Religious order finds renewed life in the desert

Published: 2008-04-23

PHOENIX (CNS) -- When Blessed Theodore de Celles founded the Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross in 1210, Christendom looked a bit different than it does today. Members of the order -- also known as Crosiers -- lived a spirituality based on Christ's suffering on the cross and his redemptive death and formed communities to pray and provide pastoral ministry. Surviving the Reformation, a multitude of wars and even the suppression of their order, Crosiers have managed to adapt to their surroundings and the pressing needs of the times. The Crosiers are now in the middle of another big change. Crosier Father David Donnay said, "We've basically been asking ourselves the question 'What is our gift for the church?'" In asking themselves that question, the Crosiers in America -- long based in Onamia, Minn. -- adopted a plan called "Vision 2010," which laid out goals for the order to reach by its 800th anniversary. One goal was to rethink the physical location of the order. With only about 70 Crosier brothers and priests nationwide, the order decided to consolidate its members into two communities, allowing for a more vibrant and fruitful communal life. Some remained in Onamia, but many -- including the provincial -- moved to Phoenix, where the Crosiers' daily business is now run.

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