Basil Moreau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedBasil Moreau C.S.C. |
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Blessed Basil Moreau
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| Priest, Religious, Founder and Confessor | |
| Born | February 11, 1799 Laigné-en-Belin, France |
| Died | January 20, 1873 (aged 73) Le Mans, France |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholicism |
| Beatified | September 15, 2007, Le Mans, France by Pope Benedict XVI |
Basil Moreau (born February 11, 1799 – died January 20, 1873) was a French priest. He founded the Congregation of Holy Cross, a religious group. From this group, two other communities were also started: the Marianites of Holy Cross and the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Basil Moreau was honored as "Blessed" on September 15, 2007, in Le Mans, France.
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Who Was Basil Moreau?
Basile-Antoine Moreau was born on February 11, 1799. He grew up in a small French village called Laigné-en-Belin. He was the ninth of fourteen children. His father worked as a farmer and sold wine.
Growing Up During the French Revolution
Basil Moreau lived during the French Revolution. This was a time of big changes in France. The Church faced many challenges during this period. His parents were very religious and kept their faith strong.
His Education and Becoming a Priest
A kind local priest, Abbé Julian Le Provost, helped Moreau get a good education. In 1814, Moreau went to a minor seminary. Later, in 1816, he entered the main seminary in Le Mans. The seminary taught him about a special way of thinking called the French school of spirituality. This way of thinking inspired him throughout his life. At 22, in 1821, Moreau became a priest.
Basil Moreau's Work as a Priest
After becoming a priest, Moreau continued his studies in Paris. In 1823, he started teaching philosophy at a seminary. He later became a leader and spiritual guide there.
Helping the Church in France
After the Revolution, many people in France had lost touch with their faith. Many teachers and priests had been forced to leave. Moreau wanted to help bring the Church back to life. He was a very good speaker. He traveled to towns and villages, giving sermons and offering sacraments. He helped people rediscover their faith.
Starting New Religious Groups
In 1835, Moreau became a leader at the seminary in Le Mans. He started a group of priests called the Society of Auxiliary Priests. They helped him preach and bring faith back to communities. Around the same time, another priest, Jacques-Francois Dujarié, asked Moreau to take over a group of young men. These men were called the Brothers of St. Joseph. They taught in schools.
Founding the Congregation of Holy Cross
In 1837, Basil Moreau brought the Brothers of St. Joseph and the Society of Auxiliary Priests together. They signed an agreement to become one community. This new group was called the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Where the Name "Holy Cross" Came From
The name "Holy Cross" came from the Sainte-Croix neighborhood in Le Mans. This was where their main church, Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix, was located. The Congregation of Holy Cross followed the Pope's guidance closely. They even adopted the black Roman collar and cape, similar to the Pope's.
Founding the Sisters of Holy Cross
Father Dujarié had a dream of having three groups: priests, brothers, and sisters, all under one leader. Moreau made this dream come true. In 1841, he worked with Léocadie Gascoin to start a third group: the sisters.
The Holy Cross Family Today
Today, there are three separate groups of sisters: the Marianites of Holy Cross (in France), the Sisters of the Holy Cross (in the United States), and the Sisters of Holy Cross (in Canada). Moreau wanted all three groups (priests, brothers, and sisters) to be one big family. Even though Church rules mean they are separate groups, they still call themselves the "Holy Cross Family."
Later Life and Death
In the late 1850s, some members of the Congregation disagreed with Moreau's leadership. He was asked to step down as the leader. He then lived with his sisters. He continued to preach and lead retreats in the countryside. Basil Moreau passed away on January 20, 1873.
Honoring Basil Moreau
The process to recognize Moreau as a saint began in 1950. In 1957, he was given the title "Servant of God." On April 12, 2003, Pope John Paul II declared him "Venerable."
Moreau was officially "beatified" (declared Blessed) by Pope Benedict XVI. This special event happened on September 15, 2007, in Le Mans, France. This date is also the feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows. Blessed Basil Moreau is remembered on January 20 each year.
Basil Moreau's Legacy in Education
Basil Moreau's biggest impact is in education. Many schools, colleges, and universities around the world follow his ideas.
University of Notre Dame
In 1841, Moreau sent a priest named Edward Sorin and six brothers to Indiana, USA. They helped start a school for boys. A year later, they were given land for a new school. This land became the University of Notre Dame. Moreau is therefore important to the founding of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College in Indiana.
Holy Cross College (Indiana)
In 1966, the Brothers of Holy Cross started Holy Cross College (Indiana) in Notre Dame, Indiana. This college also follows Moreau's educational ideas. It began as a community college. Its goal was to help students prepare to transfer to Notre Dame or Saint Mary's. In 2003, Holy Cross College became a four-year college. A student residence hall there is named Basil Hall in his honor. The college's mascot is a St. Bernard (dog) named Basil.
Other Schools with Moreau's Influence
Many other schools are connected to Basil Moreau and the Holy Cross family:
- St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, has a residence hall named Basil Moreau Hall.
- The University of Portland in Oregon is run by the Congregation of Holy Cross. It has the Moreau Center for Service and Leadership. This center helps students find ways to serve their community.
- Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, California, is named after him. It is the only Holy Cross school named directly after its founder.
- Holy Cross High School, New Orleans in Louisiana was also founded by Moreau. It is now known as Holy Cross School.
See also
- Julie Bertrand (Sister Marie de Saint-Basile)
