Rachel Evans
The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1843 by Benedict Joseph Fenwick and Thomas F. Mulledy. It was the first Catholic college in New England and is one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the US. The college's mission is to educate students who will be examples of Catholic ideals and practice and who will be leaders in their parishes and communities. While I couldn't find the exact percentage of Catholic students at Holy Cross, its religious affiliation and commitment to Catholic values are evident in its history and ongoing initiatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of College | Private Jesuit liberal arts college |
| Location | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Year founded | 1843 |
| Founded by | Benedict Joseph Fenwick and Thomas F. Mulledy |
| Type of institution | Four-year residential undergraduate institution |
| Number of academic programs | 64 |
| Campus size | 174 acres |
| Student-faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Enrollment | 3,219 |
| Number of students at founding | 6 |
| Number of students after three years | 100 |
| Current number of students | 3,200 |
| Gender ratio | Half men and half women |
| Average class size | 18-20 |
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What You'll Learn
Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college
The College of the Holy Cross offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum with 64 academic programs, including interdisciplinary and self-designed majors in liberal arts disciplines. The college also offers cooperative degree programs with other universities in engineering and business. Holy Cross has approximately 3,000 undergraduate students and 328 faculty members. The college's 174-acre campus is situated on a hill overlooking the Blackstone River and Worcester and is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the country.
Holy Cross has been recognised for its academic excellence, ranking highly among liberal arts colleges in the United States. The college's admissions process is competitive, with a focus on minimising barriers to entry and providing generous financial aid to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all entering students. The college community shares a vibrant campus where all are welcome, with nearly 90% of students living on campus.
As a Jesuit institution, Holy Cross embraces intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, and social justice. The college has been criticised by some for deviating from official Church teaching, particularly on issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and liberation theology. However, it provides a space for students to explore their beliefs and values while being challenged to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Holy Cross encourages students to ask challenging intellectual, philosophical, and religious questions, fostering an environment of academic inquiry and personal development.
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It was founded in 1843 by Benedict Joseph Fenwick
The College of the Holy Cross, a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, was founded in 1843 by Benedict Joseph Fenwick, a Catholic prelate, Jesuit, and educator. He served as the Bishop of Boston from 1825 until his death in 1846.
Fenwick recognized the need to educate Catholics, who were immigrating in large numbers to Boston, fleeing religious persecution and famine, and seeking economic opportunity. He first attempted to establish a Catholic college in Boston, but this was thwarted by the city's Protestant civic leaders. He then considered locating the college in Benedicta, Maine, on 11,000 acres of land he had purchased in 1835, envisioning a college within a larger utopian Catholic community. However, the Bostonians showed little interest in moving to Maine.
Fenwick ultimately decided on Worcester, Massachusetts, purchasing 60 acres of land from local priest James Fitton in 1842. He named the college after his cathedral church, the Cathedral of Holy Cross, and the cornerstone was laid on June 21, 1843. The school opened in October 1843 with Jesuit Thomas F. Mulledy, former president of Georgetown University, as its first president. The first classes were held on the second day of November, with six students aged 9 to 19. Within three years, enrollment had increased to 100 students.
Fenwick Hall, named after Benedict Joseph Fenwick, was one of the inaugural structures of the College of the Holy Cross. The College has since become one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States, with a strong commitment to Jesuit values and social justice.
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It's the oldest Catholic college in New England
The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1843 by educators Benedict Joseph Fenwick and Thomas F. Mulledy. It was the first Catholic college in New England and is one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States.
The college was established following Fenwick's thwarted efforts to create a Catholic college in Boston, due to resistance from the city's Protestant civic leaders. As the second Bishop of Boston, Fenwick intended to found a Catholic college within the boundaries of his diocese. The increasing number of Catholic Irish immigrants after 1830 further prompted the need for a Jesuit educational institution. He initially considered Benedicta, Maine, but later petitioned the Society of Jesus for approval to establish the college in Worcester. Thomas F. Mulledy, a Jesuit and former president of Georgetown University, prepared a favourable report that secured the Society's approval in August 1843.
The college's site, Mount Saint James, was originally occupied by a Catholic boarding school run by James Fitton and his collaborator Joseph Brigden. Fitton sold the land to Fenwick and the Diocese of Boston in February 1843, and the college was named after Fenwick's cathedral church, the Cathedral of Holy Cross. The cornerstone of Fenwick Hall, named after its founder, was laid on June 21, 1843, and the school opened in October of the same year with six students aged 9 to 19. Within three years, enrolment had increased to 100 students, and the curriculum evolved from elementary and high school levels to higher education.
Holy Cross has a strong commitment to Jesuit values and has embraced controversial schools of theological thought, including liberation theology and social justice. It has been criticised for deviating from official Church teaching, particularly on issues like abortion, homosexuality, and liberation theology. Despite this, the college has achieved notable rankings, such as obtaining the highest rank in 2010 among 28 U.S. Jesuit colleges for the percentage of graduates serving in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Holy Cross also received a $2 million grant in 2001 to make theological and spiritual resources available to students and fund internships in Worcester for those considering careers in ministry, government, and social service agencies.
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The college has around 3,000 students
The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1843. It was the first Catholic college in New England and is one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. The college is situated on a 174-acre campus overlooking the Blackstone River and Worcester. With approximately 3,000 students, Holy Cross offers a competitive admissions process and a rigorous academic program.
The college was established by educators Benedict Joseph Fenwick and Thomas F. Mulledy under the auspices of the Society of Jesus. Initially starting with just six students, Holy Cross has grown significantly over the years and now offers 64 academic programs, including interdisciplinary and self-designed majors in liberal arts disciplines. The college has a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and a four-year graduation rate of 88%.
Holy Cross embraces a variety of theological thought, including liberation theology and social justice, which has led to some criticism from those who believe the college deviates from official Church teaching. However, the college remains committed to its Jesuit values and promoting Catholic ideals. The college community is described as welcoming and friendly, with a focus on encouraging and supporting students in their academic and personal development.
As a Jesuit college, Holy Cross emphasizes the service of faith and the promotion of justice. This includes cultivating intellectual, social, religious, and ethical refinement in its students, with the ultimate goal of educating young people to be concerned about human welfare, social justice, and ethical leadership. The college offers a well-rounded education that challenges students academically and personally, encouraging them to be examples of Catholic ideals in their communities.
With its rich history, academic excellence, and focus on Catholic values, Holy Cross offers a unique educational experience for its students. The college's commitment to accessibility and financial aid ensures that talented students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to access a Holy Cross education and flourish in their chosen paths.
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It's located in Worcester, Massachusetts
The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1843 by educators Benedict Joseph Fenwick and Thomas F. Mulledy, it was the first Catholic college in New England and is now one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. Worcester is a city in central Massachusetts, 45 miles (72 km) west of Boston. The college is situated on a hill overlooking the Blackstone River and the city of Worcester.
The college's 174-acre (70-hectare) campus is located on one of Worcester's seven hills, on the outskirts of the city. The campus is a registered arboretum, with an irregular layout situated on the northern slope of Mount Saint James. From this location, a panoramic view of Worcester can be seen. The campus includes 37 buildings, such as residential housing, academic buildings, and athletic facilities. The traditional campus gateway of Linden Lane is anchored by Stein and O'Kane Halls, with the latter featuring a clock tower.
The College of the Holy Cross has a strong connection to the city of Worcester and its history. The college's name is derived from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which was chosen by Fenwick as he wanted to establish a Catholic college within his diocese. Worcester was chosen as the location due to its proximity to Boston and the desire for greater autonomy for the Jesuits. The college's seal and motto reflect its location, incorporating the colours of the ancient shield of Worcester, England, and the phrase "By this sign thou shalt conquer", attributed to Constantine the Great.
The college's location in Worcester, Massachusetts, has shaped its identity and reputation as a prestigious academic institution. With its competitive admissions and commitment to providing access to talented students from all backgrounds, Holy Cross attracts students from across the country and offers them a chance to learn and grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The college's location has contributed to its recognition as one of the academically competitive "Hidden Ivies".
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college founded in 1843. It is the oldest Catholic college in New England.
The College of the Holy Cross has approximately 3,000 students, with roughly equal numbers of men and women.
The fundamental purpose of Holy Cross is to inform the mind and foster clear thought and expression through the study of arts and sciences. As a Jesuit college, it emphasises the cultivation of intellectual, social, religious, and ethical refinement.
The 174-acre Holy Cross campus is situated on a hill overlooking the Blackstone River and Worcester. It is a welcoming and friendly community, providing encouragement and support to its students.
