The Society of the Holy Cross

The Society of the Holy Cross (Societas Sanctae Crucis) was founded in London in 1855 by a small but dedicated group of Anglo-Catholic priests led by Fr Charles Lowder. At a time when the catholic movement within the Church of England was being threatened by persecution and mis­understanding, these priests supported each other through prayer and mutual encouragement. Their theology was underpinned by a deep belief in the incarnation, of Jesus being “Emmanuel” - God-with-us. In Victorian England, they found themselves working in the most appalling conditions and in some of the most difficult and deprived parishes in our industrial centres.

 Today the Society is made up of faithful priests of the catholic tradition, who live under a common rule of life and meet together in local chapters for prayer, study and support. Many members of the Society are still to be found in poorer parishes, faithfully living out the “incarnation” and helping those in their care to discover God’s presence and love.

 Priests of the Society can be recognised by the small gold lapel cross they wear. It is inscribed with the motto: “in hoc signo vinces” - in this sign we conquer.