Photos from September 15, 2007

Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick greets members of the Congregation of Holy Cross community prior to the Rite of Beatification and Mass.
Father John Jenkins with other members of the Congregation of Holy Cross: (left to right) Bishop Lumen Monterio, Bishop of Agartala, India; Patrick D'Rozario, Bishop of Chittagong, Bangladesh; Moses Costa, Bishop of Dinajpur, Bangladesh; Father Mark Poorman, Vice President for Student Affairs; and Father James McDonald, Associate Vice President.
The Beatification provided an unprecedented opportunity for the global Holy Cross community to join together. Bishop Moses Costa, C.S.C., greets another Father John Jenkins.
Students from the University of Notre Dame study abroad programs traveled to Le Mans to attend the Beatification.
Upon the declaration that Basil Moreau is 'Blessed,' a dramatic portrait was unveiled on the altar.
Hundreds of Holy Cross priests participated in the Rite and Mass.
Father Moreau's portrait provides a focal point at the altar. The arena where the Beatification was held was filled to capacity with more than 4,000 people attending.
Following the Beatification, Father Jenkins and members of the Alliance for Catholic Education program celebrate.
University of Notre Dame graduates (left) Sebastian Lara and Thomas McCall traveled to Le Mans to celebrate this important occasion with other members of the Holy Cross family.

Mass and Rite of Beatification

Thousands of people from around the world came together on Saturday, September 14, the solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patroness of the Congregation of Holy Cross, to celebrate the beatification of Father Basil Moreau. Members of the Holy Cross community — priests, brothers and sisters, as well as lay collaborators and supporters — traveled to Le Mans for the ceremony and celebration. The Prime Minister of France, Fran¨ois Fillon, his wife, and other members of his cabinet were also present.

The beatification ceremony was held at 4 p.m. in the Centre Antarès, an arena in Le Mans, France. Bishop Jacques Faivre, bishop of Le Mans, presided over the Mass and Rite of Beatification. Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, represented His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI and presented the official papal decree proclaiming Basil Moreau blessed.

At the moment of beatification, a portrait of Father Moreau was unveiled and his relics were brought near the altar to be venerated by Bishop Faivre. Throughout the rite, a hymn was sung: "Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of Holy Cross, you are great in God's eyes. We sing of you on earth and in the heavens."

Following the Mass and Rite of Beatification, a reception was held in the courtyard at Centre Antarès, providing an opportunity for all to celebrate this special occasion.

The Congregation of Holy Cross — priests, brothers and sisters who trace their spiritual lineage to Father Moreau — continues to go forth zealously, trusting in divine providence, bringing hope where God's hand is needed, and always drawing strength in community life modeled after the Holy Family.

Beatification

In beatification, the Pope declares that a Venerable Servant of God has practiced the Christian virtues to a heroic degree and proposes the example of that person as a model for Christian life and virtue. The Pope permits a limited public devotion to the person declared "Blessed" and places the person's name on the Church's calendar of liturgical feasts. Public devotion of Father Moreau will now occur within the Holy Cross community, diocese of Le Mans, and other places where his reputation for holiness has a strong influence.

Beatification is a step in the process of canonization that takes place after further study of the Blessed's life and confirmation of an additional miracle attributed to his intercession. In canonization, the Pope declares that the Blessed is among the saints in heaven and inscribes the person's name on the official list (canon) of the Saints of the Church. At this time, public devotion of the saint is extended to the universal Church.

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