In keeping with its tradition in recent years, the Shrine of Blessed Basile Moreau in Le Mans, France, began its celebrations of the Feast Day of the Congregation of Holy Cross’s founder, Blessed Basile Moreau, with a novena. This year the Solemn Mass was held on Sunday, 19 January, with the Most Rev. Emmanuel Luc Jean-Marie Delmas, Bishop of the Diocese of Angers, presiding.

Many members of the Mother Province, including Fr. Paul Valentin, C.S.C., Superior, joined Fr. Paul-Elie Cadet, C.S.C., Rector of the Shrine and Pastor of Notre Dame de Sainte-Croix Church, and Fr. Joseph Gonsalvez, C.S.C., Assistant Rector and Pastor, for the Mass.

Also in attendance were Superiors General of the three Sisters’ Congregations of the Holy Cross Family who were in Le Mans for a meeting: Sr. Ann Lacour, M.S.C., of the Marianites of Holy Cross, Sr. Sharlet Wagner, C.S.C., of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and Sr. Raymonde Maisonneuve, C.S.C., of the Sisters of Holy Cross.

Learn more about the Founder of Holy Cross

One of the highlights of the liturgy was the participation of many children from the Parish of Notre Dame de Sainte-Croix. In addition to helping proclaim the readings and sing, children brought the gifts for the offertory, placed candles in front of a bust of Blessed Basile Moreau, and were at his tomb for the prayers at the end of Mass.

On 20 January, the actual Feast Day, Fr. Cadet celebrated Mass and led the faithful in prayers at the tomb of Blessed Basile Moreau.