Carrying forward their history and mission, the four Holy Cross congregations are collaborating to create La Solitude du Sauveur (The Solitude of the Savior) at the Solitude in Le Mans, France. Acquired by Holy Cross Founder Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau, the site was the cradle of the foundation of the Family of Holy Cross. A place of retreat and reflection, it once served as the novitiate for the Holy Cross priests and is the motherhouse of the Marianites of Holy Cross, the original of the three branches of Holy Cross women’s congregations.
Staying true to its origins, the new Solitude du Sauveur will be a site of pilgrimage, formation, education and evangelization. Serving the local Church as well as the global Family of Holy Cross and Catholic faithful, the center will offer programs rooted in Holy Cross charism, tradition and spirituality along with hospitality to educational, religious and other groups.
At the invitation of the Marianites, the Congregation of Holy Cross (priests and brothers), the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana, and the Sisters of Holy Cross, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, are managing the property. Holy Cross Sisters Scholastica Elizabeth Ampadu and Tuli Drong, with two sisters from the Canadian congregation, will direct hospitality, programming and tourism needs at the property beginning July 2026.
“We can only imagine how pleased Blessed Basil Moreau must be to see the Holy Cross family working together in the place where our common story began and carrying forward his rich spiritual legacy.”
— Sister Sharlet Ann Wagner, Congregation President
“I am grateful to the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross for the vision behind this new project at the Solitude in Le Mans,” says Sister Sharlet Ann Wagner, CSC, Congregation president. “Holy Cross hospitality will be lived out as pilgrims are welcomed to this place of prayer, education and spiritual development.
“Our collaborative ministry in Le Mans will strengthen the shared mission of the Holy Cross congregations and ensure that our roots in Le Mans continue to nourish generations to come,” she adds. “We can only imagine how pleased Blessed Basil Moreau must be to see the Holy Cross family working together in the place where our common story began and carrying forward his rich spiritual legacy.”
When completed, the Solitude will provide 38 en suite bedrooms, a chapel, large and small meeting spaces, and a heritage room, in addition to the beautiful surrounding grounds. All of the newly constructed space will respect the preservation of the original Solitude building.