Br. Christopher Torrijas (Director of Residence Life) Makes Final Vows

Reprinted from March 2009 Brothers–the Newsletter of the Brothers of Holy Cross

Br. Christopher Torrijas, C.S.C., 41, made his final profession on Friday, January 9, 2009 in St. Joseph Chapel, Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, IN. A final religious profession these days is an event to be celebrated. It is indeed a sign that the Midwest Province and Congregation of Holy Cross continue to grow during these difficult times in obtaining vocations to carry on the mission of Holy Cross.

Br. Robert Fillmore, C.S.C., Provincial of the Midwest Province of the Brothers of Holy Cross accepted Brother Christopher's vows. Following the Mass celebrated by Rev. Thomas F. Lemos, C.S.C., Director of Novices for the Congregation of Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade, Colorado, a dinner for more than 100 was held in the Great Room of Andre Place of Holy Cross Village. Br. Thomas Moser, C.S.C., Assistant Superior at the Cascade novitiate also was a participant in the ceremonies.

Brother Christopher was born and raised in Michigan City, IN. He is the seventh of eight children and was taught by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in elementary education, he taught fourth grade for a year at a public elementary school. Christopher then accepted a position as a prefect and teacher at LeMans Academy in Rolling Prairie, IN, which is (changed to present tense assuming it's still open) a boarding school for boys in grades 5-9 run by the Brothers. He worked there for 12 years and, during that time, was a prefect, religion teacher, athletic director, activities director, assistant residential director, and director of discipline.

Upon reflecting Brother Christopher said he always had a calling to serve and help others. In college he volunteered at homeless shelters and various other institutions, but it wasn't until after he graduated and began teaching and living alongside the Brothers at LeMans Academy that he felt the initial stirrings of being called to religious life as a Brother. Working and living alongside the Brothers allowed him the unique opportunity to be a part of their lives in a much more intimate and authentic way. He was able to not only see ministry in action but how the Brothers interacted with each other on a personal level. The way the Brothers acted in good times and difficult times and, through it all, were able to serve and love the Church and each other was most inspiring for Brother Christopher.

His initial formation was at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX for a year before entering the Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade, CO. Brother Christopher began his Novitiate period on August 15, 2004 and made his first vows on July 30, 2005.

Brother Christopher is the Director of Residence Life at Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN. He can honestly say there's no such thing as a typical day dealing with college age students. Each day brings him new challenges and opportunities. As director, he's responsible for overseeing the implementation of all of the school's policies and regulations as they pertain to student life, and making sure the Residence Life staff has the necessary training and support in carrying out those policies.