The Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau hosted 19 Holy Cross religious for a pilgrimage to Le Mans on June 7-10. The pilgrimage marked the close of the 150th Anniversary of Blessed Basile Moreau’s entry into eternal life.

The 19 pilgrims—four brothers and 15 priests from eight different jurisdictions of the Congregation of Holy Cross—arrived on Friday, June 7, to La Solitude du Sauveur where they lodged. That evening Fr. Paul-Elie Cadet, C.S.C., Rector of the Shrine and Pastor of Notre-Dame de Sainte Croix Parish, Fr. Joseph Gonsalves, C.S.C., Assistant Rector and Assistant Pastor, and Ms. Tiphaine Hamerel, Administrator, officially welcomed the group and set the stage for the pilgrimage.

The next morning the pilgrims went to the Notre-Dame de Sainte Croix Church where they had a tour and then prayed and celebrated Mass at the tomb of Blessed Basile Moreau. That afternoon the group toured the Visitation Chapel where Fr. Moreau was ordained a priest, the Cathedral of Saint Julien, and “Old Town” Le Mans.

Sunday morning began with a tour of La Solitude graciously led by Sr. Ann Lacour, M.S.C., Congregational Leader of the Marianites of Holy Cross. Then the group walked to the Holy Cross Cemetery for a visit. In the afternoon the group was back at the Cathedral for the closing Mass for the 150th Anniversary of the entry of Blessed Basile Moreau into eternal life. Many of the pilgrims participated in the procession of flags at the Offertory representing where Holy Cross serves around the world.

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On Monday, the group went to Ruillé-sur-Loir, where Fr. Jacques Dujarié founded the Sisters of Providence and Brothers of Saint Joseph. The Sisters of Providence gave a grand welcome to the pilgrimages, who had the chance to tour Le Petit Providence, visit Fr. Dujarié’s parish church, and pray at his tomb.

In the afternoon, they went to Fr. Moreau’s birthplace and baptismal parish in Laigné-en-Belin, where they celebrated Mass.

The pilgrimage ended that evening back at la Solitude where the group gathered for a closing celebration and farewell dinner. As a sign of their gratitude, the pilgrims presented shawls to all those who had helped organize and guide the pilgrimage. They said that the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our Founder will forever mark their religious life and service.