is drawn. Sr. Mary Louise retires; Br. John Flood, C.S.C., takes leadership.
New Campus Vision
Due to persistent water drainage challenges, a development plan is structured to build a new campus. Property "Musiima land" is procured.
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 — with parents partnering by contributing 20% of construction costs.
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 & Future Vision
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 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Fine Art, Food & Nutrition, and Computer Science) now includes a good library space with capacity for 2,000 students at a ratio of 50 students per class.
The Silver Jubilee Complex — featuring dining hall, kitchen, canteen, and conference hall — was completed in 2020. This Jubilee is unique because parents are partnering with the Congregation of Holy Cross by contributing 20% of the total construction cost. Teachers' staff housing (twelve self-contained apartments) was completed early this year 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 boys' and girls' 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.