150 Anniversary
From 20 January 2023 to 7 June 2024, the Congregation of Holy Cross marked the 150th Anniversary of the entry of its founder, Blessed Basile Moreau, into eternal life. To commemorate this important anniversary, the 2022 General Chapter had declared “a celebration to honor our founder, Blessed Basile Moreau” (Decree 20).
In addition to many local celebrations, the Congregation united across the globe for 40 hours of Eucharistic Adoration to initiate the year of grace on 20 January 2023. Various local celebrations then also marked the close of the year on 7 June 2024, while the marquee event was a special Mass in the Cathedral of Saint Julien in Le Mans, France. The Most Rev. Jean-Pierre Vuillemin, Bishop of the Diocese of Le Mans, presided and preached at the Mass, which included Holy Cross religious from around the world.
In between, the Congregation held different events aimed at promoting the spirituality and charism that Blessed Moreau gave to Holy Cross. The anniversary year was also a time to deepen devotion to this holy religious and priest, and to pray for his canonization, so that, along with the Congregation, the Universal Church can find inspiration in his holiness, consolation in his intercession, and strength in his fidelity to the Cross. One of the more moving events of the year was on 15 August 2023 when Holy Cross religious around the world united to make a devotional renewal of their religious vows on the anniversary of Fr. Moreau's own religious profession.
The following pages include resources created for the year, including prayers, banners and images, reflections, and photo galleries of the major events.
