By: Austin Vidal
This article was inspired by the Tricentennial anniversary of the foundation of New Orleans. New Orleans is one of the greatest cities in the world and is extremely unique. There is no other city on the planet that replicates New Orleans’ culture just as there is no institution that matches the culture and atmosphere of Holy Cross. Holy Cross School of New Orleans is a special and unique institution to the Holy Cross congregation. It is one of the oldest high schools in America that is part of the Holy Cross congregation. Holy Cross and New Orleans go hand in hand with each other. Both were founded by French men and are enshrouded in family, tradition, diversity, love, strength, hope, and perseverance.
New Orleans was founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville in 1718. Holy Cross School of New Orleans was founded by Basil Moreau in 1849. The French culture that is embedded into both of these entities are evident in the predominant religion. Holy Cross is a Catholic congregation just as New Orleans is heavily influenced by Catholicism. New Orleans has a huge amount of Catholic Schools, so much so that there is a Catholic Sports League specifically for Catholic schools in the New Orleans area. Many ideals of Catholicism are the foundation of New Orleans’ culture mirroring Holy Cross’ fundamentals. New Orleans is an extremely diverse community that is influenced by many different cultures. Holy Cross has a very diverse population and given its central location in Gentilly, Holy Cross attracts students from all over New Orleans and the surrounding areas.
Holy Cross and New Orleans may not be the only places that have a large amount of diversity; however, what sets us apart from everywhere else in the world is that we are one united family, and we come together to celebrate traditions and never give up. Holy Cross’ original location was on the bank of the Mississippi River in the Holy Cross District of the 9th ward. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, both the city and Holy Cross were destroyed. Just as New Orleans’ population came together as a whole, the Holy Cross community came together with the determination to rebuild. “We maintain our identity through tradition. Holy Cross rebuilding is more of a continuation than a change. The difference may be location but everything is still the same.” – Dr. Tim Kettenring (’77). Holy Cross was determined to remain an essential piece of New Orleans and could not have been possible without the unity of the members of which the Holy Cross community is founded.
Holy Cross is extremely proud of its family-oriented atmosphere and legacy. When I first came to Holy Cross I immediately felt at home and that I belonged. Not only do the faculty and staff make you feel welcomed and loved, but the atmosphere of Holy Cross is what makes us so special. Just like New Orleans, you feel the energy in the air, the energy of love and happiness and support and to be your true self without any judgement. I have multiple family members that attended Holy Cross before me and a younger brother currently in sixth grade in his first year. I have another brother that will attend Holy Cross and this tradition will live on through my family just as many families that have come before me. Holy Cross is more than just a school to me, it is part of my identity just as New Orleans is. I am extremely grateful to live in this great city and even more appreciative that I have had the chance to become a member of the Holy Cross family.