The Sept. 15 beatification of the Venerable Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, was a momentous step toward his canonization. To celebrate this occasion, Notre Dame is planning celebrations both on campus and in Le Mans, France - the site of the beatification.
President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., led a delegation from the University to the beatification ceremonies in Le Mans. Sixty-five ND students who are participating in international studies programs in Europe also were in attendance.
On Sept. 15, the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints attended a Mass and read a letter from Pope Benedict XVI declaring Father Moreau "blessed" and established Jan. 20 as his liturgical feast day.
On campus, an invitational Mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sept. 20. At that time, a statue of Father Moreau will be blessed and installed in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
The University has several celebratory initiatives planned to honor Father Moreau's beatification. The University website (nd.edu) features online journals of Father Jenkins and ND students, who share their experiences of attending the beatification ceremonies.
To aid in reflecting on Moreau's insights, the spirit of the ND family and the Congregation of Holy Cross community, you can download six prayer cards that combine prayers, quotations, and photographs related to the life and legacy of Father Moreau.
Additionally, Pray.nd.edu will feature a video depicting Father Moreau's life and legacy, as well as special prayers and Gospel commentaries. Launched earlier this year by the ND Alumni Association, pray.nd.edu is a sacred place that strives to provide a sense of hope and faith to all who visit.
Visitors to pray.nd.edu are encouraged to submit prayer requests. Then, every week, representatives from the Alumni Association light a special green candle at the Grotto on their behalf.
If you haven't already done so, be sure to visit pray.nd.edu today.
