November 4, 2025, marks 67 years since the arrival of the first Holy Cross missionaries in Uganda, a moment that forever shaped the spiritual and educational landscape of the country and the broader East African Church. Today, the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa, gathers in thanksgiving to honor the legacy of faith in God, hope in Jesus Christ, growth as Laborers in God’s vineyard, service to God’s people in various ministries, and celebrate the courage and legacy of Bishop McCauley that began in 1958 and continues to flourish today.
The Call to Mission
In response to an invitation from the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide), the Congregation of Holy Cross sent missionaries from the United States to Uganda in 1958. The first group: four priests arrived on November 4, 1958, under the leadership of Servant of God, the then Fr. Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C.
Within a year, they were joined by three brothers. The Congregation was entrusted with the northern part of the Diocese of Mbarara, an area that would later give birth to the present-day Dioceses of Fort Portal, Hoima, and Kasese. These pioneers brought with them not only the Gospel but also the educational and developmental vision of Holy Cross guided by charity: to form minds and hearts that build communities of faith and justice with preferential option to the poor.
Missionaries started ministering to God’s People in far End Communities
Laying Foundations: Faith, Education, Charity and Service
The 1960s witnessed Holy Cross brothers and priests working tirelessly to build up the local Church through pastoral ministry and education. They established parishes, schools, and clinics structures that served as centers of evangelization and human development. Many may remember the dedicated work of Holy Cross missionaries just to highlight some who are even still active in the province today in gratitude to God for their life and life’s work dedicated for serving God in foreign Missions faithfully and diligently I can Call it.
Remembering the Founding Missionaries of the Holy Cross Province of East Africa
On November 4, 1958, four pioneering missionaries of the Congregation of Holy Cross: Fr. Vincent McCauley, C.S.C., Fr. Robert Hesse, C.S.C., Fr. Francis Zagorc, C.S.C., and Fr. Burton Smith, C.S.C. arrived in Uganda to establish the mission we gratefully celebrate today. Their courage, faith, and vision laid the foundation for what would become the Province of East Africa, now a vibrant community of Holy Cross priests, brothers, and collaborators serving across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Fr. Robert Hesse, C.S.C. (1926–2007)
Ordained in 1958, Fr. Robert “Bob” Hesse, C.S.C. had been preparing to serve in Bangladesh but was reassigned at the last moment to Uganda, a decision that would shape the rest of his life. He spent nearly five decades in East Africa, wholly dedicated to the people of Uganda.
His first assignment was in Hoima Bunyoro region, where he served as curate in charge of schools. In 1961, he became secretary to Servant of God Bishop Vincent McCauley, C.S.C., in Fort Portal, and two years later was appointed pastor of Bukwali Parish, and Kitagwenda, serving there for an extraordinary 23 years.
Fr. Hesse was widely admired for his creative work with catechists, lay leadership formation, care for creation and his deep commitment to education in faith. In 1990, he became the founding pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Bugembe, in Jinja, and later established Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School, which continues to transform lives today. Even after retiring as parish priest, he remained active in pastoral work, mentoring future leaders and supporting local schools. He passed away in Kampala on February 3, 2007, leaving behind a legacy of faith, humility, and education. Learn more: Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. – “Fr. Robert Bob Hesse: A Life Dedicated to Service”
Servant of God Bishop Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C. (1906–1982)
The leader of the first Holy Cross missionaries to Uganda, Fr. Vincent McCauley, C.S.C., later became the first Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese. I will share about his life and mission in detail elsewhere in this article, but it suffices to say that his visionary leadership, devotion of Mother Mary, love of God and neighbor, dedication to corporal works of mercy and the beatitudes exemplified by his deep faith continues to inspire generations. His cause for canonization is underway, and we pray for his beatification. You can join his devotion group on Facebook, Instagram.
Fr. Francis Zagorc, C.S.C. (1931–2025)
As a member of the founding group of four, Fr. Francis Zagorc, C.S.C., was ordained in 1958 and served in Uganda for 18 years, assisting in the building and strengthening of the Diocese of Fort Portal. His dedication and pastoral presence helped nurture the early growth of the Church in Western Uganda. Fr. Zagorc passed away on July 15, 2025, at Notre Dame, Indiana, at the age of 93.Learn more: Holy Cross USA – “Rev. Francis Zagorc, C.S.C.”
Fr. Burton Smith, C.S.C.
Also one of the original missionaries, Fr. Burton Smith, C.S.C. played a key role in consolidating the early mission. The four missionaries built upon the faith foundation laid by the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), and through their efforts, what was once one diocese is now three: Fort Portal, Hoima, and Kasese.
The Mother Diocese of Fort Portal has recently undergone a major renovation that attests to the legacy of the Holy Cross Mission Identity under bishop McCauley. Where there were once only a handful of indigenous clergy, today there are over 300 priests, with many more in formation. The Holy Cross community, which nearly withdrew during the turmoil of the 1970s, now thrives with more than 80 professed Holy Cross brothers and priests, and approximately 80 young men in various stages of formation.
The Province of East Africa now serves across three countries Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania operating parishes, secondary and technical schools, health centers, and the dynamic Holy Cross Family Ministries. Some members are also engaged in healing and deliverance ministries, higher education, and advanced theological studies.
For instance Fr. Richard Potthast, C.S.C., who professed his first vows in 1959 and was ordained in 1967, has faithfully served in Uganda for over 50 years. His ministry in parishes such as Kyarusozi and Butiiti is marked by pastoral care, youth empowerment, and the promotion of local culture and self-reliance through education, agriculture, and sports. His life is a living embodiment of Bishop McCauley’s vision of inculturating the Gospel:
“….The message of Christ is universal and should be presented to Africans as God’s message to Africans. The Gospel must be incarnated in the African culture in which we live.”
Celebrating Our Living Missionaries (Fr. Richard Potthast, C.S.C. (Fr. Kasenene), Bro. John Flood, C.S.C., Fr. Thomas Smith, C.S.C., Br. Jim Nichols, C.S.C.
Fr. Richard “Dick” Potthast, C.S.C. (Fr. Kasenene)
A pioneer parish priest of Kyarusozi Parish, Fr. Dick has dedicated more than 50 years to priestly ministry in Fort Portal Diocese. Known for his healing ministry and devotion, he continues to celebrate Mass in Rutooro, inspiring generations into faith and building families of hope. Now retired at St. Joseph’s Hill Secondary School, a school he founded, remains active in prayer and community service.
He often recounts the healing intercession of Bishop McCauley, sharing a moving testimony of a woman healed through the bishop’s zucchetto; an example of faith that continues to inspire devotion and attest to the holiness of Bishop McCauley.
Bro. John Flood, C.S.C.
For nearly 50 years, Br. John Flood, C.S.C. has been a pillar of Holy Cross education in East Africa. As Head Teacher of St. Leo’s College, Kyegobe, in Fort Portal Diocese where most Obs of the school note that “the Most instrumental of all this school’s former head teachers, was Brother Flood, who served the school from 1996 to 2003. This was the school’s prime time, with enrolment shooting up, and academics and sports performance improving greatly”
Photo from a recent gathering where SLECKOBA (St Leo’s College Kyegobe Old Boys Association) commissioned Bro. John Flood Crescent, which was constructed in honour of Bro. John Flood, who served as the Headteacher of the mighty College from 1992 to 2003.
He profoundly shaped educational leadership and holistic formation. Later, at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S., Jinja, his impact continued, making the institution one of Uganda’s leading schools.
In recognition of his service, a new residence for Holy Cross priests and brothers at Lake View was named “Flood House” in his honor.
“We thank God and the Congregation of Holy Cross for this gift and in appreciation for Br. John’s tireless, humble service, whose legacy will be remembered forever,” said Rev. Dennis Lule, C.S.C., during the dedication ceremony.
Beyond school leadership, Br. John has contributed to seminary education at Kitabi and St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, and served as Assistant Formation Director at Bishop McCauley House, Nairobi and to many he is Known for his humility and attentiveness, he remains a gentle presence and mentor to many.
Fr. Thomas Smith, C.S.C.
Fr. Thomas Smith’s missionary journey is one of humility and quiet strength. Taking a special missionary vow, he joined the Uganda mission in 1970 as a deacon and was ordained a priest in 1972. Since then, his ministry has spanned Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, serving in parishes, formation, and leadership roles including District Superior (1985–1994) and later as Director of Novices at Saaka.
He helped develop Small Christian Communities in Dandora, taught in seminaries such as Alokolum, and has served at the Holy Cross Mission Center still striving to build the enduring missionary identity of the Congregation of Holy Cross. His life continues to inspire the next generation of missionaries. He recently wrote about “The Virtues of Bishop Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C.” and led a webinar on Bishop McCauley and his life exemplifying the virtue of life given in service of the mission of bringing hope beyond borders.
Watching his inspiration presentation on the qualities and virtues that McCauley we could carry one https://youtu.be/LuhLrG6-BwU?si=c6pcFJMp_dFPYTnv
Br. Jim Nichols, C.S.C.
A man of quiet faith and wisdom, Br. Jim Nichols, C.S.C., has profoundly shaped the history and identity of Holy Cross in East Africa. His book, “Competence to See and Courage to Act,” inspired the title of this article and continues to guide many in understanding the Holy Cross mission in East Africa.
As a formator, mission storyteller, and educator in the faith, Br. Jim’s influence is deeply personal. His creative use of storytelling and film in formation helped generations of candidates reflect on faith, morality, and human experience. His humor and gentle wisdom often expressed in memorable phrases like “The spirit is willing, but the shilling is weak” have left lasting impressions and hope for who a good steward is and why it matters in mission building. It’s not the shilling but the mission and those we are entrusted to minister to who matter most.
Currently serving at St. Joseph’s Hill Secondary School, Br. Jim continues to form minds and hearts with humility, joy, and gratitude.
A Legacy That Lives On
The faith, courage, and commitment of these missionaries has greatly transformed Uganda, the Holy Cross mission in Uganda and the wider East African Church. From a single mission in 1958 has grown a vibrant province rich in vocations, schools, parishes, and ministries of healing, education, and hope.
Today, as we celebrate 67 years of the Holy Cross mission in East Africa, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and the living witnesses who continue their work. Their story reminds us that with competence to see and courage to act, faith can indeed transform the world.
Despite the hardships that came with the 1971 military coup and the turbulent years under Idi Amin Dada, Holy Cross missionaries remained steadfast long gone and those still with us endured to serve God’s people. Amid persecution, threats, and political instability, they chose to stay with the people, embodying the Cross as their only hope. Their resilience and testified to the motto to our Congregational:
“Ave Crux, Spes Unica” – “Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope.”
A New Dawn: Growth and Local Vocations
The 1980s marked a new chapter in the life of Holy Cross in East Africa. For the first time, the Congregation began accepting vocations from within Africa. This decision transformed the mission into a living, growing community rooted in African soil. You can now attest to the fruits by the gift of vocations that we now thank God for from 4 missionaries we are now over 80 Priests and brothers
As Rev. Fr. Ronnie Kawooya, Atwooki C.S.C., a former formator reflected on the Province, saying:
“I am challenged by the zeal of those first Holy Cross missionaries to be zealous in the tasks assigned to me, so that the men I help form will be hope for the people of Uganda of today and tomorrow.”
From that time forward, vocations from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania have flourished, leading to a thriving local presence and expanding ministries. What a joy to celebrate 67 years of ministry with the gift of vocations. However we still need vocations to the Brotherhood and Priesthood in Holy Cross. Contact the Vocations Director at cscvocationsea@gmail.com if you want to follow in the footsteps of this great band of men who have passed this way. Walking side by side following the Lord.
From Mission to Province
For decades, Holy Cross in East Africa functioned as a district under the canonical responsibility of the U.S. Province. However, the steady growth in vocations and apostolic works led to a historic milestone: the establishment of the Province of East Africa on January 1, 2023.
The joyous celebration took place a week later, on January 8, 2023, in a packed Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal, an event that marked the maturity and vitality of Holy Cross in the region. https://youtu.be/zjfNrRXwoq8?si=MhiLKugWdw7jpa_v
Today, Holy Cross is into; Educating in the Faith, Parishes Ministry, Mission and HCFM
- Holy Cross Parish, Bugembe, with three primary schools, Holy Cross Family Ministries and a Clinic
- St. Jude Tadeo Parish, Kyarusozi which includes youth empowerment programs, thriving small christian community model and ongoing efforts of a vocational school.
- St. Joseph’s Hill Secondary School in Kyarusozi and Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School in Jinja both dedicated to serving students in local communities to access education.
The Mission that started in one Country has now grown beyond Uganda to Kenya and Tanzania where we minister to Families through Parishes, Holy Cross Family Ministries, educational institutions, run Clinics at Parish levels, Vocational schools etc
The St. André Formation House in Jinja forms future priests and brothers, while the Holy Cross Novitiate at Lake Saaka near Fort Portal remains a serene center for discernment and growth. This effort moved to Kenya where Bishop McCauley post novitiate program is run remaining true to our international identity as a multi cultural community.
Servant of God Bishop Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C.
The legacy of Holy Cross in Uganda cannot be told without recalling its founding leader, Servant of God Bishop Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C. Who upon praying to Mary for health at Lourdes to serve in a mission was granted divine favor.
Born in 1906 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, McCauley’s missionary spirit was kindled in his youth and nurtured through his formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross. Ordained in 1934, he first served in East Bengal (modern Bangladesh and India), where he worked among marginalized communities before illness forced his return to the United States.
Having received the favor (health) he asked for through Mother Mary at Lourdes. In 1958, McCauley led the first Holy Cross mission to Uganda. His pastoral vision shaped the Church in Western Uganda, culminating in his appointment as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Portal. As bishop, he built parishes, schools, and St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, while strengthening diocesan structures (interfaith co-operation and cultural integration) that continue to thrive.
During Uganda’s years of turmoil, Bishop McCauley was a shepherd of courage, hope, charity and resilience. He cared for refugees, widows, and orphans, ensuring that the Church remained a refuge of hope. His leadership extended beyond Fort Portal to the wider region, contributing to the founding of both the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and the regional seminary system, landmarks of his Holy Cross vision for integral education and priestly formation. He also was instrumental in the formation of the joint Christian Council and rendered solid leadership for African Bishops during Vatican council II
McCauley understood the importance of inculturating the Gospel in Africa. He once advised fellow missionaries:
“We no longer use the term ‘adaptation.’ The message of Christ is universal and should be presented to Africans as God’s message to Africans. The Gospel must be incarnated in the African culture in which we live.”
His cause for canonization was formally introduced in 2006, and he is now honored as a Servant of God. The Congregation of Holy Cross and the Catholic Diocese of Fort portal invites all to pray for his beatification and to emulate his faith, zeal, and joyful service. If you want to join his devotional group, follow it here
Thanksgiving and Mission Forward
As we celebrate 67 years of Holy Cross in Uganda, we give thanks for all who have carried the mission forward from the first pioneers to the generations of local Holy Cross priests, brothers, and lay collaborators who serve with joy today under the humble leadership of Fr. Caxton Peter Mayanja, C.S.C as the Provincial Superior. To the current four missionaries who remain a blessing to the province.
Their story continues to echo Bishop McCauley’s life motto:
“Mariam Sequens Non Devias” – “With Mary you can never go wrong.”
May this anniversary renew in all of us the missionary spirit to see the needs of our time with clarity, to act with hope, and to bring the hope of the Cross to every corner of East Africa and the world as pilgrims of hope in this jubilee year of the church. May Bishop Vincent McCauley Pray for Us!
Ave Crux, Spes Unica — Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope.
Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C
Congregation of Holy Cross
