When a young Peruvian man decides he would like to pursue formation as a Holy Cross Religious, he begins a two-year period of postulancy. During this time, he resides with other postulants at Casa San José, the Congregation of Holy Cross’ house of formation in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru. There, they share in daily prayer, formation, study, and community activities. The goal of postulancy is to create a supportive environment for discernment and to prepare the postulants for their future formation.
In recent years, however, Casa San José fell into disrepair. Cracks covered the walls and concrete floors, and the house lacked welcoming, functional spaces for study, meetings, dining, and rest — all essential to daily life in formation.
To address these challenges, the leadership of the Casa San José proposed an $80,000 renovation to the Holy Cross Mission Center (HCMC). Thanks to the generosity of HCMC benefactors, the full amount was granted, and the renovations began. In just three months, the renovations were completed. Casa San José now has newly repaired walls and floors and updated first-floor living spaces, including a library, computer lab, dining room, and living room.
Rev. Jim Gutiérrez, C.S.C., Director of the Postulancy Program for the Congregation of Holy Cross in Peru, reflected on the impact of the project, describing how the renovation has transformed community life at the Casa San José: Not only do they now have comfortable places to study, hold meetings, eat, and spend time together, but more importantly, Fr. Jim claims, “We feel this house is a home.”
Fr. Jim added, “Thank you to the HCMC donors who give money to make God known, loved, and served … We really appreciate your support.”
Provided by Madeline Thompson, Holy Cross Mission Center Project Coordinator, October 2025
