Christian Service

The Magnificent Six Christian Service Award

This award originated during the 2024-25 school year, and is named for the six brothers who accompanied Father Edward Sorin to the United States: Brothers Vincent Pieau, Joachim Andre, Lawrence Menage, Francis Xavier Patios, Anselm Caillot and Gatian Monsimer.

This group was the beginning of Holy Cross in our country. They would go on to help found the University of Notre Dame, our flagship Holy Cross institution. Father Sorin writes about the Brothers, “Our little community was never more edifying. Our dear Brothers… had to suffer. God alone knows in how many ways, being obliged for two months to take their night's rest on the bare floor; and yet not a word of complaint. God's holy will was their comfort and unfailing source of consolation and joy. Happily, the same religious spirit continues to reign among our dear members of today. May it continue forever, and thereby secure all the blessings our great work requires wherever we may be established, and thus make us all happy in God's holy service.” (Circular Letter No. 37, of Father Sorin, Nov. 26, 1892)

The Magnificent Six Christian Service Award is given to students who keep alive the same spirit as the US founding brothers in providing assistance when help is needed. To qualify for this award, students must have completed a minimum of 60 service hours. All of the hours must be completed at the same site and during the same school year. These students go above and beyond what is normally expected to truly reach out to others as they fulfill our Holy Cross Mission’s call to serve.