Africa

Where We Serve

Holy Cross established a presence in East Africa in 1958 in response to a general invitation by the Holy See to organize the Church’s missionary activities around the world. The first group of Holy Cross religious in East Africa was led by long-time missionary Rev. Vincent J. McCauley, C.S.C., who later became the first Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese and whose cause for sainthood was introduced in 2006. The religious settled in the northern portion of the Mbarara Diocese in Uganda, which later became the dioceses of Fort Portal, Hoima and Kasese.

Explore Our Mission Sites
Support Our Work

Uganda

Established in 1958.

Kenya

Established in 1968.

Tanzania

Established in 2000.

Ghana

Special service relationship.

Notable Holy Cross Missionary in Africa

Servant of God Vincent McCauley

Remembered for his compassion and leadership, Bishop McCauley guided the Church in aiding countless refugees, widows, orphans, and migrants in the region during the political turmoil of 1960s and 70s. He also took leading roles in the creation and administration of East Africa’s episcopal associations.

Learn More

“We no longer use the term ‘adaptation.’ The suspicion is that ‘adaptation’ implies putting African clothes on European and foreign interpretations of Christ’s message. To the African Church the message of Christ is universal and, therefore, should be presented to the Africans as God’s message to Africans. It must be something that can be understood and put into practice in Africa … The Gospel, the Church, must be incarnated in the African culture in which we live.”

Servant of God Vincent McCauley

News & Events