The Lovers of the Holy Cross (LHC) is a Vietnamese religious congregation whose origins trace back to the 17th century. Founded in 1670 by Bishop Pierre Lambert de la Motte, the first Apostolic Vicar, the congregation was born from a profound spirituality centered on Jesus Christ Crucified. The Lovers of the Holy Cross is recognized as the first women’s religious institute with an Asian identity, integrating both contemplative and apostolic life. The sisters live in community under the authority of the local Ordinary and dedicate themselves to evangelization and service (LHC Constitution, Article 1).
Throughout centuries marked by persecution, war, and hardship, the sisters remained faithful to their people. They served quietly and courageously, becoming what many describe as the “visible hands of Christ” among the poor, the sick, and the suffering. The sisters were formed to see the Cross not as defeat, but as the ultimate sign of God’s love. As of 2026, the Lovers of the Holy Cross sisters have a significant and growing presence both in Vietnam and internationally. Today, Vietnam is home to 24 autonomous congregations under diocesan administration, with a total of ten thousand sisters, and the congregation is present in at least seven countries around the world.
From its beginnings in Kiên Lao, Vietnam, the Lovers of the Holy Cross grew and spread throughout the country, including to the Diocese of Hưng Hóa. In 1943, four Sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Phát Diệm were invited to the Diocese of Hưng Hóa to establish a new convent as the first community of women religious, named the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hưng Hóa.
FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT
The formation and development of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hưng Hóa in the U.S. began in direct response to the great pastoral needs of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (Texas, USA), which is large, multicultural, and multilingual. In particular, a rapidly growing Vietnamese-American Catholic population required specialized spiritual guidance, culturally grounded ministry, and bilingual religious education. In addition, many sisters of the congregation had been sent across the United States to pursue studies in fields such as Sacred Scripture, spiritual direction, chaplaincy, education, psychology, nursing, fine arts, and accounting to better meet these pastoral needs.
The congregation recognized a critical need to establish a physical convent in the United States to support these sisters. By establishing a permanent home base, particularly in the Houston area, the congregation was able to offer a stable community life, spiritual nourishment, and structural support for these student sisters as they pursued higher education to equip themselves for the order’s global and local ministries.
Consequently, the congregation sought permission to establish a presence and serve in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. In October 2021, Sister Maria Chu Thị Liên and Sister Catarina Nguyễn Thị Hường were sent to Houston with “hearts on fire” for mission after completing their bachelor’s degrees at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. God’s loving providence guided their journey through the people they met along the way. During their initial years, Sr. Hường and Sr. Liên were warmly welcomed into the home of Mr. Joseph Nguyễn Kim Sơn and Mrs. Theresa Đặng Tú Anh. Their generous hospitality opened a new chapter in God’s plan, allowing the presence of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hưng Hóa to take shape.
In the providence of God, on January 30, 2023, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo formally granted permission for the congregation to establish a religious house in the archdiocese so that the sisters could live out their missionary vocation and collaborate with the local clergy in serving the People of God. During their meeting with Cardinal DiNardo, the sisters were encouraged to serve in “border areas,” particularly among immigrants, refugees, and communities from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Embracing this call, the sisters have zealously served in spiritual ministry, charitable outreach, healthcare, and religious education, while actively participating in pastoral activities across various parishes in the local church. In that same year, the congregation became an officially recognized entity of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the United States.
Grace upon grace, on January 3, 2026, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez solemnly blessed the chapel and altar at the sisters’ new residence. In his homily, he warmly affirmed their identity as missionaries. This sacred moment marked a significant milestone in the congregation’s growing presence within the archdiocese.
Welcome Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez
Solemnly Blessed the Chapel and the Altar of the Covent
The Bishop Blessed the Convent with Holy Water
PERSONNEL
There are currently 17 sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hưng Hóa in the U.S., including sisters actively engaged in ministry and student sisters pursuing degrees across various colleges and universities.
HOUSESE AND LOCATIONS
The sisters currently serve and study in four states: Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES
Continuing the charism and traditions of the congregation, the sisters minister at:
- American parishes and Vietnamese Catholic communities
- Catholic schools (public and private outreach)
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
- Prison and hospital ministries
- Franciscan Charity Organization
MOTHER HOUSE AND REGIONAL RESIDENCE
In Vietnam - Address: 5/183 Phố Sơn Lộc, Phường Tùng Thiện, Hà Nội.
Email: menthanhgiahunghoa@gmail.com
In the U.S: Representative of the U.S region: Sr. Maria Chu Thị Liên
Address: Houston Community, 11635 N Lake Houston Pkwy, Houston, Tx 77044.
Email: chulienmtg2014@gmail.com WORDS OF GRATITUDE
Today, the Sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hưng Hóa continue to live the mystery of the Cross and the missionary spirit through prayer, humble service, and loving presence. Following Jesus Christ and the example of the Servant of God, Bishop Pierre Lambert de la Motte, the sisters invite everyone to witness the boundless love of God revealed on the Cross—to love others as God loves and to boldly share this life-saving message with the world.
We offer our deepest praise to God, our gratitude to Holy Mother Church, and our heartfelt thanks to Bishop Dominic Hoàng Minh Tiến, Shepherd of the Diocese of Hưng Hóa; Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, Shepherds of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; our priests; all past and present Superiors General; and all benefactors for their countless gifts of love throughout our religious journey and consecrated life.
May our lives be true “spiritual bridges,” connecting heaven’s love with human hearts.
Blessings,
The Sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hưng Hóa
