The Congregation of Holy Cross is a religious community founded for education, and that dedication is woven into the very fabric and foundations of campus life at the University of Portland, from the buildings where we work and study, to the hours which divide the day.
Standing more than 100 feet, the University Bell Tower is the tallest building on campus. At the center of the cross atop the tower we find the Cross and Anchor symbol of the Congregation of Holy Cross. From this tower fourteen bells of various sizes chime the hours for all on campus on a daily basis. The two principal bells where christened for Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau, C.S.C., and for Saint Andre Bessette, C.S.C. Father Moreau is the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Saint Andre is a Holy Cross brother who served as porter and doorkeeper at a Holy Cross school in Montreal.
The Cross and Anchors symbol ornamenting the door frames at Howard and Christie Halls and engraved in the cornerstones of residential and classroom buildings alike memorializes the fact that the University of Portland finds Holy Cross values at the heart of our educational mission.
With the eyes of faith consider the greatness of your mission and the
wonderful amount of good you can accomplish. And also consider
the great reward promised to those who have taught the truth to others
and have helped form them into justice: “they will shine eternally in the
skies like the stars of the heavens.” With the hope of this glory, we must
generously complete the Lord’s work.
From Christian Education
The Very Reverend Basil Anthony Moreau, C.S.C.
founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross
Cross and Anchor symbols around campus
