Chile
Historical Background
The Congregation of Holy Cross went to Chile at the invitation of the Archbishop of Santiago to take over administration of St. George’s College. The first three priests arrived from the United States on March 1, 1943, just in time for the school year.
Within three years of arriving, Holy Cross had expanded its work in Chile to include parish ministry in the poor neighborhood of Peñalolen, as well as outreach to abandoned children in Santiago and later in Telegante. The Congregation’s efforts in these early decades were focused on increasing opportunities for the poor, with a strong focus on educational access.
In solidarity with the people of Chile, the Congregation continued ministering in the country during the military government of Augusto Pinochet. Several members of the Congregation were arrested, tortured, and deported. The government also took over St. George’s College in September 1973 and was later returned to Holy Cross in 1986. During these years, the Congregation took responsibility for Colegio Nuestra Señora de Andacollo, located in the older sector of Central Santiago.
Today, the Congregation continues to administer St. George’s and Andacollo. Both schools are known for their academic excellence and their strong faith formation, especially in terms of social justice and sacramental preparation. St. George’s, in particular, is perennially recognized as one of the best schools in the country.
In addition to still working at San Roque Parish in Peñalolen, Holy Cross administers two other parishes: Nuestra Señora de Andacollo, in the same area as the school, and Nuestra Señora de la Merced, in the Diocese of San FElipe. Alos, through Fundación Moreau (Fundamor), the Congregation continues its work with abandoned children.
Chile is also home to an international house of formation for Holy Cross. Members of the Congregation from Brazil, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, and Chile are there completing their theological studies and formation in preparation for ministry in the Church.
Holy Cross in Chile-Peru Today
Priests
Brothers
Men in Formation
Resources for Partnerships
Ministries in Santiago
Andacollo Parish & School
Mapocho 2325, Santiago, RM, 8350108, Chile
Rev. Rómulo Vera, C.S.C., Pastor
Saint George’s College
Santa Cruz 5400, Vitacura, Santiago, RM, 7630408, Chile
Mrs. Paula Noemi, Principal
San Roque Parish
Los Guindos 5771, Peñalolén, Santiago, RM, 7910182, Chile
Rev. Daniel Panchot, C.S.C., Pastor
Fundamor
Av Egaña 924, Peñalolén, Santiago, RM, 7910137, Chile
Mrs. Maritza Rivera, Director
Administrative Office:
Av Egaña 940, Peñalolén, Santiago, RM, 7910137, Chile
Mrs. Paulina Soto, Administrative Secretary
*For educational ministries, note that the Peruvian academic year runs from March to December and is split into two semesters.
Experience with Immersion Groups
The Holy Cross community in Chile welcomes international visitors to their ministries, including Holy Cross men in formation, university students, and parish groups visiting for service-immersion experiences. Each Holy Cross community house in Chile has 3-4 guest beds in self-contained rooms. Larger groups traveling to Chile would likely require hotel reservations in Santiago.
Nearest Airport
Santiago International Airport (SCL)
Av. Armando Cortinez Ote. 1704, Pudahuel, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Nearby Universities for Potential Partnership
Institution of Higher Education | Rank in Chile |
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile | 1 |
University of Chile | 2 |
University of Santiago de Chile | 7 |
Andrés Bello University | 12 |
University of the Andes, Chile | 14 |
Health & Safety
The government of Chile does not require any vaccinations for entry. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date vaccine and medication recommendations for U.S. travelers to Chile.
The Holy Cross leadership in Chile regularly monitor and advise immersion groups on safety concerns in their ministry region.
For every region of the world, the U.S. Department of State maintains updated travel advisories for U.S. citizens to consider when traveling abroad.
U.S. Embassy in Santiago
Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Telephone: +(56)(2) 2330-3000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(56)(2) 2330-3000
Fax: +(56)(2) 2330-3710
Email: santiagousa@state.gov
https://pe.usembassy.gov/
Travel Documentation
The following documents are needed for entry into Chile:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months after the anticipated departure date. One blank page is required to receive an immigration entry stamp.
- Tourist visas for U.S. citizens are not required for stays of 90 days or less.
Visit the U.S. Department of State webpage on Chile for more information.
Partner With Us
Join our global Mission.
To further explore partnership opportunities with the Holy Cross Mission Center and our ministry partners around the world, contact Assistant Director for Community Engagement Michael Jezewak at mjezewak@holycrossusa.org or (574) 631 – 8884; or schedule a discovery call using the link below:
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