The image of a cross interlocked with two anchors can be seen all around the UP campus – in the University Seal, etched in cornerstones, hanging around the necks of priests and brothers, and even on utility hole covers. For Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the cross was something to look to as a sign of hope. It was through the cross that Jesus won his victory over sin and death. It is through the cross that we will come to know the fullness of life that Jesus has in store for us. Therefore, the motto of the Congregation became Ave Crux, Spes Unica – “Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope.” The cross and anchors are a symbol of this motto – the anchor being an ancient symbol of hope. When used as the mark of Holy Cross, these crosses with anchors stand as continual reminders of our work of bringing hope into the world.
For more information contact Fr. James Gallagher, C.S.C., Campus Ministry, at gallaghe@up.edu.