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Beatification Celebration Events
Founder of the sisters, brothers and priests of Holy Cross
With heartfelt gratitude and pride, the Holy Cross family of sisters, brothers and priests celebrated the beatification of Father Moreau on September 15, 2007. A crowd of 5,000 could not contain its joy Saturday afternoon in Le Mans, France, when Venerable Father Basil Anthony Moreau was pronounced “Blessed.”
View Photos taken during the three-day beatification celebration in Le Mans, France. More Photos
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The example and the teaching of Basil Moreau continue to inspire the religious family of sisters, brothers and priests of Holy Cross, which he founded to serve the people of God. (See Virtues.)
Born on February 11, 1799, in Laigné-en-Belin near Le Mans, France, Father Moreau experienced the devastating consequences of the French Revolution. Ordained a priest at 22 years of age, he taught and served as assistant superior of the major seminary in Le Mans. Deeply committed to preaching and Christian education in France, he laid the foundations for the society of auxiliary priests.
In 1835, at the bishop’s request, he took direction of the Brothers of St. Joseph, founded in 1820 by Father James Dujarié. On March 1, 1837, the auxiliary priests and the Brothers of St. Joseph were united into the Association of Holy Cross. With papal approval in May 1857, this association became the Congregation of Holy Cross.
In 1841, to respond more effectively to the mission, Father Moreau founded a group of women religious. Today, the women form three distinct congregations: Marianites of Holy Cross, Sisters of the Holy Cross, and Sisters of Holy Cross.
Although Father Moreau resigned as superior general in 1866, he continued an active preaching and retreat ministry until his death on January 20, 1873.
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Prayer Provident God, Grant us your generous grace May our family of Holy Cross, We ask this grace through your Son, |
