The Congregation of Holy Cross’s celebrations marking the 150th Anniversary of Blessed Basile Moreau’s entry into eternal life officially came to a close on Sunday, June 9, with 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. The Mass was organized by the International Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau in collaboration with the Cathedral.

The Mass of Thanksgiving in many ways represented the growing fulfillment of Blessed Moreau’s vision of an international religious family in service of the Church. All three branches of the Holy Cross Family—sisters, brothers, and priests—were present.

Among them were Sr. Ann Lacour, M.S.C., Congregational Leader of the Marianites of Holy Cross, Fr. Emmanuel Kallarackal, C.S.C., Vicar and First Assistant of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Fr. Paul Valentin, C.S.C., Superior of the Mother Province, and Fr. Paul-Elie Cadet, C.S.C., Rector of the International Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau.

Watch the Closing Mass at the Cathedral

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It was also a decidedly international gathering. In addition to religious of the Congregation’s Mother Province in France, thereover two dozen Holy Cross religious from around the world. Many of them were participating in a pilgrimage hosted by the Shrine to coincide with the conclusion of the 150th Anniversary celebrations. In a beautiful sign of this internationality, the procession of the gifts at the Offertory included the flags of the various countries in which the Congregation serves.

Then there was a large contingent of the lay faithful present, including many parishioners from Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix Church, which is the home of the International Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau. They fulfilled various liturgical roles during the Mass.

In his homily, Bishop Viullemin highlighted the fact that along with the Holy Cross Family, the Diocese of Le Mans was celebrating one of its own as Blessed Basile Moreau began his priesthood as a priest of the diocese. He emphasized how Blessed Moreau remains a powerful example and intercessor for all today.

The celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of Blessed Basile Moreau’s entry into eternal life began back on his feast day, January 20, 2023. In addition to various opening celebrations in different places, the Congregation around the world joined in 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration to mark the occasion.

There were other celebrations and prayers that marked the anniversary celebrations, which lasted until the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2024 (June 7) per a decree of the Congregation’s 2022 General Chapter. Some of those celebrations included a devotional renewal of religious vows by Holy Cross religious on August 15, the same date that Blessed Moreau made his profession of vows, and a novena to pray for his canonization in the days leading up to Feast of the Sacred Heart.

In the announcement for the novena, the Congregation reported: “During this year of celebration, we have received several reports of favors, including miraculous healings, received through the intercession of Blessed Basil Moreau. While as of yet none of them are cases that could be presented to the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints for the miracle needed for his canonization, there is no doubt that the Congregation’s founder is a powerful intercessor. We invite people to turn with ever greater confidence to Blessed Basile Moreau with their needs.”